Research Project Coordinator

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 UNC Institute for the Environment (IE) has a multifaceted mission: (1) To strengthen environmental research capacity across UNC by supporting a multi-disciplinary community of scholars that enhances collaboration, increases sharing of knowledge, and identifies solutions to the world's critical environmental problems. (2) To work in partnership across UNC and with external partners to coordinate and deliver 21st century educational programs that provide students with the experience and skills to thrive in a growing global economy. (3) To put new environmental knowledge into action by engaging and serving communities, here in North Carolina and around the world. (4) To fuel and harness the university's sustainability activities through the Sustainable Carolina Initiative

This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement that may include a partially remote work location, consistent with System Office policy. UNC Chapel Hill employees are generally required to reside within a reasonable commuting distance of their assigned duty station.

The Institute for the Environment (IE) at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is seeking a Research Project Coordinator to manage its portfolio of projects and for conference coordination. This position will be responsible for coordinating multiple research and team science projects as well as provide support for IE's Center for Environment Modeling for Policy Development ( CEMPD)'s engagement with the UNC campus, subcontractors, and other partners.

The Research Project Coordinator will work closely with IE's Deputy Director and Director of CEMPD to:
- Provide program coordination, including planning, internal communications, management of team relations, milestone tracking, problem identification and solving, as well as information gathering and report drafting.
- Monitor project execution to ensure adherence to budget, schedule, reporting and scope, effectively using selected project management tool/s.
- Manage day-to-day operations for multiple research projects, including scheduling and running meetings, taking notes, capturing action items and decisions, communicating with all teams, maintaining project boards and follow up. Liaison between technical staff and lay audience.
-Recognize areas for internal improvement and develop plans for implementing updated or new processes and methods to facilitate desired project outcomes.
- Assist with annual CMAS (Center for Community Modeling and Analyses System) conference that IE hosts as part of the EPA-funded CMAS Center and other conferences as needed.
- Preparing and performing technical editing monthly, quarterly, and annual reports
- Research, development and execution of proposals working with financial and technical team to prepare, coordinate and submit proposal packages meeting sponsor requirements.
- Plan and coordinate multiple large multi-faceted and specialized projects for the EPA, and other Federal and/or state agencies.

As a member of IE- CEMPD, the Research Project Coordinator will work with other teammates on CEMPD internal projects and activities, identify and resolve problems, and contribute to CEMPD internal process improvement.

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

- Previous experience with large multi-year multi-organizational level of effort awards with individual task orders with varying scope - both from Federal and State organizations
- Experience as Conference Coordinator for in-person and virtual
- Work experience in the field of air quality management
- Able to track tasks, and ensure timely progress of the project through completion
- Able to edit and analyze informational materials or content
- Conference organizing skills
- Able to understand internal workings of the department relative to external expectations of clients and stakeholders
- Experience using project and task management tools such as Asana, JIRA, Github, etc.

- Advanced Degree(s) in Environmental / Ecology Science
- Familiar with selection of customer tracking tools
- Able to establish and maintain a variety of positive and constructive working relationships
- Prefer three years' experience in project management and/or program coordination and organization.
- CAPM or relevant project management certification a plus
- Working knowledge of federal funding mechanisms and reporting requirements a plus

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.