RENCI Director

University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill; Elkins Hills (NC); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill seeks a visionary RENCI Director to lead the Renaissance Computing Institute. The role oversees strategic direction, partnerships across UNC, Duke, and NC State, and complex, interdisciplinary initiatives in high-performance computing, data systems, and cyberinfrastructure.

The Director will champion innovation, build funding streams, and guide a team of ~100 professionals, ensuring RENCI remains at the forefront of research and service to North

Qualifications

• Minimum leadership experience in a research or university setting.
• Proven ability to secure external funding and manage complex budgets.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Develop strategies and establish priorities to advance RENCI's mission.
• Coordinate activities across three major universities and regional sites.
• Build strategic relationships with leaders in research, education, government, and industry.
• Communicate RENCI's value to state and national audiences.
• Lead a large team, oversee a multi-million dollar budget, and seek new funding sources.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Communication

Budget management

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Post-baccalaureate degree

Job description

Posting Information

• Department: Renaissance Computing Inst-637100
• Career Area: Information Technology
• Posting Open Date: 09/10/2026
• Application Deadline: 09/23/2026
• Open Until Filled: No
• Position Type: Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)
• Working Title: RENCI Director
• Appointment Type: EHRA Non-Faculty
• Position Number: 01002930
• Vacancy ID: NF0010019
• Full Time/Part Time: Full-Time Permanent
• FTE: 1
• Hours per week: 40
• Position Location: North Carolina, US
• Hiring Range: Dependent on Qualifications
• Proposed Start Date: 10/01/2026

Position Information

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit

Are you ready to go beyond the state of the art?

At the Renaissance Computing Institute (RENCI), we use data, creativity, and inclusive teaming to revitalize how science is done. Fostering data science expertise and creating cyberinfrastructure isn't just about solving known problems - it's about expanding human potential by unlocking data.

We need innovators, builders, strategists, technologists, architects, and creative thinkers across all domains to drive this work forward. When you join our team, you'll:

• Spend your time solving the interesting and unique problems of research and development.
• Shape your future through experimentation and unfettered access to premier education and research.
• Make connections to people and projects that ignite your passion.

We understand that differences among individuals and ideas are essential for driving innovation, and we are firmly committed to cultivating collaborations that celebrate these distinctions. We provide the tools you need to do your job effectively; we offer flexibility so you can be the most productive version of you; and we encourage thoughtful and challenging discourse.

Join our research institute at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill today and help us spark a scientific renaissance across the Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, and beyond.

Position Summary

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill seeks a visionary leader for the Renaissance Computing Institute (RENCI), a collaborative venture of UNC-Chapel Hill, Duke University, and North Carolina State University. RENCI uses interdisciplinary teamwork, advanced information technologies and domain expertise to advance the frontiers of knowledge, address real-world problems, create economic opportunity, and improve the quality of life for people in North Carolina. RENCI provides an environment conducive to aiding partner groups in solving major research questions and addressing community needs. Working with partner institutions and constituents, the Director will pursue a collaborative vision that ensures RENCI's relevance and responsiveness in a rapidly changing environment. As an advocate for innovation, the Director will speak persuasively to diverse groups about the role of advanced information technologies in research, education, and public service. They will partner with institutions, communities, businesses, and governments to solve problems of strategic importance. The Director will have the technical knowledge, broad experience, organizational skills and professional stature to support top-performing teams working in areas such as high-performance computing, visualization, collaborative tools, networking, software development, and data systems. The Director will develop new sources of funding and spearhead new areas of endeavor with an entrepreneurial ethos and with commitment to interdisciplinary problem solving. Specifically, the Director will: develop strategies and establish priorities necessary to advance RENCI's mission; coordinate RENCI activities involving faculty members, students, and staff from three major research universities as well as participants in network sites across the state; develop strategic relationships with leaders in research, education, government, and business to further the RENCI mission; work with state leaders, UNC General Administration, and others to identify and address high-priority needs of the state; communicate the value of RENCI's activities to audiences in North Carolina and across the nation; lead a dynamic staff of about 100; oversee an operation with almost 20 million in annual budget; seek and develop new sources of funding; and work with university technology-transfer specialists to extend useful innovations into the marketplace.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Relevant post-baccalaureate degree: relevant undergraduate degree with 5 -7 years of related professional experience may be substituted for the advanced degree.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

The Ideal candidate will have demonstrated at least 8-10 years of outstanding intellectual leadership; an appreciation and understanding of a breadth of disciplines; a record of exemplary leadership experience in an organization engaged in research and development; extensive knowledge of higher education and a commitment to the values of research, education, and service; rich experience in employing advanced information technologies to collaborate across disciplines and geographies to produce research outcomes; extensive experience leading interdisciplinary projects or complex collaborations; an extensive record of successful management, including oversight of budgets, personnel, and other organizational matters; excellent communication skills; and excellent interpersonal skills.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

• Experience leading within a research-intensive university or multi-institutional research environment.
• Demonstrated success securing significant external funding and developing partnerships across academia, government, and industry.
• Expertise in emerging areas such as artificial intelligence, data science, advanced computing, or cyberinfrastructure.

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.

Quick Link

https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/325147

Posting Contact Information

Office of Human Resources Contact Information

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at [phone] or send an email to [e-mail]. Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.