Research Project Director

Department: SOG Environmental Finance Ctr-375700

Career Area: Research Professionals

Posting Open Date: 01/05/2026

Final date to receive applications: 01/19/2026

Position Type: Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)

Working Title: Research Project Director

Appointment Type: EHRA Non-Faculty

Position Number:

Full Time/Part Time: Full-Time Permanent

FTE: 1

Hours per week: 40

Position Location: North Carolina, US

Proposed

Start Date:

03/02/2026

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. 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 and enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life, and retirement plans.

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. The Environmental Finance Center (EFC) at UNC is dedicated to enhancing the ability of governments and other organizations to provide environmental programs and services in fair, effective, and financially sustainable ways.

The EFC works directly with environmental service providers—local and state governments, federal agencies, utilities, associations, and other organizations—to address financial and managerial issues of environmental services such as drinking water, wastewater, clean energy, stormwater, wetlands, and land conservation.

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.

Relevant post‑Baccalaureate degree required (or foreign degree equivalent). Candidates who demonstrate comparable independent research productivity or background in independent academic or instructional activities may receive a relevant Bachelor’s degree (or foreign degree equivalent) with at least 3 years of relevant experience. Experience may be related to the direction or oversight of programs that focus the academic and research resources of a higher education institution toward community or regional issues.

• Strong interest in a career in…