Strategic Communications Specialist

Position Summary/Description:

The Strategic Communications Specialist executes the Collaboratory's external engagement strategy, ensuring that the impact of research is visible and accessible to diverse audiences through digital platforms, targeted email outreach, and proactive media engagement.

This position combines strategic storytelling with digital engagement, email strategy, audience targeting, and media relations to produce written and visual content that translates complex research into clear, compelling narratives for policymakers, partners, and the public. Reporting to the Director of External Impact & Strategic Communications, the Specialist drives the Collaboratory's external engagement by developing and managing social media strategies, executing targeted email campaigns, and building media relationships to secure coverage and coordinate responses. This position also creates accessible research-based content for key stakeholders, including one pagers, press releases, presentations, articles, and talking points.

Additionally, the Specialist uses analytics to understand and grow digital audiences, ensuring that content reaches the right stakeholders at the right time. This position also supports academic partnerships and brand development by identifying priority conferences, events, and awards that elevate the Collaboratory's work.

Established by the North Carolina General Assembly in 2016, the Collaboratory connects UNC System research expertise with the practical needs of policymakers and communities. It conducts both directed and discretionary research across areas such as natural resource management, environmental quality, and public health, managing more than 250 active projects supported by over $250 million in appropriations. The Strategic Communications Specialist amplifies the institutional voice, visibility, and reputation of the Collaboratory as a trusted leader in science and policy.

Writing & Strategic Content Development:

Craft clear, compelling content that translates complex research into accessible narratives for policymakers, partners, and the public. Use strategic storytelling and audience engagement to elevate the Collaboratory's visibility and impact. Translate technical findings into approachable messaging and written materials. Conduct stakeholder interviews to ensure accuracy and clarity for non-expert audiences.

Social Media Development & Audience Growth:

Lead the Collaboratory's social media strategy by creating timely, engaging content. Use data driven insights to grow a digital presence, expand reach, increase engagement, and elevate awareness through consistent, audience focused storytelling. Develop and implement platform specific strategies, analyze performance metrics to optimize visibility, and monitor news and legislative activity to identify timely opportunities to highlight the Collaboratory's work.

Email Strategy, Writing & Audience Targeting:

Manage the writing, editing, and strategic distribution of newsletters, press releases, media advisories, and stakeholder updates. Oversee the email platform, curate and organize stakeholder lists, and ensure messages reach target audiences effectively.

Media Relations:

Cultivate and manage relationships with reporters and media outlets to ensure accurate and visible coverage of the Collaboratory's work. Conduct proactive media outreach, press management, respond quickly to media inquiries, maintain consistent messaging, and monitor media coverage to position the Collaboratory as a trusted resource for journalists covering research, policy, and public-interest issues.

Academic Partnerships & Brand Development:

Engage academic and research communities to elevate the Collaboratory's reputation. Identify conference opportunities, strengthen strategic positioning, amplify key partnerships, and pursue awards that highlight research impact. Facilitate principal investigator (PI) training to support effective representation of the Collaboratory's work.