Research Project Director

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.

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.

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.

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.

- 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 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

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.