Executive Search Coordinator

About the Opportunity

The University of North Carolina (UNC) System Office is seeking an Executive Search Coordinator to support and expand its Executive Search Services (ESS) team, within the Operations Division. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to high-impact leadership searches across one of the nation's largest and most successful public university systems, while developing deep expertise in executive search and talent acquisition within higher education.

The Executive Search Coordinator plays a critical role in supporting the successful execution of multiple executive searches simultaneously. This position is ideal for a detail-oriented, service-driven professional who is interested in building a career in executive recruitment and talent management within higher education. Reporting to the Director of Executive Search, the Executive Search Coordinator provides end-to-end coordination and operational support for executive and senior leadership searches across the UNC System and System Office.

The role requires strong project management skills, sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to manage competing priorities across multiple active searches. While the position is primarily focused on search coordination and administration, the Coordinator will also gain exposure to recruiting, research, and sourcing activities. Key responsibilities of this role include but are not limited to: executive search coordination and project management, candidate and stakeholder experience, and recruiting and research support.

This position is a hybrid work arrangement and will work at least three days per week onsite at the Dillon building in downtown Raleigh's Warehouse District. UNC System employees are generally required to reside in North Carolina, within a 2-hour commuting distance of their assigned duty station.

The UNC System Office includes the offices of the President and other senior administrators of the multi-campus University of North Carolina System. The UNC System is a treasured public institution dedicated to serving the people of North Carolina through world-class teaching, research, and community engagement. Today, nearly 250,000 students are enrolled in our 16 universities across the state and at the NC School of Science and Mathematics.

System Office staff is responsible for executing the policies of the UNC Board of Governors and providing University-wide leadership in the areas of academic affairs, business and financial management, long-range planning, student affairs, research, legal affairs, and government relations. The UNC System Office also has administrative oversight of a number of University affiliates, including PBS North Carolina, the North Carolina Arboretum, the NC State Education Assistance Authority, and University of North Carolina Press.

The UNC System Office offers executive search services to University of North Carolina System institutions and affiliates. Our goal is to source, identify, and attract highly qualified candidates to our campus partners and to ensure an efficient, thorough, and compliant search process. Our deep knowledge of the UNC System and the higher education landscape allow us to partner with campuses to attract the best leaders for their unique organizational needs.

The Executive Search Services team consults with hiring managers to design and manage customized executive search processes; provides advisement at each stage of the search, from pre-posting through onboarding; proactively recruits and sources highly qualified candidate pools; ensures confidential and compliant searches in accordance with federal and state law and university policy; and partners closely with search committee chairs and hiring managers to ensure successful leadership outcomes.

• Bachelor's degree required; equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• At least two years of professional experience in executive search, talent acquisition, recruitment coordination, human resources, higher education administration, or a related professional services environment.

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and deliverables simultaneously, while maintaining accuracy, organization, and attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to proofread and prepare polished, client-facing materials.
• Proven ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and maintain confidentiality when handling sensitive information.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Teams); comfort learning new systems and technologies.

• Experience supporting executive or senior-level recruitment or search processes.
• Familiarity with applicant tracking systems, Qualtrics, Cornerstone, Linked In Recruiter, or executive search…