Public Service Program Associate

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill (NC); On-site; USD 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in Chapel Hill, NC is seeking a University Program Associate - Journey to provide direct programmatic support for public service and community engagement. The role works with CCPS to connect faculty, staff and students to community partners and manage service-learning experiences.

The position requires a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, strong communication skills, and experience with program administration, databases, and reporting tools.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Experience with databases and reporting tools is preferred.
• Strong written and oral communication skills required.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct programmatic support and guidance for public service and community engagement.
• Coordinate service-learning experiences with faculty, staff, and community partners.
• Assist in aligning programming with community needs and academic goals.
• Support personnel and financial administration, including HR processes and expense tracking.

Skills

Written communication

Oral communication

Project management

Community engagement

Administrative support

Databases and reporting tools

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Department:

Carolina Center for Public Ser-202000

Career Area:

Other

Is this an internal only recruitment?:

No

Posting Open Date :

09/08/2026

Application Deadline:

09/15/2026

Position Type:

Permanent Staff (SHRA)

Position Title:

University Program Associate - Journey

Salary Grade Equivalent:

NC09 / GN07

Working Title:

Public Service Program Associate

Position Number:

20078110

Vacancy ID:

P021359

Full-time/Part-time Permanent/Time-Limited:

Full-Time Permanent

Hours per week:

40

Work Schedule:

Monday – Friday; Between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. (flex within that timeframe)

Work Location:

CHAPEL HILL, NC

Position Location:

North Carolina, US

Hiring Range:

$45,394 to $55,481

Pay Band Information:

To learn more about the pay band for this branch and role, please see the Career Banding rates spreadsheet.

Notice to Applicants:

This position is not eligible for H-1B sponsorship.

Be a Tar Heel!:

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit:

The Carolina Center for Public Service (CCPS) engages and supports the faculty, students and staff of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in meeting the needs of North Carolina and beyond. CCPS strengthens the university’s public service commitment by promoting scholarship and service that are responsive to the concerns of the state and contribute to the common good.

Position Summary:

The Public Service Program Associate provides direct programmatic support and guidance for public service and community engagement at UNC-Chapel Hill. As part of the Carolina Center for Public Service (CCPS) team, the associate works independently with community organizations, faculty, staff, and students to facilitate meaningful, mutually beneficial service-learning and other service and community engagement experiences. This individual ensures that programming aligns with community partner priorities and academic needs and provides guidance in making referrals and connections.

The associate provides guidance and information to faculty teaching service-learning courses and to students involved with service-learning and other community experiences, while also supporting CCPS in advancing strategic goals and program outcomes. Acting as a connector across academic, administrative, and community settings, the associate independently ensures effective communication, problem-solving, and coordination for all stakeholders.

The role includes interpreting policies and providing logistical and planning support for programming and events. The associate uses a variety of technology and systems to evaluate, support, and monitor service-learning and engagement, track program outcomes, and provide information that supports decision-making, evaluation, and continuous improvement efforts. The program associate also supports personnel and financial administration, coordinating student hiring and HR processes and tracking and monitoring and analyzing program expenses in relation to available funds.

Through a combination of relationship management, systems expertise, data oversight, organization, and fiscal support, the Public Service Program Associate builds and sustains high-quality community engagement initiatives that support Carolina’s engaged teaching, research, and service.

Requires a valid North Carolina driver’s license and the ability to meet University requirements to operate University-owned vehicles, including a 12-passenger van, for transportation of students and program-related travel.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Management Preferences:

• Demonstrated skills in written and oral communication for internal and external audiences.
• Ability to manage multiple projects.
• Experience with community engagement and service-learning practices.
• Experience providing administrative support for programs.
• Experience with databases and other reporting tools.

Special Physical/Mental Requirements :

• Must be able to travel locally to community partner sites and University locations.
• Ability to lift, carry, and transport materials and supplies weighing up to 15 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Frequent use of a computer and standard office equipment is required with or without accommodation.
• Occasional evening and weekend work may be necessary.

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities:

This position is designated as a Campus Security Authority in accordance with the Clery Act. This position will be required to report Clery crimes to the Clery Compliance Manager and complete annual training about reporting responsibilities.

Position/Schedule Requirements:

Evening work occasionally, Overtime occasionally, Valid NC Driver’s License, Weekend work occasionally