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Inside Higher Ed · 1 day ago

Research Project Director

Chapel Hill, NC

Full-time

Onsite

Mid, Senior Level

3+ years exp

Inside Higher Ed is a leader in higher education, and they are seeking a Research Project Director for the Environmental Finance Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The role involves managing projects focused on water, wastewater, and stormwater utility finance, conducting financial analyses, and educating stakeholders on financial sustainability.

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Responsibilities

Conducting and interpreting financial and rate analyses for local government utilities

Helping units evaluate and compare funding options for capital projects, including state and federal grants and loans

Assisting local governments with post-award grant and loan compliance and long-term financial management planning

Educating governing boards, utility managers, and other stakeholders on required financial practices and utility financial sustainability

Designing, testing, and refining tools, dashboards, and guides that help utilities analyze and communicate financial data

Leading and managing projects funded by grants and contracts, ensuring deliverables, timelines, and objectives are met

Coordinating project teams and workflows, including staff and student contributors

Overseeing development of project outputs such as reports, guidance documents, training materials, or related tools

Helping organize and deliver workshops, training programs, and webinars

Performing data entry and maintaining accurate records as needed

Qualification

Environmental financeFinancial analysisProject managementMicrosoft ExcelR programmingPython programmingSQL programmingCommunication skillsOrganizational skillsProblem-solvingAttention to detail

Required

Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree required (or foreign degree equivalent); for candidates demonstrating comparable independent research productivity or comparable background in independent academic or instructional activities, will accept a relevant Bachelor's degree (or foreign degree equivalent) and 3 or more years of relevant experience in substitution

Strong interest in a career in environmental finance and/or public finance

Ability to manage projects independently, manage time with multiple work streams/competing priorities, and to work without a high degree of supervision

Proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel

Able and excited to problem solve

Superior oral and written communication skills

Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously

High attention to detail, strong organization skills, and ability to complete work on time

Ability to work with colleagues and students in an effective and respectful manner

Ability to travel occasionally

Preferred

Preferred degrees or experience in economics, public administration, public health, planning, environmental management/studies, environmental engineering, public policy, business administration, finance, information science, or political science

Proficient in R, Python, SQL or similar programming language