Research Project Director

UNC-Chapel Hill•Chapel Hill, NC

About The Position

EFC is seeking a Project Director who will work primarily in the areas of water, wastewater, and stormwater utility finance. The Project Director will contribute to multiple initiatives across a wide range of activities performed at the Center. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 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 This is a full-time, permanent position contingent upon the continuing availability of funds. The successful candidate is expected to actively participate in identifying and cultivating funding opportunities. Ideal candidates will have experience managing complex projects, working collaboratively with diverse partners, and communicating technical concepts to practitioners and decision-makers. Familiarity with local government operations, public infrastructure finance, or state and federal funding programs is preferred. Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and writing skills are essential.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

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

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
Actively participate in identifying and cultivating funding opportunities