Assistant Director of Student Leadership and Development (Grant Writer)

Posting Information

Posting Information

Department SW-School of Social Work-380100 Career Area Academic Administration Posting Open Date 08/05/2026 Application Deadline 09/02/2026 Open Until Filled No Position Type Permanent Staff (EHRA NF) Working Title Assistant Director of Student Leadership and Development (Grant Writer) Appointment Type EHRA Non-Faculty Position Number 20077775 Vacancy ID NF0009938 Full Time/Part Time Full-Time Permanent FTE 1 Hours per week 40 Position Location North Carolina, US Hiring Range $67,500-$70,000 Proposed Start Date 09/21/2026

Position Information

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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.

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit

The mission of the School of Social Work is to advance equity, transform systems, improve lives. The School's curriculum supports the mission and recognizes the uniqueness of the region served, including concerns for disadvantaged, vulnerable, and oppressed individuals, families and communities. Classes provide rigorous and evidence-based content, and give students the opportunity to explore theory, learn intervention skills and engage in challenging dialogue with colleagues.

Position Summary

The Assistant Director of Student Leadership and Development at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Social Work reports directly to the Director of Student Leadership and Development and plays a key role in advancing student success, leadership development, and professional preparation across undergraduate and graduate programs. This position is responsible[MC1.1] for designing, implementing, and expanding innovative opportunities that strengthen student leadership, enhance professional development, and enrich the educational experience for social work students. Working collaboratively with faculty, staff, community partners, alumni, and students, the Assistant Director helps create a dynamic learning environment that prepares emerging social work leaders for impactful careers in practice, policy, advocacy, research, and community engagement.

Approximately 70% of the position is dedicated to grant development, resource cultivation, and long-term program sustainability. The Assistant Director identifies and pursues federal, state, foundation, and private funding opportunities; develops competitive grant proposals; cultivates strategic partnerships with external stakeholders; and implements sustainability strategies that expand and strengthen student leadership initiatives, fellowship programs, and financial support opportunities. This position also evaluates program outcomes, prepares reports for funders, and works collaboratively with School leadership to ensure programs remain innovative, scalable, and financially sustainable.

Approximately 25% of the position focuses on assisting with the management and implementation of the School's Student Leadership and Development initiatives under the supervision of the Director. Responsibilities include supporting student recruitment and selection processes, coordinating leadership programming, monitoring student participation and progress, assisting with budget and stipend administration, evaluating program outcomes, and providing individualized support to students participating in leadership and professional development opportunities. The Assistant Director also contributes to strategic planning, continuous quality improvement, and operational oversight of leadership initiatives.

As part of these management responsibilities, the Assistant Director provides support for the Golden Policy Fellowship Program, one of several signature student leadership initiatives within the School. In collaboration with the Director of Student Leadership and Development, the Assistant Director assists with recruitment, onboarding, student advising, programming, stipend administration, partnership development, and program evaluation to ensure fellows receive comprehensive academic and professional support throughout their participation.

The Golden Policy Fellowship Program prepares future social workers to lead systems change through direct practice, community engagement, management, and policy leadership. The program strengthens North Carolina's child and family well-being workforce by preparing highly skilled professionals committed to serving children, youth, and families across the state. Fellows may receive up to $30,000 in financial support over three years, including a $10,000 post-graduation investment for graduates who obtain employment in underserved North Carolina communities.

The remaining 5% of the position is dedicated to other duties as assigned, including representing the School on committees and workgroups, participating in special projects and events, supporting divisional initiatives, and contributing to the School's mission of student success, community engagement, and organizational excellence.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Master's or Bachelor's and 0-2 years' experience; or will accept a combination of related education and experience in substitution.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

• Minimum of three (3) years of experience managing programs, initiatives, or projects in higher education, nonprofit, government, workforce development, human services, or related settings.
• Experience coordinating program operations and multiple concurrent projects, including planning, implementation, tracking, evaluation, and reporting.
• Experience developing, writing, editing, and coordinating grant proposals, funding requests, or other external funding applications.
• Experience collecting, analyzing, and reporting data to assess program outcomes, inform decision-making, and support continuous improvement efforts.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to prepare reports, proposals, presentations, and correspondence for diverse audiences.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to effectively manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating programs, projects, student leadership initiatives, or community-based activities.
• Ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with faculty, students, community partners, funding agencies, and external stakeholders.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and experience using databases, survey tools, and project management software.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends in support of program activities, events, and student engagement initiatives.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

• Master's degree in Social Work, Public Administration, Higher Education, Nonprofit Management, or a related field.
• Experience supporting workforce development initiatives, student success programs, fellowships, scholarships, internships, apprenticeships, or other career pathway programs.
• Demonstrated success securing grant funding from foundations, corporations, government agencies, or other external funding sources.
• Experience managing grant-funded programs, including compliance, budget oversight, reporting requirements, and funder relations.
• Experience developing and monitoring program budgets and financial tracking systems related to grants or sponsored programs.
• Project management experience leading complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives involving multiple departments, community partners, and external organizations.
• Experience planning and coordinating conferences, trainings, workshops, large-scale events, or professional development programs.
• Experience coordinating contracts, vendor relationships, speaker logistics, and event-related documentation and procurement processes.
• Knowledge of higher education student support services, community engagement strategies, and workforce development best practices.

Special Physical/Mental Requirements Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.

Special Instructions Quick Link https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/323445

Posting Contact Information

Department Contact Name and Title Heather James, Human Resources Specialist Department Contact Telephone or Email hljames@ad.unc.edu Office of Human Resources Contact Information

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (919) 843-2300 or send an email to employment@unc.edu

Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

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.

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Curriculum Vitae / Resume
• Cover Letter
• List of References

Optional Documents

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• • Please select the education / experience that matches your background.

• Masters degree or higher

• Bachelors degree and 0-2 years of experience

• A combination of related education and experience

• None of the above - (disqualifying)

• • Are you proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and experience using databases, survey tools, and project management software?

• Yes

• No

• • Do you have three (3) years of experience managing programs, initiatives, or projects in higher education, nonprofit, government, workforce development, human services, or related settings?

• Yes

• No

• • Please briefly describe your experience developing, writing, or managing grant proposals and any outcomes or successes you would like to highlight.

(Open Ended Question)