Director of Communications

The School of Information and Library Science (SILS) seeks to advance the profession and practice of librarianship and information science, to prepare students for careers in the field of information and library science, and to make significant contributions to the study of information. We educate innovative and responsible thinkers who will lead the information professions. These future leaders will be equipped to discover principles and impacts of information, create systems, techniques, and policies to advance information processes and services, and advance information creation, access, use, management and stewardship to improve the quality of life for local, national, and global communities.

The School's programs are among the top ranked by the US News and World Report, and the School is internationally known for its outstanding research, teaching, and service. We offer multiple Bachelor, Masters, and Doctor of Philosophy degrees as well as a variety of dual degree, professional, certificate and online programs for personal enrichment at any stage of a students' academic career (https://sils.unc.edu/programs). We are a proud interdisciplinary campus partner leading the Carolina Health Informatics Program (CHIP); Center for Information, Technology, and Public Life (CITAP); and The Knowledge Trust. We have proudly staffed the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Library since 1975.

The Carolina Health Informatics Program (CHIP) is an interdisciplinary research and training program that plays a key role in fulfilling UNC-Chapel Hill's commitment to improving human health through health informatics research, data sharing, development, and education. We draw faculty, health care professionals, and students from across the UNC campus to conduct basic and translational research and to offer graduate training in health informatics for scientists across the disciplines and for clinicians in medicine, nursing, public health, dentistry, and pharmacy.

The Center for Information, Technology, and Public Life (CITAP) is a research center dedicated to understanding the growing impact of the internet, social media, and other forms of digital information sharing in the context of the people who design, use, and govern them. CITAP conducts original research that illuminates how people, technology, and power intersect. Our topics of study include: how inequalities are coded into new technology systems, networked communities and how people come together online, platform governance, and identity and disinformation. We take a holistic approach grounded in history, society, culture, and politics to the study of technology platforms and information systems.

Located in Research Triangle Park (RTP), SILS provides professional library services to the EPA's largest research facility, where investigators focus on air pollution and its effects on human health and the ecosystem. The Library's collections and services provide exposure to and experience with a wide range of materials, including biomedical, toxicological, and chemical information; engineering literature; government documents; and basic management and computer information. The EPA-RTP Library internship has been a cornerstone of the library's service model since 1975. The library is staffed by a mixture of full-time professional librarians and up to eight graduate student interns.

The primary purpose of this position is to develop and implement a comprehensive communications program for the School of Information and Library Science (SILS). The Director of Communications manages both internal and external communications, including marketing, website and social media management, and internal communication systems using electronic, print, and in-person tools. This position works closely with SILS faculty and staff, as well as University Communications professionals, to ensure consistent messaging and effective outreach.

Internal Communications. The Director of Communications is responsible for managing internal communication systems and processes to ensure clear and consistent information flow within SILS. This includes facilitating updates from leadership, compiling and distributing meeting minutes, and supporting special projects that require communication planning and execution. The position also develops and implements internal communication tools such as Asana, Confluence, and SharePoint to improve collaboration and workflow management.

External Communications. The Director of Communications oversees external-facing communications to promote SILS programs, events, and initiatives. This includes maintaining the SILS website, ensuring content is accurate, accessible, and up to date. The position is also responsible for managing website updates and social media for CITAP (the Center for Information, Technology, and Public Life) and CHIP (the Carolina Health Informatics Program) on the sils.unc.edu website and the SILS social media platforms. The role includes creating and distributing the SILS newsletter in both digital and print formats, developing marketing campaigns for SILS programs and events, and overseeing social media engagement across platforms such as Bluesky, Instagram, and LinkedIn. The Director of Communications creates and promotes multimedia content for the website and social media channels, monitors web and social traffic, and adjusts strategies based on engagement data. This position supports event promotion and documentation, assisting with photography, video, and written summaries of SILS events for internal and external communications. It also assists in producing materials for faculty recruitment, fundraising, grant procurement, preparing reports, and award nominations.

Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree required (or foreign degree equivalent) with three years or greater of related professional experience in marketing, communications, journalism, public affairs, or a related field; for candidates demonstrating comparable professional backgrounds, will accept a relevant Bachelor's degree (or foreign degree equivalent) and five years or greater of relevant experience in substitution.

*Demonstrated experience in communications, public relations, or outreach roles, preferably within a research or academic setting.

*Proven ability to develop and implement strategic communication plans that enhance organizational visibility and engagement.

*Excellent writing skills with the ability to craft clear, concise, and compelling content for diverse audiences.

*Strong understanding of digital communications platforms and social media management.

*Experience with website content management systems (CMS), email marketing tools, and analytics platforms.

*Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

*Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.

*Master's degree preferred.

*Familiarity with academic research processes and effective communication of scholarly work to diverse audiences.

*Experience developing and executing strategic communication plans for academic or research-focused organizations.

*Proficiency in digital content creation and visual communication, including experience with Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, or similar design tools.

Not Applicable.

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.