Assistant Vice Chancellor for Research Engagement & Impact

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 Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research ( OVCR) oversees, develops, supports, and grows UNC-Chapel Hill's $1 billion research enterprise. The offices reporting to the OVCR set strategic priorities for research, manage proposals and awards, provide research infrastructure, identify funding opportunities, develop research teams and partnerships, oversee regulatory compliance, and communicate the impact and value of the University's research enterprise. The OVCR enables research endeavors for faculty, students, and scholars; encourages interdisciplinary research collaboration across campus; and fosters expansion and diversification of the University's sponsored research portfolio by collaborating with foundations, federal agencies, corporations, and the state and federal governments. The Vice Chancellor for Research also oversees multiple pan-University, multidisciplinary research centers and institutes.

The Assistant Vice Chancellor ( AVC) for Research Engagement and Impact reports to the Vice Chancellor for Research ( VCR) and plays a pivotal role in strengthening the university's research enterprise by fostering connections, partnerships, and initiatives that amplify the reach and impact of UNC's research. The AVC will focus on ensuring articulation of progress on the goals and objectives of the VCR's Strategic Research Roadmap and the Chancellor's research priorities. This position leads efforts to enhance research engagement across campus and with external stakeholders, ensuring that the university's research priorities align with opportunities for broad societal benefit.

The AVC provides high-level leadership in managing cross-campus initiatives that involve the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research ( OVCR), working closely with university leadership, faculty, and external partners to maximize the visibility and influence of UNC's research. This role is responsible for developing and implementing strategic approaches to assess and communicate research performance, generate impact data, and engage key audiences, including policymakers, industry leaders, and community organizations. In addition, the AVC serves as a key liaison in ensuring that the university research community remains informed and aligned with evolving federal, state, and system office regulations. The AVC organizes town halls, informational sessions, and campus-wide discussions to inform campus about updates on research policies, regulatory shifts, and best practices, ensuring that UNC's researchers have the knowledge and resources necessary to navigate the changing research landscape effectively.

A key function of this position is to foster institutional and public engagement with UNC's research by coordinating strategic partnerships, facilitating interdisciplinary collaborations, and elevating the university's role in national and global research initiatives. The AVC oversees programs and activities that enhance connections between researchers, funding agencies, external collaborators, and the broader public, ensuring that UNC's research contributes to innovation, economic growth, and societal advancement.

This position is instrumental in fostering a culture of collaboration, expanding the university's research influence. By advancing engagement efforts across campus and beyond, the AVC plays a critical role in amplifying UNC's research leadership, broadening its impact at state, national, and global levels, and elevating the visibility of UNC's $1.55 billion research enterprise.

Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree required (or foreign degree equivalent) with three years or greater of related professional experience; for candidates demonstrating comparable professional backgrounds, will accept a relevant Bachelor's degree (or foreign degree equivalent) and five years or greater of relevant experience in substitution.

* Demonstrated experience leading research engagement, collaboration, and impact-driven initiatives within a large, complex organization.
* Experience successfully managing research-related initiatives, cross-campus collaborations, or strategic engagement efforts within a university, government, or research-intensive environment.
* Proven ability to develop and implement strategies that enhance research engagement, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the broader societal impact of research.
* Experience fostering partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, including faculty, university leadership, funding agencies, industry, government, and community organizations.
* Strong leadership skills, with the ability to inspire teams and work collaboratively across a decentralized research environment.
* Ability to communicate complex scientific, regulatory, and institutional policies clearly to a wide range of audiences, ensuring accessibility and engagement.
* Expertise in developing and implementing engagement frameworks, research impact assessments, and data-driven strategies to advance institutional research goals.
* Experience leading high-profile events, public engagement initiatives, and strategic discussions that elevate the visibility of research efforts at the university, state, and national levels.
* Skilled at managing regulatory and policy communications, including organizing town halls and information sessions to share updates on federal, state, and system-wide research policies.
* Strong writing, public speaking, and facilitation skills with an ability to synthesize complex information for diverse audiences.
* Adept at working in fast-paced, evolving environments with multiple priorities, requiring adaptability, diplomacy, and problem-solving skills.
* Detail-oriented and deadline-driven with strong organizational and analytical capabilities.
* Highly collaborative, flexible, and collegial with strong interpersonal skills to engage effectively across research disciplines and administrative units.

Prior experience leading research engagement and strategic efforts within a high research activity university.

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.