The Director of Finance and Administration in the Department of Pharmacology partners with the Chair to develop a strategic vision to lead the Department to stellar performance in all missions: teaching, research, and service to the State, and ensures departmental resource allocation in support of strategic priorities.
This position is responsible for the implementation of systems and initiatives influencing financial planning and management, operations management, human resource management, sponsored research management, information systems design and delivery, strategic leadership and governance, and professional and ethical responsibilities on behalf of the Chair of the Department. These activities are very complex, demanding and very detailed. The Director of Finance and Administration assume substantial independent senior administrative authority in the Chair’s Office for leadership and innovative direction for the Department’s policy development and implementation of systems and initiatives to attain goals. This position reports directly to the Chair and acts as the primary designee representing the department in committees and other campus meetings as needed.
This position has direct oversight for the work of 5 positions. Total revenue for the Department of Pharmacology is $37M dollars (Contracts and Grants, State Appropriated Funds, Overhead, Gifts and Endowments).
The UNC Department of Pharmacology is a basic science department within the School of Medicine with a strong commitment to research excellence and the training of the next generation of scientists. The department’s mission is to educate and train outstanding research scientists, elucidate the molecular and cellular basis of human disease, and advance the development of novel therapeutics. Pharmacology faculty play an integral role in interdisciplinary graduate education through participation in interdepartmental PhD training programs and provide rigorous, research focused training for graduate students and postdoctoral scholars within a highly collaborative scientific environment.
The Department of Pharmacology conducts cutting edge, innovative research spanning chemical and structural biology, quantitative and computational biology, drug discovery and design, and experimental therapeutics. Faculty research addresses fundamental mechanisms of disease and therapeutic development across diverse areas including cancer biology, neuroscience, cardiovascular biology, alcohol and addiction biology, and gene therapy. The department supports a robust and collaborative research training environment, providing access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, shared research cores, and University wide resources.
The department consistently ranks in the top tier nationally for NIH funding among pharmacology departments, reflecting the strength, impact, and breadth of its research enterprise. Through multidisciplinary collaboration, strong mentorship, and excellence, the Department of Pharmacology contributes significantly to the School of Medicine’s mission and strives to sustain and enhance its national and international reputation in pharmacological research and training.
The successful Director will be an experienced, intuitive, creative, and dynamic leader with superior interpersonal and problem-solving skills. They will have well-developed attributes of professionalism, leadership, communication, presentation abilities, superior organizational skills, as well as analytic expertise. Critical skills and knowledge required are focused but not limited to the following areas: financial management, operational leadership, human resource management, program development and growth, strategic planning, customer service, faculty recruitment, and presentation skills.
Candidates must have the ability to work independently and have strong organizational and administrative skills. Experience with budget management required. Must be able to understand, interpret, and apply applicable policies and procedures. Must possess superior verbal and written communication skills, excellent interpersonal behaviors, and the capacity to inspire confidence in his or her reasoning and decision-making. Must have advanced knowledge of Excel. Knowledge of public and private granting agencies, and strong organizational and interpersonal skills are also required.
Bachelor’s required, Masters preferred. 2 – 5 years of experience.
Knowledge and experience with NIH grants and the UNC system regulations are preferred. Experience with PeopleSoft/ConnectCarolina and Infoporte a plus.
Experience in grant preparation and review, short-term and long-term planning, project coordination, and personnel supervision preferred.
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.
