Director of Communication

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.

In 2019, UNC-CH formed the Program for Public Discourse ( PPD), recognizing that the complex nature of the pressing issues of our day require reasoned debate rooted in a strong foundation of basic knowledge and a spirit of open intellectual inquiry. To fulfill the 'democratic competencies' goals of UNC's Carolina Next (5.2-3) and in light of increased pressures and challenges facing our democracy, the UNC Board of Trustees identified the need for degree-oriented programs in the area of Civic Life and Leadership and resolved that the campus accelerate development of a School of Civic Life and Leadership. In September 2023, SCiLL was established by the Provost and an act of the North Carolina General Assembly.

SCiLL provides an interdisciplinary home specifically for the study and practice of public discourse, civic life, and civic leadership. SCiLL provides students a grounding in the foundations and current state of American political experience and democracy. A wide range of courses build on this foundation to encourage thoughtful engagement with democracy and civility through a variety of disciplines.

The Director of Communications will have the primary responsibility and oversight for all public relations, communications, and marketing for the UNC School of Civic Life and Leadership, with the goal of developing, managing, and carrying out its strategic communications.

This is a unique opportunity for a seasoned communicator who can hit the ground running and help develop a young, rapidly growing school. A growth mindset, entrepreneurial spirit, and proactive approach are essential for success in this role. The right candidate is a go-getter who will help communicate and amplify our vision, who is capable of executing in fast-moving, high-stakes environments with sound judgement, composure and a mission-driven approach.

The ideal candidate will bring experience in communications preferably honed through work in government, public affairs, the private sector or political environments - where discretion, judgment and clarity under pressure are paramount. Exceptional organization, strategic insight, and an instinct for timing and tone are essential, along with the ability to coordinate messaging across multiple stakeholders and media channels.

The Director is an integral member of the school's leadership team and will report to the Associate Dean of Finance and Operations. The Director will create and oversee the creation of a marketing and communications strategy to facilitate communication between the dean, school, university, and external constituencies to best promote and enhance the school. The Director will be responsible for varied and integrated communications products and services, such as digital media and printed promotional materials. The Director will have a key role in collaborating with communicators in the College of Arts and Sciences and University Communications and with development officers in the College of Arts and Sciences Foundation and central development team.

Primary responsibilities include: Developing, updating and executing a communications strategy; writing, editing, and/or providing oversight of development of various digital, print and other types of communications materials, such as an e-newsletter, reports, brochures, invitations and programs, ads, videos, photographs, speeches, presentations, story ideas, media releases, website content, digital signage, and social media content; coordinate with freelance content creators and/or interns and/or work-study students as applicable; manage publicity and marketing communications for SCiLL sponsored events; work closely and collaborate with the Director of Communications in the College of Arts and Sciences, University Communications and across campus; and, working with University Communications, manage all media inquiries to the dean's office, obtain requested information, refer and brief the dean, senior leadership team, faculty and others as appropriate for timely, accurate replies.

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 exceptional written, digital and oral communication skills
- Demonstrated understanding of digital media strategies
- Demonstrated strong editorial judgement and project management skills
- A proactive mindset and entrepreneurial spirit

- Minimum of six to eight years of relevant experience in public relations, strategic communications, preferably in higher education
- Experience working with and providing support to leadership
- Experience with media relations and crisis communications
- Knowledge of graphic design principles and ability to professionally and efficiently partner with design professionals to produce high-quality deliverables within budget
- Experience managing staff and/or contractors
- Experience managing budgets

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.