Implementation Specialist

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 UNC Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute ( FPG) is one of the nation's oldest and largest multidisciplinary centers devoted to the study of children and their families. As one of the nation's leading child development research centers, we generate scientific evidence, inform policies, and support practices to promote positive developmental and educational outcomes for children of all backgrounds and abilities from infancy to adolescence.

FPG has a particular focus on the study of vulnerable populations and those who have special needs. In addition, FPG is committed to creating a place where everyone is welcome, supported, and has the resources they need to grow and thrive regardless of identity, origin, or difference in circumstances as well as engaging in work that addresses critical issues related to educational inequality and barriers to inclusion that impact children's wellbeing.

Approximately 280 researchers, implementation and technical assistance specialists, staff, and students work on more than 75 projects related to developmental disabilities; physical, social, and emotional health; early care and education; early intervention and special education, prevention science, and more to address important issues facing all children and families. Our work spans across disciplines from education and psychology to social work and public health.

We collaborate with researchers across campus and throughout the nation. At FPG, transdisciplinary collaboration is a way to leverage collective expertise for comprehensive and relevant research and outreach, and is embodied in our motto: Advancing knowledge to transform children's lives.

This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement that may include a partially remote work location, consistent with System Office policy. UNC Chapel Hill employees are generally required to reside within a reasonable commuting distance of their assigned duty station.

The Implementation Specialist delivers a range of implementation supports to support effective implementation and scaling of evidence-based programs and innovations, engages in implementation research in addition to implementation practice, and provides leadership on project(s). The Implementation Specialist will work on funded research project(s) at the National Implementation Research Network ( NIRN) within the Frank Porter Graham ( FPG) Child Development Institute (https://nirn.fpg.unc.edu/) at UNC-Chapel Hill. This position will also have opportunities for potential for engagement with other FPG- or UNC- related projects.

The National Implementation Research Network is a multidisciplinary team with the mission to contribute to implementation science through practical implementation and practice-based research, to solve real-world problems and improve outcomes across the spectrum of human services.

In addition to membership in NIRN, the position is also expected to be a member of the community of FPG Investigators. Expectations include regular participation in institutional activities and events; engagement in institutional and professional service in areas of relevance to FPG's mission; and evaluation of professional performance.

Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree required (or foreign degree equivalent); for candidates demonstrating comparable independent research productivity, will accept a relevant Bachelor's degree (or foreign degree equivalent) and 3 or more years of relevant experience in substitution. May require terminal degree and licensure.

Experience related to using implementation science and frameworks to support implementing agencies to operationalize innovations, develop implementation teams, build infrastructure supports, and develop enabling contexts to support the use of evidence to benefit children, youth, and families.

Demonstrated experience in technical assistance, written communication, public speaking and presentation, knowledge of research, and qualitative and quantitative evaluation methodologies.

The candidate will be expected to function across sectors, including education, public health, and healthcare.

The ability to participate in a collegial environment that fosters ongoing collaboration with stakeholders from a variety of disciplines is essential.

The selected candidate will possess excellent verbal and written communication skills, the ability to identify and solve problems, and be highly flexible.

Needs to have the desire to learn and a commitment to excellence.

Content knowledge and professional experience working in a K-12 education system is preferred but not required.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.