Associate Director of Planning and Operations

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, United States

Updated: 2 months ago
Location: Chapel Hill, NORTH CAROLINA
Job Type: FullTime
Deadline: 16 Feb 2024

Posting Information
Posting Information


Department Nutrition Research Institute-633300
Career Area Facilities and Skilled Trades
Posting Open Date 02/02/2024
Application Deadline 02/16/2024
Open Until Filled No
Position Type Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)
Working Title Associate Director of Planning and Operations
Appointment Type EHRA Non-Faculty
Position Number 20061958
Vacancy ID NF0007777
Full Time/Part Time Full-Time Permanent
FTE 1
Hours per week 40
Position Location North Carolina, US
Hiring Range Commensurate with education and experience.
Proposed Start Date 03/25/2024

Position Information


Be a Tar Heel!
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
Learning how people can eat uniquely! 
The UNC Nutrition Research Institute (NRI) is an internationally recognized center conducting innovative basic and translational science to establish how individual differences in nutrient requirements and responses to diet affect our nutritional needs. Our research contributes to the prevention and mitigation of chronic disease across the lifespan from periconception through aging.
Our Mission is to lead precision nutrition research through understanding how genetics and environment affect an individual’s requirements for and responses to nutrients.
NRI principal investigators hold faculty appointments in the departments of Nutrition and Psychology at UNC Chapel Hill. Their research interrogates nutrient roles in disease prevention, disease risk factors, and the impact of gene-environment and gene-nutrient interactions.
The NRI promotes excellence in nutrition knowledge, teaching, and research. We seek and encourage a diversity of experiences and ideas and provide the tools and flexibility for all employees to achieve success and excellence within their chosen occupations and aspirations.
We are committed to open dialogue, careful listening, becoming educated about the systems that hinder or prevent success, and taking action to ensure that all are equally acknowledged for their contributions and equally reap the benefits of being part of our community. 
Our Vision is to use scientific discovery to ensure optimal health through individualized nutrition.
Everyone who works at the NRI supports this hopeful vision. Working at the NRI means doing good for the world. Join us! 
The NRI and this position are in Kannapolis, NC, in the Charlotte region.
Position Summary
The Associate Director of Planning and Operations provides senior leadership and oversight of the following operations-related functions: strategic planning, budget management, risk management, planning and construction, auxiliary enterprises, building utilities, transportation and parking, UNC CH ($10M) vivarium lease management, and real estate operations. The position works with various internal and external constituencies including NC Research Campus (NCRC) administration and partners, City of Kannapolis, UNC administration, and various contractors and vendors, to ensure effective and efficient operations-related business operations. The position is responsible for maintenance, operations, and continuous improvement of the University’s academic buildings, research facilities, student housing, grounds and landscapes, which includes managing a science and research building of 125,000 square feet, 25,000 square feet of leased vivarium space, and six (6) student houses totaling approximately 8,000 sq, located adjacent to NC Research Campus.
As the NRI enters the final five years of its existing lease and as the NC Research Campus transitions ownership (which includes new construction, renovations, repairs, campus master planning, mapping, space management, information technology systems, physical plant operations), this position will develop and implement a strategic plan and manage collaborative efforts with campus partners to ensure continuity of operations related to teaching, research, and service. The position leads a team of approximately 17 (including temporary positions and contract positions), managing a total budget of an estimated $6M+ across state appropriations and discretionary funds. The position reports to the Institute’s Director and functions as the senior operations representative with external regulatory agencies such as the City of Kannapolis and Cabarrus County, who has zoning jurisdiction for university buildings, and the State Construction Office, who has jurisdiction over University-owned facilities.
This position is charged to manage the NRI building’s transition to state ownership and seamlessly integrate the NRI into a NCRC master plan while leveraging technology and best practices to comprehensively manage the NRI campus’ physical environment. The position will develop and implement a plan to deliver continuous maintenance programs and renovations on time and on budget, using data and metrics to inform building operations and maintenance. It will strengthen and maintain communication and working relationships between the NCRC administration and UNC-CH to increase credibility and trust; facilitate long-term planning to ensure that the NRI meets and pivots with the evolving needs of teaching, research, and service aligns with the University’s strategic priorities; and serve as a politically astute spokesperson and leader for the NRI on physical planning, development, construction, and facilities and operations issues. The position is directly responsible for setting the vision and for coordinating the development and implementation of policies and standard operating procedures, as well as contract negotiation and management of annual housekeeping and maintenance contracts. The position is also responsible for strategic planning, operation, and marketing of the building’s dining services.
This position supervises and leads a diverse team of maintenance, housekeeping, dining, transportation, and security operations staff. The position evaluates the department’s existing physical assets with the goal of continual scaling resources of the research enterprise. It also manages all new real estate acquisitions in conjunction with the University’s real estate office, the State Property Office, State Construction, and all local governing authorities associated with the acquisition and operation of student, faculty, and visiting scholar housing for the NC Research Campus.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree required (or foreign degree equivalent); for candidates demonstrating comparable independent research productivity or professional-level institutional planning/assessment experience, will accept a relevant Bachelor’s degree (or foreign degree equivalent) and 3 or more years of relevant experience in substitution.
Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
* Strong leadership skills with a proven ability to drive organizational success
* Knowledge of regulatory requirements and compliance standards in research settings
* Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and problem solving skills
* Excellent financial acumen and budget management skills 
* This position is on-call 24/7 for emergencies for all facilities/operations issues and is designated 
 as a mandatory position
* Extensive experience managing a building/office environment with wet laboratories
* Demonstrated ability to lead a team effectively, Including delegating and supervising assigned job tasks
* Demonstrated ability to foster positive working relationships with others (i.e. staff, faculty, vendors, and local community members)
* Demonstrated ability to prioritize and handle multiple concurrent tasks
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
* 5 years of progressive experience managing a research or academic facility
* 3 years of progressive supervisory experience
* Experience with UNC systems (i.e., ConnectCarolina) for vendor transactions, purchase orders, 
 building invoices, etc.
Special Physical/Mental Requirements
Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.
Special Instructions
This position is located in Kannapolis, NC.
Quick Link https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/274009

Posting Contact Information


Department Contact Name and Title Shena Cunningham
Department Contact Telephone or Email 704-250-5000
Office of Human Resources Contact Information

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (919) 843-2300 or send an email to [email protected]
Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.

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