Research Project Director
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Posted on Jan 5, 2026
Research Project Director
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Posting Information
Posting Information
| Department | SOG Environmental Finance Ctr-375700 |
|---|---|
| Career Area | Research Professionals |
| Posting Open Date | 01/05/2026 |
| Application Deadline | 01/19/2026 |
| Open Until Filled | No |
| Position Type | Permanent Staff (EHRA NF) |
| Working Title | Research Project Director |
| Appointment Type | EHRA Non-Faculty |
| Position Number | 20032379 |
| Vacancy ID | NF0009456 |
| Full Time/Part Time | Full-Time Permanent |
| FTE | 1 |
| Hours per week | 40 |
| Position Location | North Carolina, US |
| Hiring Range | |
| Proposed Start Date | 03/02/2026 |
Position Information
| 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 School of Government at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill works to improve the lives of North Carolinians by engaging in practical scholarship that helps public officials and citizens understand and improve state and local government. As the largest university-based local government training, advisory, and research organization in the United States, the School of Government offers up to 200 courses, webinars, and specialized conferences for more than 12,000 public officials each year. In addition, faculty members annually publish approximately 50 books, manuals, reports, articles, bulletins, and other print and online content related to state and local government. The School is also home to a nationally ranked graduate program in public administration and specialized centers focused on information technology and environmental finance. The Environmental Finance Center (EFC) at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (efc.sog.unc.edu) is dedicated to enhancing the ability of governments and other organizations across the country to provide environmental programs and services in fair, effective, and financially sustainable ways. The EFC is part of the University’s public service mission and works directly with environmental service providers. The work of the EFC is primarily funded through grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, and other awards. The EFC works directly with environmental service providers, including local and state governments, federal agencies, utilities, associations, and other organizations. The EFC focuses on the financial and managerial issues of managing a wide range of environmental services, including drinking water, wastewater, clean energy, stormwater, wetlands, and land conservation. The EFC delivers its services through education events, direct assistance, and advising to environmental service providers and policymakers, and applied research. For example, the EFC works with drinking water systems on finance and management, including how to set rates, assess financial health, measure the affordability of service, and plan for long term needs. Furthermore, the EFC works with local governments to help design stormwater fees. |
| Position Summary | EFC is seeking a Project Director who will work primarily in the areas of water, wastewater, and stormwater utility finance. The Project Director will contribute to multiple initiatives across a wide range of activities performed at the Center. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Conducting and interpreting financial and rate analyses for local government utilities Helping units evaluate and compare funding options for capital projects, including state and federal grants and loans Assisting local governments with post-award grant and loan compliance and long-term financial management planning Educating governing boards, utility managers, and other stakeholders on required financial practices and utility financial sustainability Designing, testing, and refining tools, dashboards, and guides that help utilities analyze and communicate financial data Leading and managing projects funded by grants and contracts, ensuring deliverables, timelines, and objectives are met Coordinating project teams and workflows, including staff and student contributors Overseeing development of project outputs such as reports, guidance documents, training materials, or related tools Helping organize and deliver workshops, training programs, and webinars Performing data entry and maintaining accurate records as needed This is a full-time, permanent position contingent upon the continuing availability of funds. The successful candidate is expected to actively participate in identifying and cultivating funding opportunities. Ideal candidates will have experience managing complex projects, working collaboratively with diverse partners, and communicating technical concepts to practitioners and decision-makers. Familiarity with local government operations, public infrastructure finance, or state and federal funding programs is preferred. Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and writing skills are essential. |
| Minimum Education and Experience Requirements | Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree required (or foreign degree equivalent); for candidates demonstrating comparable independent research productivity or comparable background in independent academic or instructional activities, will accept a relevant Bachelor’s degree (or foreign degree equivalent) and 3 or more years of relevant experience in substitution. This experience may be related to the direction/oversight of programs that focus the academic and research resources of a higher education institution towards community or regional issues. |
| Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience | - Strong interest in a career in environmental finance and/or public finance - Ability to manage projects independently, manage time with multiple work streams/competing priorities, and to work without a high degree of supervision - Proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel - Able and excited to problem solve - Superior oral and written communication skills - Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously - High attention to detail, strong organization skills, and ability to complete work on time - Ability to work with colleagues and students in an effective and respectful manner - Ability to travel occasionally |
| Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience | - Preferred degrees or experience in economics, public administration, public health, planning, environmental management/studies, environmental engineering, public policy, business administration, finance, information science, or political science. - Proficient in R, Python, SQL or similar programming language |
| Special Physical/Mental Requirements | |
| Campus Security Authority Responsibilities | Not Applicable. |
| Special Instructions | |
| Quick Link | https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/310862 |
Posting Contact Information
| Department Contact Name and Title | Celeste Humphries, Human Resources Consultant |
|---|---|
| Department Contact Telephone or Email | chumphries@sog.unc.edu |
| 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 (919) 843-2300 or send an email to employment@unc.edu |
| 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. |
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
- Curriculum Vitae / Resume
- Cover Letter
- List of References
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
- * Please select the response below that describes your level of education that best or mostly closely satisfies the education requirements for this position.
- Bachelor’s degree in required discipline(s) listed or related field
- Bachelor's degree in any field/discipline
- Master's degree or Doctorate degree in required discipline(s) listed or related field
- Master's degree or Doctorate degree in any field/discipline
- None of the above