Assistant Department Chair

Assistant Department Chair

Location: Chapel Hill, NC

Work Arrangement: Hybrid potential (partial remote work; subject to approval)

Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent

Department: Gillings School of Global Public Health – Health Policy and Management

Hours: 40 per week

Proposed Start Date: January 4, 2027

Job Description

About the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research, and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks among 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.

Chapel Hill offers diverse social, cultural, recreational, and professional opportunities throughout the campus and community.

University employees have access to professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development, and lifelong learning, along with exclusive perks, retail and restaurant discounts, local childcare savings, and special rates on campus events.

UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, health and life insurance, retirement plans, and additional programs supporting work-life balance.

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit

The mission of the Gillings School of Global Public Health's finance office is to oversee budget planning, management, and reporting at the School level and lead financial policy development and implementation on behalf of the School.

The office serves as an adviser to School personnel on compliance matters and as a liaison between the School and internal and external auditors. It also coordinates with various University offices, including the Provost's Office, Budget Office, Office of University Counsel, Internal Audit, and other UNC-Chapel Hill departments on financial and compliance matters.

The finance office directly manages financial operations for the central School units (CAUs) and the Public Health Foundation.

Position Summary

This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement that includes partial remote work, consistent with System Office policy. UNC-Chapel Hill employees are generally required to reside within a reasonable commuting distance of their assigned duty station.

The Department of Health Policy and Management (HPM) is one of eight departments in the School of Public Health. Its mission is to improve population health and well-being through teaching, research, and service.

The department has an annual operating budget exceeding $10 million and more than 50 faculty and staff members. HPM offers five graduate degrees (Ph.D., DrPH, MHA, MSPH, and MPH), one undergraduate degree (BSPH), and two certificates, with 432 enrolled students across residential and executive/distance education programs.

The department collaborates with several campus units, including the Schools of Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, and Dentistry, the Kenan-Flagler School of Business, the Sheps Center for Health Services Research, the Carolina Population Center, and the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center.

The Assistant Department Chair reports to the Associate Dean for Finance and Business, with a dotted reporting line to the Chair of Health Policy and Management, and serves as a key member of the HPM leadership team.

This position is responsible for managing the department's overall budget, planning, and financial reporting, as well as participating in strategic planning activities with the Chair and senior faculty members.

The position also ensures compliance with relevant external and University policies related to business practices, research practices, and human resources. Additional responsibilities include oversight of departmental administrative staff and services, including IT, student services support, and space management.

The Assistant Department Chair also serves as a liaison with School and University business units.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

• Master's degree, or bachelor's degree with zero to two years of experience.

• A combination of related education and experience may be accepted as a substitute.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

• Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of academic fiscal administration.

• Experience in short- and long-term planning.

• In-depth knowledge of federal, state, and University regulatory requirements governing grants and contracts.

• Demonstrated proficiency in pre-award and post-award processes.

• Experience coordinating and managing the administration and compliance of grant-funded projects.

• Experience administering service contracts, technical assistance agreements, or continuing education funding mechanisms with state and local governments, nonprofit organizations, or other public health partners.

• Prior supervisory experience.

• Proficiency in setting organizational priorities and goals for the business office.

• Effective written and verbal communication skills.

• Excellent oral communication and interpersonal skills.

• Leadership qualities, flexibility, and a problem-solving attitude.

At least three years of experience processing and administering grants and contracts, particularly from the National Institutes of Health, is desired.

Experience interfacing with students regarding research and training grants is desired. Experience with PeopleSoft systems is also desired.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

• Extensive management background in a large organization.

• Demonstrated leadership capabilities.

• Superior financial management and analytical skills.

• Comprehensive knowledge of academic research administration.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with internal and external stakeholders.

• Ability to lead a team and produce results.

• Proficiency in establishing organizational priorities and business office goals.

• Strong interpersonal skills and customer service focus.

• Experience with continuous improvement.

• Experience in short- and long-term planning.

• Working knowledge of federal, state, and University regulations governing grants.

• Demonstrated proficiency in pre-award and post-award processes.

• Strong financial skills involving various fund types, including state, F&A, trust, and grant funds.

• Effective use of information systems.

• Ability to handle sensitive situations with discretion.

• Experience managing and supervising staff.

Preferred Certifications:

• Certified Research Administrator (CRA).

• Certified Financial Research Administrator (CFRA).

• Certified Pre-Award Research Administrator (CPRA).

Special Requirements

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

This position is designated as a Campus Security Authority under the Clery Act. The employee must report Clery crimes to the Clery Compliance Manager and complete annual training regarding reporting responsibilities.

Benefits

UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees:

• Comprehensive health insurance.

• Life insurance.

• Retirement plans.

• Paid leave.

• Professional development and training opportunities.

• Retail, restaurant, and performing arts discounts.

• Childcare discounts.

• Special rates on select campus events.

• Additional programs supporting work-life balance.