Associate Director of Strategic Communications

Position Summary

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 role. 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 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.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

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.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

Ability to keep current with changing priorities and developments within the department and the University.

Thorough knowledge of and hands‑on experience in media relations and communication of complex issues.

Strong written and oral communications skills.

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.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

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.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

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.

Posting Contact Information

Department Contact : Tim Sabo, Director of Business Operations – tsabo@unc.edu

Human Resources : (919) 843‑2300 or employment@unc.edu (Note : HR will not provide specific updates regarding position or application status.)

Quick Link : https : / / unc.peopleadmin.com / postings / 308113

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