Associate Director of Strategic Communications

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.

University Communications and Marketing protects and advances Carolina's reputation as the nation's first and best public research university. In partnership with leaders and colleagues across campus, the team is responsible for developing and implementing an integrated strategy to share the impact of our university's teaching, research and service that improves our state, nation and world. Areas within University Communications and Marketing include Web Planning and Production, Internal Communications, Executive Communications, Strategic Communications, Marketing, Social Media, Creative Services, and the UNC Visitors Center.

UNC-Chapel Hill's University Communications and Marketing department is seeking an Associate Director of Strategic Communications for its best-in-class Strategic Communications team. Individuals who thrive on driving and supporting a team to place and tell outstanding stories from the University's schools and units are well suited for this position. If you enjoy combining storytelling, communications, media relations, operations and team management to create an efficient, successful team, and want to work for the nation's first and best public university, this is the role for you.

Experience and passion for strategic communications, media placement and strong writing are essential.
Reporting to the Senior Director of Strategic Communications, the Associate Director of Strategic Communications helps manage senior-level initiatives for the proactive media needs for the nation's first public university, particularly across entertainment, lifestyle and business/innovation publications.

This role works with colleagues in the Office of University Communications and Marketing, University leaders and communications professionals across campus in a fast-paced and busy office that handles a high volume of news stories of national importance. The person in this role will draft communications plans for large-scale promotional initiatives, such as the University's strategic priorities, cross-campus programs, annual commencement ceremonies and media announcement events, and guide the media relations team on developing strategies for their announcements and will work with the director to determine story lines that best position the University as a world-class public research institution.

They will work with the strategic communications team to oversee daily work and operations, guide team members on planning, and advise on strategy. The Associate Director will serve as a contact for members of the media and will develop and maintain strong working relationships with subject matter experts across the campus and with key journalists on the national, state and local levels.

Bachelor's degree and one year of experience related to the area of assignment; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

The Associate Director of Strategic Communications must have the ability to keep current with changing priorities and developments within the department and the University. Must have thorough knowledge of and hands-on experience in media relations and communication of complex issues. Strong written and oral communications skills are essential. The ability to handle difficult situations and those that fall outside established procedures and guidelines. Extensive experience working with national media outlets on behalf of large, complex organizations.

Six to eight years of experience working in public relations for higher education, an agency, government or comparable setting. Experience with writing and journalism. Experience creating and executing media campaigns preferred. Six to eight years of experience working in public relations for higher education, an agency, government or comparable setting. Experience with writing and journalism. Experience creating and executing media campaigns preferred.

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.