Director of Finance and Administration

Posting Information

Posting Information
Department
Cell Biology and Physiology-422001

Career Area
Accounting/Finance/Auditing

Posting Open Date
02/27/2026

Application Deadline
08/19/2026

Open Until Filled
No

Position Type
Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)

Working Title
Director of Finance and Administration

Appointment Type
EHRA Non-Faculty

Position Number
20074882

Vacancy ID
NF0009568

Full Time/Part Time
Full-Time Permanent

FTE
1

Hours per week
40

Position Location
North Carolina, US

Hiring Range
Dependent on Qualifications

Proposed Start Date
05/01/2026

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 UNC Department of Cell Biology and Physiology is an interdisciplinary basic science department in the School of Medicine. The department brings together strong traditions of excellence in basic science, translational research, and in pre- and post-doctoral training, including undergraduate, graduate and medical education. The department currently houses a PhD program, the Cell Biology and Physiology Curriculum and a MS program, the Master's Program in Cell Biology and Physiology. Our interdisciplinary, interdepartmental curricula provide a cohesive biological foundation based on scientific rigor, transparency, integrity, and creative scientific reasoning, helping nurture the minds and curiosities of the next generation of scientists.

The Department of Cell Biology and Physiology conducts cutting-edge, innovative research, with an emphasis on topics that contribute to the improvement of human health. The Department is one of the largest physiology units in the nation, and consistently ranked in the top 5 in the nation for NIH funding. Our vision is to ensure our continued success and recognition as one of the nation's leading Departments of Cell Biology and Physiology by achieving excellence in our discipline through Leading, Teaching and Caring. We strive to promote faculty, staff, and learner development in a respectful environment where our colleagues demonstrate professionalism, enhance learning, and create personal and professional sustainability.

OUR MISSION
We prepare tomorrow's health care professionals and biomedical researchers by facilitating learning within innovative curricula and team-oriented interprofessional education. We cultivate outstanding teaching and research faculty, and we will recruit outstanding students and trainees to create an ethical, rigorous, and highly skilled workforce. We develop and support a rich array of outstanding health sciences research programs, centers, and resources. We provide infrastructure and opportunities for collaboration among disciplines throughout and beyond our University to support outstanding research. We foster programs in the areas of basic, translational, mechanistic, and population research. We optimize our partnership with the UNC Health System through close collaboration and commitment to service and in this way, strive towards our goal of improving the health and wellbeing of North Carolinians, and others whom we serve.

Position Summary
The Director of Finance and Administration in the Department of Cell Biology and Physiology partners with the Chair to develop a strategic vision to lead the Department to stellar performance in all missions: teaching, research, and service to the State, and ensures departmental resource allocation in support of strategic priorities.

This position is responsible for the implementation of systems and initiatives influencing financial planning and management, operations management, human resource management, sponsored research management, information systems design and delivery, strategic leadership and governance, and professional and ethical responsibilities on behalf of the Chair of the Department. These activities are very complex, demanding and very detailed. The Director of Finance and Administration assumes substantial independent senior administrative authority in the Chair's Office for leadership and innovative direction for the Department's policy development and implementation of systems and initiatives to attain goals. This position reports directly to the Chair and acts as the primary designee representing the department in committees and other campus meetings as needed.

This position has direct oversight for the work of 4 positions. Total revenue for the Department of Cell Biology and Physiology is $16.5M dollars (Contracts and Grants, State Appropriated Funds, Overhead, Gifts and Endowments).

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
Minimum qualifications of an advanced degree, masters or higher (or foreign degree equivalent), and no less than 5 to 7 years of management-level experience in the full range of administrative and financial functions of an academic department or research center in a higher education, research, or health care setting. Candidates with 7 to 10 years of directly comparable experience may substitute for the required advanced degree in which case a bachelor's degree (or foreign degree equivalent) and the requisite experience is mandatory.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
The successful Director will be an experienced, intuitive, creative, and dynamic leader with superior interpersonal and problem-solving skills. They will have well-developed attributes of professionalism, leadership, communication, presentation abilities, superior organizational skills, as well as analytic expertise. Critical skills and knowledge required are focused but not limited to the following areas: financial management, operational leadership, human resource management, program development and growth, strategic planning, customer service, faculty recruitment, and presentation skills.

Candidates must have the ability to work independently and have strong organizational and administrative skills. Experience with budget management required. Must be able to understand, interpret, and apply applicable policies and procedures. Must possess superior verbal and written communication skills, excellent interpersonal behaviors, and the capacity to inspire confidence in his or her reasoning and decision-making. Must have advanced knowledge of Excel. Knowledge of public and private granting agencies, and strong organizational and interpersonal skills are also required.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
Knowledge and experience with NIH grants and the UNC system regulations preferred. Experience with PeopleSoft/ConnectCarolina and Infoporte a plus. Experience in grant preparation and review, short-term and long-term planning, project coordination, and personnel supervision preferred.

Special Physical/Mental Requirements

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

This position is designated as a Campus Security Authority in accordance with the Clery Act. This position will be required to report Clery crimes to the Clery Compliance Manager and complete annual training about reporting responsibilities.

Special Instructions

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Posting Contact Information
Department Contact Name and Title
Jayne Ashby Executive Recruiter

Department Contact Telephone or Email
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Office of Human Resources Contact Information

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Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

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.