Science Policy Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

About the OpportunityThe Operational Policy Analyst serves as a professional staff resource within the UNC System Office Operations Division, providing broad-based support for policy development and implementation, governance support, and operational communications.
This role supports systemwide workforce initiatives by coordinating personnel-related actions, contributing to the development and implementation of personnel-focused policies, and helping ensure consistent practices across constituent institutions. The position works closely with the operational policy leadership team to interpret and communicate policy guidance, support governance activities, and maintain key resources and communication tools. It offers the opportunity to engage in a variety of projects that advance organizational effectiveness and workforce strategy.
This position is designed as a professional role for an individual with strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills, with a background in government, HR, or other policy-heavy environment preferred. The role requires the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously, shift quickly among different subject areas, and provide reliable support across several high-visibility functional areas.
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.
About the UNC System OfficeThe 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.
About the Team
The Office of the Chief Operating Officer (COO), reporting directly to the President of the University, is responsible for overseeing internal and campus-focused operational priorities, including leadership and coordination of key teams such as Human Resources, IT, Enterprise Data, Project Management, Advancement Shared Services, HR Shared Services, Workforce Policy, and Operational Strategy. These divisions support both the UNC system office's internal operations and provide strategic leadership across campus. The COO's office advises the President, fosters relationships on his behalf, and engages with Chancellors to further the President's strategic priorities, ensuring alignment between operational practices and institutional goals while driving efficiency and innovation throughout the University.
Minimum Education, Experience, and Skills
Bachelor's degree in public administration, business administration, communications, public policy, human resources, political science, communications, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.Demonstrated professional experience in policy analysis, communications, project coordination, and/or high-level administrative support.
Required Competencies• Ability to review information carefully, identify issues, and apply policies and procedures consistently.
• Demonstrated superior written communication skills, including the ability to draft professional correspondence, policy documents, executive memoranda, and training materials.
• Strong organizational skills, commitment to accuracy, and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments simultaneously and shift priorities quickly in response to evolving needs.
• Ability to work independently on assigned tasks while collaborating effectively with leadership and peers.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and interact professionally with institutional and system-level partners.
• Experience with Microsoft Office applications and familiarity with shared document platforms, databases, or collaboration tools (e.g.: Smartsheet, SharePoint, Teams, etc.).
Preferred Education, Experience, and Skills• Two to three years of relevant professional experience as a policy analyst or related role, synthesizing and analyzing complex information.
• Experience in higher education, state government, or another complex public-sector environment.
• Experience supporting classification and compensation processes, HR policy administration, or governance-related activities.
• Experience drafting policies, procedural guidance, web content, newsletters, or other professional communications.
• Proficiency using web content management tools (e.g.: WordPress) or file/document management systems (e.g.: SharePoint, Teams) to build and maintain informational resources/tools for various audiences.
• Experience coordinating projects or providing support to executive committees, boards, or senior leaders.

• Appointment Type: Permanent
• Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time
• Employment Type: EHRA
• EHRA Category: Exempt Professional Staff
• Location: Raleigh, NC USA
• Position Number: 20008680
• Special Instructions to Applicants: The posting remains open until filled, but applications received by Friday, May 29, 2026 will receive priority consideration.

Equal Employment Opportunity and Other Information
The UNC System Office (includes PBS NC, NCSEAA, and NC Arboretum) is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.
The UNC System Office (includes PBS NC, NCSEAA, and NC Arboretum) is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.
To claim veteran's preference, all eligible persons must indicate their eligibility as requested on the application. A DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, may be required later in the selection process.
The UNC System Office (includes PBS NC, NCSEAA, and NC Arboretum) 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.
Human Resources Contact Information
Applicants needing assistance with the application process are asked to contact: recruiter@northcarolina.edu.