Director of Finance and Research Administration

The mission of the Gillings School of Global Public Health's finance office is to oversee budget planning, management and reporting at the School level and to lead financial policy development and implementation on behalf of the School. We serve as an adviser to School personnel on compliance matters and as a liaison between the School and auditors (internal and external). We also serve as the liaison between the School and various offices around campus (Provost's Office, Budget Office, Office of University Counsel, Internal Audit, as well as other UNC-Chapel Hill offices) on finance and compliance-related issues. The finance office directly manages financials for the central School units (CAUs) and the Public Health Foundation.

The Director of Finance and Research Administration reports to the School's Associate Dean for Finance and Business, with a dotted reporting line to the Associate Dean for Practice, the Chair of the Department of Public Health Leadership and Practice, and the Director of the North Carolina Institute for Public Health.

The Director of Finance and Research Administration partners with unit leaders to develop a strategic vision for stellar performance in all aspects of the mission: teaching, research, practice, and service, with a focus on school and university alignment. This position assumes substantial independent authority for establishing and overseeing budget planning, monitoring and analysis of the complex funding structures for assigned units. This position also oversees financial compliance for the assigned units and is responsible for managing the business staff that directly support these units. The funding mechanisms for practice-focused work are primarily short-term (6-12 months) contracts that range in dollar value from 6,000 to 600,000 and vary in scope and complexity, requiring constant oversight and diligence to remain compliant and solvent.

The Director of Finance and Research Administration serves on schoolwide committees representing department and school interests as they relate to finance and business. The culture of these units and the school tends toward a distributed leadership approach and consensus driven decision making with extensive use of faculty, staff, and student input to determine policy and address complex issues, requiring the Director of Finance and Research Administration to have strong communication skills.

Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree required (or foreign degree equivalent); for candidates demonstrating comparable independent research productivity or professional-level background in sponsored research administration, will accept a relevant Bachelor's degree (or foreign degree equivalent) and 3 or more years of relevant experience in substitution.

Extensive management background in a large organization with a preference for previous experience in an academic setting; solid, demonstrated leadership capability; superior financial management and analytical skills; comprehensive knowledge and understanding of academic fiscal administration and outstanding, effective written and verbal communication skills with a range of internal and external stakeholders. Skills and knowledge include: capability to lead a team and produce results; proficiency in setting organizational priorities and goals for the business office; interpersonal skills to be used in working relationships with a range of internal and external stakeholders; strong focus on customer service and experience with continuous improvement; experience in short-and long-term planning; working knowledge of Federal, State and University regulatory requirements governing grants and contracts; demonstrated proficiency in pre- and post-award processes; strong financial skills with a variety of fund types including state receipts and other funds, contracts, grants, trust and F&A; adaptive and effective utilization of information systems; ability to handle sensitive situations with discretion; experience with effective management and supervision of staff; ability to work in a team-based environment; willingness to mentor professional staff on fiscal issues. The individual must have excellent written and oral communication skills, strong interpersonal skills, flexibility, and a problem-solving attitude.

At least five years' experience processing and administering contracts and grants particularly from foundations, community-based governmental agencies, and state agencies is desired, including 2 years in a management position. Experience with PeopleSoft systems and NC state government processes is desired.

Not Applicable.