Content Strategy Lead

Our office hours are Monday through Friday, 9 AM - 5 PM, with occasional evenings and weekends required.

To learn more about the pay band for this branch and role, please see the Career Banding rates spreadsheet.

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 mission of Carolina Performing Arts ( CPA) is to spark curiosity, inspiring all members of our community to discover and more fully engage with the world. We collaborate with dynamic and compelling artists from across the globe to create novel, mission-driven performing arts experiences in partnership with our community. We also open our venues to others to explore, create, and celebrate their own work. Through the Office of the Executive Director for the Arts, CPA oversees all artistic programming, campus and community engagement, marketing and fundraising for its presented, commissioned and produced work, and manages all operations of its venues including facility rentals, technical production, audience services and ticketing.

Carolina Performing Arts thrives because of our collaborations with a diverse cohort of partners that create deeper understanding for our audiences and enable us to be empathetic visionaries. As our campus, state, nation, and world continue to reckon with systemic injustices, we are committed to being an agent for change and making certain that our internal practices reflect the values that are made visible on the stage. We have identified a set of equity priorities and goals to guide us in evaluating and redesigning our own systems, operations, and culture. In September 2021, CPA launched a permanent Equity Council made up of eight staff members, including a leadership representative, who serve as an advisory body supporting the development and execution of those priorities. Our work is made possible - and made better - through the contributions of team members from a wide array of backgrounds, experiences, and identities. We seek to recruit and develop staff to create a welcoming, inclusive, and equitable organization.

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 Marketing and Communications team at Carolina Performing Arts leads strategy and implementation of institutional branding, public relations, communications, marketing, and sales that collectively drive awareness, patron loyalty and engagement, audience development, and earned revenue. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, Carolina Performing Arts finds itself at an exciting intersection of continuing to engage current patrons while developing brand affinity and marketing strategies that reach, engage, and invite first-time attendees to experience the thrill and uniqueness of live performances. A hub of connection and collaboration across departments at CPA, the Marketing and Communications Team seeks a Content Strategy Lead to lead its digital storytelling and marketing efforts across all channels and play an advanced role in furthering its reach, impact, and performance to current and new audiences alike.
Reporting directly to the Director of Marketing and Communications, the Content Strategy Lead will conceptualize, develop and implement a holistic content strategy across all consumer channels, encompassing evergreen content and marketing materials, and organic and paid digital strategies that enhance the impact, consistency, and outcomes of CPA's digital content while targeting key audience segments at every stage of the online customer journey. This role must proactively balance nimbleness and evolving deadlines with planful, quality output that's optimized to reach stated organizational goals across digital channels. This role will conceptualize, develop, and execute strategies that promote upcoming performances, artists, community engagement initiatives, brand storytelling moments, and CPA's rich history as the American South's leading multi-arts presenter, targeting specific and clearly-stated KPIs set against reaching and engaging new audiences, while engaging and retaining current ones. The Content Strategy Lead must blend the use of data-driven insights, demonstrated and advanced digital marketing expertise, and project management prowess to conceptualize, communicate, and execute authentic content tactics, showing thorough knowledge of the techniques used for marketing information to a wide-range of targeted groups. This role will foster relationships and develop partnerships with CPA's in-house graphic designer, local freelancers, student influencers, artistic partners, and more, building and overseeing a robust network of content contributors to help create a vibrant online hub of videos, blogs, posts, reels, photos, and other media formats consumed by the organization's online community that help inform WHAT Carolina Performing Arts is, WHY it exists, and HOW people can engage with or support its annual programming, community offerings, and fundraising goals. This role will also work with current CPA digital agencies to conceptualize and create content strategies from creation through delivery, meeting deadlines and maximizing budget. This role will also conceptualize and deliver strategic fundraising-centered materials, including but not limited to, annual giving program solicitations, major gift proposals, and fundraising campaign material.
This position will work closely with key members of other departments, including development, production, artistic programming, camps engagement, and more. The Content Strategy Lead position requires substantial and proactive interdepartmental collaboration, communication, education, reporting, project management, and meeting facilitation. To be successful, the individual in this role must demonstrate an abundance of self-drive, creativity, curiosity, collaboration, and passion

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

Proven experience in creating, editing, and managing diverse content formats (e.g., articles, press releases, social media, video scripts) that engage target audiences across both digital and print channels.

Demonstrated ability to develop and implement content strategies aligned with organizational goals, enhancing brand awareness and audience engagement.

Proficient in using content management systems ( CMS), social media tools, and analytics platforms to lead content creation, publication, and performance analysis.

Strong ability to manage content projects from concept through completion, coordinating with cross-functional teams, handling deadlines, and balancing competing priorities effectively.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a collaborative mindset for engaging with internal teams (e.g., development, artistic programming) and external partners.

Experience in planning and overseeing content budgets, optimizing resource allocation, tracking expenditures, and maximizing impact while adhering to financial constraints typical of non-profit and higher education settings.

Deep understanding of audience behavior and motivations, with demonstrated success in crafting impactful marketing communications across various formats.

Extensive experience in designing and implementing content strategies, particularly within performing arts, entertainment, or non-profit sectors, driving engagement and measurable impact.

Exceptional writing and editing skills, capable of creating and refining content across digital platforms (e.g., web, email, digital ads, long-form blog content).

Proven track record in growing and diversifying audiences, with a focus on creating inclusive, accessible content that broadens community reach.

Demonstrated ability to navigate fast-paced, evolving contexts with a proactive, solution-oriented mindset that embraces new challenges.

Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and interpersonal skills, effectively addressing complex challenges while maintaining focus on objectives.

Expertise in advanced marketing and communication strategies tailored for both internal and external stakeholders, with a commitment to staying informed on industry trends.

Ability to assess competing priorities, make sound decisions, and stay focused on achieving key results.

Demonstrated initiative and commitment to continuous learning, with a talent for collaborating effectively within a small, professional team.

Demonstrated enthusiasm for and alignment with the mission and values of Carolina Performing Arts, showing a connection between personal objectives and the broader organizational goals.

Proven ability to build strong relationships across all levels of the organization, supporting a collaborative, values-driven culture.

Not Applicable.

Submit two examples of a recent newsletter, blog post, social media post, reel, or press release that demonstrate your experience in brand marketing and storytelling.

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (919) 843-2300 or send an email to employment@unc.edu

Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

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, race, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.