Demo

Director of Strategic Projects and Operational Efficiency

North Carolina State University
Raleigh, NC Full Time
POSTED ON 4/15/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 6/15/2026
Posting Information

Posting Number PG194596EP
Internal Recruitment No
Working Title Director of Strategic Projects and Operational Efficiency
Anticipated Hiring Range Commensurate with Experience
Work Schedule Monday - Friday / 40 hours/week
Job Location Raleigh, NC
Department CALS Business Office
About the Department
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.
Wolfpack Perks and Benefits
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:
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Retirement Programs
  • Disability Plans
  • Life Insurance
  • Accident Plan
  • Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
  • 12 Holidays Each Year
  • Tuition and Academic Assistance
  • And so much more!

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.
Essential Job Duties
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%
  • Strategic direction, planning, coordinated implementation, training and continuous improvement of college operational tools such as CALS Online, CBO ServiceNow, Smartsheet automation tools, Personnel action requests, etc.
  • Responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining project budgets, demonstrating competency in compliance, organization, and accuracy.
  • Provide analysis and assistance in developing new initiatives and capacities to meet strategic goals and provide management and oversight to project completion.
  • Provides support in documenting complex processes.

Collaborative college and university partnership development - 20%
  • Work with college partners as well as campus partners across NC State.
  • Work collaboratively with the Dean's and Directors Committee, faculty, and staff to achieve college-wide results on various projects.
  • Work with departments and colleges across NC State University on joint initiatives to create increased value and impact.
  • Convene and participate in various work group meetings. Ensure that work group goals and activities are in sync with the College's goals and objectives, and that the execution of responsibilities is in compliance with division and university policies and regulations.
Other Responsibilities
Other Duties - 10%
  • This position may include travel to off-site locations in order to manage logistics for events or meetings.
  • Many of these locations are not readily accessible by public transportation (including Research Station, County Offices, etc.).
Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience
  • Require post-baccalaureate credentials or a bachelor's degree plus alternative or equivalent professional training and experience may be substituted for the advanced degree on an exceptional basis.
Other Required Qualifications
  • PMP Certification.
  • Experience using Smartsheet or other comparable software.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's degree in relevant discipline.
  • Experience in implementing ServiceNow modules.
  • Experience with process improvement in financial and HR transaction processing.
  • Experience in a large land-grant university compliance environment.
  • ProSci or other change management certification.
Required License(s) or Certification(s)
  • Valid driver's license required.
  • A valid NC Driver's License and the ability to obtain an NC Driver's License within 60 days of hire.
Valid NC Driver's License required Yes
Commercial Driver's License required No
Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions

Job Open Date 04/14/2026
Anticipated Close Date Open Until Filled
Special Instructions to Applicants
Please include as attachments a resume/CV, cover letter, and contact information for at least 3 professional references.
Position Details

Position Number 00111996
Position Type EPS/SAAO
Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week) 1.00
Appointment 12 Month Recurring
Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather
Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events Non Mandatory - Emergency Event
Department ID 110305 - CALS Business Office
EEO
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.

NC State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran.

 

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