Executive Research Manager

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.

The Institute for Risk Management and Insurance Innovation ( IRMII) is focused on interdisciplinary research and training that lead to better understanding and management of financial losses resulting from perils ranging from extreme weather to pandemics to cyber-attacks. Our mission is to drive the advancement of creative risk management tools and strategies to address growing threats to society, and to cultivate a collaborative ecosystem of academics and industry leaders to train the next generation of risk management professionals. The Institute has a focus on both graduate research and graduate/undergraduate education, with the latter involving the administration of the new Minor in Risk Management. Support for IRMII includes funding from nearly 40 firms from across the insurance and risk management sector, and Institute faculty, staff and students have many opportunities to interact with these partners as they develop research projects and training programs of direct relevance to the industry.

The Institute for Risk Management and Insurance Innovation ( IRMII) is seeking an Executive Research Manager to play a key role in supporting research collaborations with industry, manage graduate research projects, and design and oversee undergraduate research/experiential programs. This position requires a highly organized, proactive individual who drives strategy and owns outcomes across IRMII's research and educational initiatives ensuring that they are successful, impactful, and aligned with real-world applications.

Industry Research Collaborations and Strategy
* Lead and manage IRMII's research partnerships portfolio with portfolio industry, determining selection criteria, designing collaboration frameworks, and establishing deliverable timelines and quality standards.
* Direct all aspects of industry engagement including identifying partners and mentors for projects, owning communication strategy, and ensuring accountability for deliverables.
* Design and execute IRMII's research dissemination strategy across all audiences, including academic partners, industry partners, and students through reports, papers, website content, and LinkedIn presence.
* Develop industry input mechanisms that inform research projects direction and create opportunities for both graduate and undergraduate students to gain practical industry exposure.
* Lead planning and execution of IRMII signature events, including the Research Summit, Career Fair, and various events with industry partners, with full ownership of outcomes and attendee experience.

Research Leadership and Project Management
* Manage faculty and research teams with ongoing IRMII projects, providing direction on research project design, analysis support, and project execution.
* Own project documentation systems, reporting processes, and stakeholder communications protocols

Student Program Design and Management
* Lead the IRMII undergraduate student researchers program as the primary architect of student experience and professional development.
* Design, develop and direct comprehensive programs that enhance student learning and professional development for undergraduates (and graduate students), including guest lectures, mentoring opportunities, career panels, workshops, and experiential programs (e.g., internships, global fellows).
* Manage IRMII's engagement across the broader educational network, leading grant programs, scholarship programs, student case competitions, and any other networks that support student development and engagement.
* Build and maintain strategic partnerships with other UNC departments and external organizations to expand undergraduate research opportunities for and institutional reach.
* Direct all aspects of student career preparation including resume development, interview preparation, career advising, and internship matching
* Own student metrics tracking and outcomes assessment, using data to drive continuous program improvement.

Research Communication and Knowledge Dissemination
* Lead the creation of industry-ready research materials including one-pagers, proposals, and presentations that showcase IRMII's research impact.
* Develop and execute strategies for research proposal development and industry collaboration opportunities.
* Design streamlined approaches to data sharing and research collaboration that balance academic rigor with industry needs.
* Identify and pursue opportunities for research dissemination including conferences, case competitions, thought leadership pieces, and inter-university collaborations.

Strategic Assessment & Portfolio Management
* Own the assessment framework for research progress, student outcomes, and program impact.
* Determine appropriate follow-up actions and interventions based on data analysis.
* Direct program improvements and strategic initiatives using evidence-based decision making.
* Lead grant reporting and documentation that demonstrates IRMII's impact and value to stakeholders.

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.

- Proven ability to lead complex projects and manage multiple stakeholders with demonstrated success in driving outcomes.
- Strong organizational, project management, and communication skills with evidence of strategic thinking and program design.
- Ability to work collaboratively with students, faculty, and industry partners while maintaining ownership of deliverables and outcomes.

- Advanced degree, particularly in fields related to risk management, business, health, engineering, data science, finance, or related fields.
- Demonstrated success coordinating research projects or building industry partnerships strongly desired.
- Interest in risk management, insurance, and applied research a plus.

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.