Assistant Vice Chancellor for Research Strategy and 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 Strategy 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 serves as an advisor to the VCR and drives initiatives that strengthen collaboration, expand the university's research influence, and promote the impact of UNC's research enterprise. This role integrates executive management, research strategy, and strategic collaboration to increase organizational effectiveness and ensure that UNC's research priorities align with institutional goals and emerging opportunities at the state, national, and global levels.

Key areas of responsibility include:

* Increasing the capacity and effectiveness of the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research ( OVCR) and its 14 centers and institutes. This includes leading the assessment and evaluation of centers and institutes and their directors through the annual review, five year review, 360 degree review processes, and leadership development initiatives. The AVC also directs organizational development efforts including streamlining and standardizing internal processes and improving cross unit information exchange and coordination across the OVCR. Through these efforts, the AVC builds institutional capacity, enhances operational effectiveness, and supports a culture of continuous improvement.

* Developing, implementing, and tracking initiatives that advance UNC's research mission and support VCR's Strategic Research Roadmap. Working with relevant OVCR teams and leaders, the AVC coordinates efforts to assess research strengths, identify emerging opportunities, and align with state, national, and global priorities. The role designs and implements frameworks to assess research impact, strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration, and enhance research engagement across the university.

* Fostering strategic partnerships, interdisciplinary collaborations, and programs that enhance connections between researchers, funding agencies, external collaborators, and university partners. The AVC provides high-level leadership for cross-campus initiatives that involve the 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 interpret research performance, generate impact data, and engage key partners 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 compliance and policies, regulatory shifts, and best practices, ensuring that UNC's researchers have the knowledge and resources necessary to navigate the changing research landscape effectively. The AVC plays a key role in 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.
* 5+ years of experience successfully managing research-related initiatives, cross-campus collaborations, or strategic engagement efforts within a university, government, or research-intensive environment.

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.