Director for the Odum Institute

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.

Founded in 1924, the Odum Institute for Research in Social Science provides training, consultation, and research support services to faculty, staff, and students across the UNC-Chapel Hill campus and beyond. Odum expands Carolina's impact by providing education and support for planning, implementing, and disseminating research. We work to advance rigorous and reproducible research across the data, social and health sciences, while building collaborative, trans-disciplinary research networks. Positioned in the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research, the Institute is funded through state/university appropriations and grants/contracts led by Institute staff.

The mission of the Odum Institute for Social Science is to provide consultation and education to enable, advance, strengthen, and accelerate inquiry in the social, health, and data sciences, expanding UNC's impact and improving the lives of people in North Carolina and around the world.

We are seeking a strategic Director for the Odum Institute with a high degree of personal initiative who is adept at working in a dynamic and collaborative work environment. This leader will build on the Institute's strong reputation as a leading social research support organization to advance a portfolio of mission-driven activities and to obtain the resources needed for long-term sustainability and success. The Director will serve a key role in equipping social science researchers at the UNC and beyond to use rigorous, evidence-based practice, data-driven methods, and the latest technologies.

Exceptional candidates will bring deep knowledge and experience of social science research methods and a clear vision for growing and sustaining the center that will inspire productive engagement. They will leverage strong leadership skills, a collaborative approach, and sophisticated understanding of the university and the research and education landscape to develop an ambitious research agenda, strategic partnerships, and business plan that support the center's mission and sustainability.

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.

* Direct experience in planning and managing data collection projects and teams.
* Experience managing administrative and social science or technical staff.
* Subject matter expertise in social science methods and research practice in the following areas: quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods, survey research, data analysis, Institutional Review Board, Qualtrics or other electronic data capture software.
* Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks with competing deadlines, projects and daily priorities independently, effectively and efficiently.
* Ability to take initiative, set priorities and exercise good judgment in a dynamic, deadline-driven environment.
* Excellent oral and written communication skills.
* Ability to communicate clearly and effectively.

* Master's degree in social sciences or related field.
* 10+ years of experience in planning and managing data collection projects and teams.
* Experience in a management position overseeing social science research and/or research teams
* Experience managing finances and research funds.
* Knowledge of data science, practical applications of AI, data collection techniques using emerging technologies

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.