Associate Director of Research Project Management

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit 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. Position Summary The Associate Director of Research Project Management provides integral support to the organization in its research and operational efforts. This position provides leadership and oversight to the Research Project Management Group, including program management and strategic direction and support for large collaborative projects at RENCI. The role is directly responsible for staffing and overseeing complex research projects funded by NIH, NSF, and other federal and state government organizations, as well as leading collaborative efforts between RENCI and UNC campus units as needed. The Associate Director is expected to interact with representatives of federal agencies, universities, government, and industry partners to expand RENCI’s funding portfolio. Additionally, the Associate Director manages day‑to‑day business operations, supervises project resources, and works closely with the Office of the Director in supporting RENCI’s overall strategic goals. The position assumes supervisory duties for 3–7 direct reports, including staff development, resource deployment, process creation, and implementation. The incumbent should be highly motivated and detail oriented, a strategic thinker, and a team player, with demonstrated problem solving and decision making skills. Minimum Education and Experience Requirements Master’s or Bachelor’s and 0–2 years’ experience; or will accept a combination of related education and experience in substitution. Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience Strategic Team Sustainability: Develop growth plans Monitor capacity and capabilities Communicate upcoming needs Maintain operational processes Events / Communications: Co‑lead and advise RENCI workshops, hackathons, trainings, and multi‑institutional meetings Support RENCI events and communications Budgeting: Maintain group budget and ensure compliance Provide strategic financial guidance Group Supervision: Lead and manage direct and indirect reports Strategic Organizational Support: Participate in RENCI leadership activities Identify internal improvements Develop updated processes Proposal Support: Contribute to proposal development, collaboration building, and funding growth Monitor federal funding opportunities Project Planning & Management: Plan and manage large, multi‑faceted projects Analyze and mitigate project risks Manage day‑to‑day project operations Lead complex initiatives and manage multiple projects Proposal & Communications: Assist in research and proposal development Draft and edit scientific and technical materials Generate routine project reports Interpersonal: Establish and maintain constructive working relationships Understand internal operations relative to external expectations Technical: Use hardware and software to support project outcomes Familiarity with project management tools (e.g., Monday.com, Jira) Identify and recommend new technologies Management: Lead staff in alignment with UNC policy Mentor employees and support professional development Develop operational frameworks and standardized approaches Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience 3+ years in project or program management PMP certification Experience with federally funded projects Academic or education environment experience Campus Security Authority Responsibilities Not Applicable. #J-18808-Ljbffr University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill