"Director of Communication"

Position Summary/Description:

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.

Education and Experience:

• 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

Essential Skills:

• 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

AA/EEO 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.