Research Operations Project Coordinator

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.

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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.

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 know that diversity of people and ideas is a cornerstone of innovation, and we work to ensure our culture reflects that knowledge. 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.

The Renaissance Computing Institute ( RENCI) at UNC-Chapel Hill seeks a Research Operations Project Coordinator to report to its Research Operations Group. This position will manage and execute complex programmatic and research projects, requiring substantial independent judgment and decision-making to drive the success of multi-faceted, sponsored research projects and institutional outreach programs. The incumbent will be instrumental in designing and implementing innovative solutions that directly impact project outcomes, assess program effectiveness, and advance RENCI's mission to foster research excellence.

Incumbent will work as part of highly collaborative project teams, and will be responsible for:

Strategic Coordination:
Developing and overseeing comprehensive project plans, including timeline management, stakeholder engagement, and resource allocation.ps, administrative units, communications, finance, and project management functions. The STAR Program plays a critical role in cultivating future talent and enhancing RENCI's mission through meaningful student engagement and collaboration. The Incumbent will design, implement, and evaluate program activities, ensuring their scalability, sustainability, and alignment with organizational objectives.

Responsibilities include:
Strategic Program Coordination: coordinate program operations using Monday.com, including streamlining recruitment, hiring, and onboarding processes, and leveraging automation to enhance efficiency.

Program Design and Development:
Create and execute engaging programming, such as training and student engagement sessions, to provide comprehensive educational experiences that align with organizational priorities.

Data-Driven Decision Making:
Provide tracking and analysis of program data, maintaining comprehensive documentation within UNC and RENCI systems to ensure compliance and optimize
operational workflows.

Stakeholder Engagement:
Serve as the primary liaison among managers, mentors, and students, facilitating effective communication, managing stakeholder relationships, and resolving challenges to enhance program outcomes.

Communications and Outreach:
Draft high-impact reports, coordinate marketing efforts, and contribute to the development of promotional materials to elevate program visibility and stakeholder engagement.

Continuous Improvement:
Proactively identify opportunities to refine program processes and implement innovative solutions to support the STAR Program's growth and sustainability.

This role requires a demonstrated ability to independently navigate complex operational and strategic challenges while delivering impactful results that advance RENCI's educational and research missions. The incumbent must be a highly motivated, detail-oriented professional with a proven track record of strategic problem-solving, independent decision-making, effective teamwork, and effective project leadership. With demonstrated experience in coordinating complex projects and programs, the incumbent will play a key role in driving RENCI's operational and organizational goals. As a core member of the Research Operations Group, the incumbent will collaborate on internal initiatives, proactively identify and resolve operational challenges, and implement innovative solutions to enhance institutional processes and outcomes.

Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree required (or foreign degree equivalent); for candidates demonstrating comparable independent research productivity, will accept a relevant Bachelor's degree (or foreign degree equivalent) and 3 or more years of relevant experience in substitution. May require terminal degree and licensure.

Project planning and coordination:
* Excellent attention to detail;
* Excellent organizational and multitasking skills;
* Ability to comprehend, develop, and adhere to project budgets
* Ability to plan and coordinate large multi-faceted and specialized projects;
* Ability to implement defined program management strategy;
* Ability to coordinate multiple projects simultaneously;
* Ability to track tasks, and ensure timely progress of the project through completion;
* Ability to gather data and draft reports as needed;
* Ability to collaborate with other teams as needed;
* Demonstrated experience with project coordination, or customer service required;

Outreach and Communication:
* Available for occasional travel related to assigned project(s);
* Efficient engagement of all project stakeholders to facilitate project outcomes;
* Ability to edit and analyze informational materials or content;
* Familiar with customer tracking tools.

Interpersonal:
* Ability to establish and maintain a variety of positive and constructive working relationships;
* Ability to understand internal workings of the department relative to external expectations of clients and stakeholders.

Technical:
* Ability to use and incorporate various hardware and software packages in support of project outcomes;
* Familiarity with a range of teleconference and other communication tools, particularly online tools including Zoom and Slack;
* Familiarity with general office productivity tools, such as Microsoft PowerPoint, Word, Excel; Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Slides; Smartsheets
* Ability to research and identify relevant new technologies and make recommendations for use and purchase.

Prefer three years' experience in project management and/or program coordination and organization. Working knowledge of federal funding mechanisms and reporting requirements is a plus. Scrum Master certification is a plus.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.