Associate Chair For Business Administration

The Department of Biology at UNC-Chapel Hill is dedicated to the discovery and dissemination of new and existing knowledge in the broad discipline of Biology by maintaining a high-quality faculty who integrate cutting-edge research and student-focused teaching.

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

Biology is one of the largest academic departments in the College of Arts and Sciences. We have over 2,800 majors and we enroll over 5,000 undergraduate students in our classes each year.

Our average total annual expenditure exceeds $24 million, with nearly half of that coming from grant-sponsored research. The department is composed of over 50 tenure-track faculty, 10 teaching faculty, 12 research faculty, and numerous active adjunct and emeritus faculty. We have 46 graduate students, 31 post-docs and employ about 170 more graduate and undergraduate students from across the university to assist in our teaching and research missions.

Within the faculty ranks, there is a Departmental Chair, five Associate Chairs, a Director of Undergraduate Studies and a Director of Graduate Studies. Our mission is supported by an administrative and technical staff of 20, with an additional 28 staff directly supporting research.

The department is housed in four buildings (Wilson Hall, Coker Hall, Fordham Hall, and the Genome Sciences Building) comprising approximately 425,000 square feet. The department currently has 50 + scientific research and teaching laboratories.

The department operates a Microscopy Facility equipped with super resolution confocal microscopes and other cutting edge imaging equipment. The department operates a greenhouse facility that serves the research and teaching needs of the faculty and students in the botanical sciences. The department staffs an Information Technology office that provides support for the departmental computer network, servers, hardware and software.

Position Summary

The Associate Chair for Business Administration has direct responsibility and supervisory oversight for the department's business administration, which includes the annual budget process; short- and long-term financial planning and oversight of the allocation of state funds, discretionary/philanthropic funds; contract and grant administration; purchasing and material management; and payroll. In conjunction with the Department Chair s/he establishes fiscal policy and guidelines, sets budgetary targets for programs and shared resources, negotiates changes in those targets, and establishes budgetary implementation, monitoring, and control system targets.

This position also provides oversight to the Information Technology office. The person in this position will serve as an advisor to the Chair on all matters relating to finance, budget planning, resource reallocation, the design and implementation of technology plans, the processing of personnel materials, and the efficient use of space throughout the department. The Associate Chair reports to the Chair.

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

A broad-based management background in a large organization, strong, demonstrated leadership ability; excellent financial management and analytical skills; in-depth knowledge and understanding of academic research administration; and outstanding, effective written and verbal communication skills with a range of internal and external stakeholders. Skills and knowledge include: ability to lead a team and achieve results; ability to drive to completion complex and occasionally heavy workloads within established deadlines; skills in setting organizational priorities and goals for the business administration office; interpersonal skills to establish and maintain collegial working relationships with a range of internal and external stakeholders, including faculty, staff, and students; demonstrated orientation towards customer service that is delivered in a timely fashion and experience with continuous improvement; experience in short- and long-term planning; knowledge of Federal, State, and University regulations governing grants; experience with and knowledge of major federal and non-federal sponsors, federal circulars and typical administrative terms and conditions, and electronic grants administration systems; adaptive and effective utilization of information systems; ability to handle sensitive situations with discretion; and experience with effective management and supervision of staff. Experience working in PeopleSoft (Oracle) Finance and HR environment preferred and with University human resources systems and guidelines.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

Experience working in PeopleSoft (Oracle) Finance and HR environment preferred; and with University human resources systems and guidelines 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 Quick Link https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/276131