Director of Strategic Projects and Operational Efficiency

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at NC State leads partnership-driven discovery, learning, and engagement. We prepare students, create and apply unbiased knowledge through advances in science and technology, and drive economic development to improve the quality of life for North Carolinians, our nation, and the world. We fulfill the land-grant mission by embracing an interdisciplinary approach to achieve new scientific breakthroughs that translate into discoveries and meet grand challenges involving food, farming, fiber, feed, families, health, energy, water, and the environment.

As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

What we offer:

Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.

Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Director of Strategic Projects specializing in project development, coordination, planning, management, and implementation across various business activities while ensuring timely and on-budget processes. This director position will be responsible for the coordination of program development and enhancement, system implementation and adoption, operational project management, and other initiatives supporting the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. The incumbent needs to have or be able to quickly develop a deep understanding of institutions of public land-grant higher education; in particular, the unique complexities of the College of Ag and Life Sciences three missions of research, education, and extension. Successful candidates will have a demonstrated understanding of change management and project implementation best practices.

This leadership position is also pivotal in steering the successful execution of multiple projects concurrently. The ideal candidate will have a proven ability to adapt and excel in handling various project types to ensure strategic alignment, effective communication, and project success in a multi-departmental environment. The candidate should have a strong background in managing complex, agile projects in higher academia, facilitating needs analysis to address departmental or organizational challenges, gaps, or opportunities, and, ultimately, operationalization of project deliverables to ensure project acceptance and organizational excellence. As part of the evaluation of operational efficiency, the candidate should have an understanding of federal, state, and university regulations and policies. This role requires exceptional leadership, communication, collaboration, and organizational skills to oversee a large portfolio of projects.

The duties and responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

Project development, planning, and implementation - 70%

Collaborative college and university partnership development - 20%

Please include as attachments a resume/CV, cover letter, and contact information for at least 3 professional references.

NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.