Director of Strategic Initiatives

About the job

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

Established in 1985 by Frank Hawkins Kenan, the Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise is a nonpartisan business policy think tank affiliated with the UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School. The nonprofit institute and its affiliated centers convene leaders from the private sector, academic community and government to build a greater understanding of how entrepreneurship, economic development and global commerce can work for the public good. The institute leverages best-in-class research to develop market-based solutions to today’s most complex economic challenges. In doing so, the institute aims to support businesses and policies that better the lives of people in North Carolina, across the country and around the world.

Position Summary

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 Director of Strategic Initiatives will serve as a senior, externally facing leader for the Frank Hawkins Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise, with primary responsibility for advancing external relations, policy translation and long-term sustainability for the North Carolina Economic Forecasting Initiative (NCEFI). The position will help ensure that NCEFI’s economic forecasts and related insights are translated into practical value for policymakers, communities, businesses and other stakeholders across North Carolina. Reporting to the Managing Director of the Kenan Institute and serving as a member of the Institute’s leadership team, the Director will cultivate relationships with state agencies, county commissions, local governments, chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, institutions of higher education, workforce organizations, funders and private-sector partners. The Director will work closely with Kenan Institute leadership, the NCEFI technical team, the NCGrowth community engagement team, the Institute’s external affairs and advancement partners, UNC Public Affairs’ Office of State Affairs, and other internal and external stakeholders. The role will also contribute to broader Kenan Institute strategic priorities, including university engagement, corporate and community partnerships, executive convenings, thought leadership initiatives and other high-impact priorities identified by Institute leadership.

This position is contingent upon the continued availability of funding.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Relevant post-baccalaureate degree: relevant undergraduate degree with 5 -7 years of related professional experience may be substituted for the advanced degree.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

• Significant senior-level experience in public policy, government relations, economic development, higher education leadership, external affairs, fundraising, business development or a related field.
• Demonstrated track record of building and sustaining relationships with government agencies and senior leaders across the public, private and nonprofit sectors.
• Proven success in fundraising, business development or securing sustained funding from public, philanthropic, corporate or other sources.
• Strong understanding of North Carolina’s economic, political and policy landscape.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex economic research and technical analysis for nontechnical audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to operate effectively across multiple stakeholder groups, including public officials, agency leaders, university administrators, corporate executives and community partners.
• Ability to manage competing priorities, exercise sound judgment in externally facing settings and represent the Institute with credibility and professionalism.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

• Advanced degree such as a Master’s, JD, MBA, MPA or related degree.
• Established relationships with public officials, state agencies and key economic development organizations across the state.
• Experience with economic forecasting, applied economic research, evidence-based policymaking or policy translation.
• Familiarity with the UNC System and the broader landscape of North Carolina higher education.
• Experience working in or with university-based research centers, policy institutes or comparable organizations.
• Experience contributing to the strategic growth of a complex, multi-stakeholder organization.
• Track record of contributing to executive-level convenings, conferences or thought leadership programs.

Special Instructions

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

Additionally, this position is only open to United States citizens or lawful permanent residents.

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 employment@unc.edu Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.