"Executive Director of Fellowships"

Job Details

Department: Grad School-390100

Career Area: Student Services

Posting Open Date: 08/28/2025

Application Deadline: 09/11/2025

Open Until Filled: No

Position Type: Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)

Working Title: Executive Director of Fellowships

Appointment Type: EHRA Non-Faculty

Position Number: 20022856

Vacancy ID: NF0009259

Full Time/Part Time: Full-Time Permanent

FTE: 1

Hours per week: 40

Position Location: North Carolina, US

Hiring Range: $70,920-$95,000

Proposed Start Date: 11/03/2025

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit:

Through research, teaching and public service, graduate education creates knowledge that leads to innovative solutions to address critical societal needs. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers more than 80 programs that grant more than 160 graduate degrees and graduate students make up nearly 30% of enrolled students at UNC-Chapel Hill.

The Graduate School of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill provides leadership to envision, shape and support the highest quality education for a diverse community of graduate students whose contributions will have global impact. Drawing on best practices gleaned from graduate educators throughout the country, The Graduate School models the inclusive and equitable policies and practices that the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill strives to instill in every unit, department, and program at this great University.

The Graduate School supports graduate students in almost every program across the Carolina campus and serves students from admission through graduation. We provide financial support (e.g. interdisciplinary fellowships, tuition support, travel awards, and research supplements), career and professional development (e.g. in pedagogy, leadership, communication, grant writing), diversity and student success programming, academic program support, and advocacy to students, faculty, staff, and graduate programs. The Graduate School also provides individual students with services tailored to meet their needs.

Position Summary:

The primary purpose of the Executive Director of Fellowships position is to provide leadership and coordination for graduate and professional student fellowships. Working closely with The Graduate School’s Dean and the development team, this position ensures the success of new and existing fellowship programs, providing vision, strategic planning, and routine administrative oversight. Position responsibilities include:

• Provides oversight for existing fellowship programs including the Royster Society of Fellows program and the Weiss Urban Livability Fellowship program.
• Supports external fellowship activities such as the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) and the Graduate Funding Information Center (GFIC).
• Works closely with development staff to provide input on planning of new fellowship programs and to ensure effective stewardship and growth of existing programs.
• Collaborates with The Graduate School teams for student success and professional development to ensure optimal student experiences for fellowship recipients.
• Oversees fellowship nomination and selection processes.
• Leads development and management of student funding plan policies and procedures.
• Manages development and implementation of fellowship workshops and seminars.
• Oversees program evaluation and reporting.
• Oversees records management, providing input on technical needs such as database management and online processes.
• Works closely with the Executive Director of Communications to develop communications strategies for various stakeholder groups.
• Manages the Fellowships Program Coordinator, supporting activities related to programming and fellowship coordination.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree required (or foreign degree equivalent); for candidates demonstrating comparable independent educational or instructional activities associated with the delivery and/or management of student support functions, will accept a relevant Bachelor’s degree (or foreign degree equivalent) and at least 1 year of relevant experience in substitution.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience:

Accuracy in this position is critical to the functioning of the Graduate School and close attention to detail must be present. The incumbent must have self-initiative, be able to work independently and take a highly collaborative approach as part of a team and must be able to communicate clearly and articulately.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience:

Doctoral degree with three years of relevant experience managing graduate fellowship and award programs or similar work to support success for graduate and professional students.

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities:

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.