Assistant Director of Research Communications

NC State University; Raleigh (NC); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision

FSA (Flexible Spending Account)

Retirement programs

Disability plans

Life insurance

Accident plan

Paid time off and other leave programs

12 holidays each year

Tuition and academic assistance

Job summary

NC State University is seeking an Assistant Director of Research Communications to shape how the university communicates the impact of its research to the public. You will develop compelling stories across science, engineering, technology and agriculture, translating complex research into accessible content for broad audiences.

Reporting to the Director of Research Communications, you will collaborate across campus, advance media relationships, advise faculty, and lead the research

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of progressive experience.

Responsibilities

• Shape how NC State shares the impact of its research with the public.
• Develop compelling stories about science, engineering, technology, veterinary medicine, agriculture and other complex fields.
• Translate research into clear, engaging content for broad audiences.

Education

Post-baccalaureate degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field

Bachelor’s degree with equivalent broad-based independent experience in marketing or strategic communications

Job description

Assistant Director of Research Communications

$75,000 - $85,000

Core Business Hours: Monday - Friday; 8:00 am - 5:00 pm; this is an onsite role with flexibility and some hybrid options depending on business needs.

Raleigh, NC

University Communications and Marketing

University Communications and Marketing is the central agency responsible for shaping and sharing the story of NC State University. As the stewards of the NC State brand, we drive the university’s reputation and visibility through integrated marketing, strategic communications, and digital engagement. We are a team of creators, strategists, and problem-solvers dedicated to the “Think and Do” spirit. We collaborate across the university to elevate NC State’s profile as a premier public research institution, supporting enrollment, research, alumni engagement, and institutional prestige.

Wolfpack Perks and Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Flexible Spending Account
• Retirement Programs
• Disability Plans
• Life Insurance
• Accident Plan
• Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
• 12 Holidays Each Year
• Tuition and Academic Assistance
• And so much more!

Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.

Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.

Essential Job Duties:

As the Assistant Director of Research Communications you will help shape how NC State shares the impact of its research with the public. As an experienced science writer you will develop compelling stories about science, engineering, technology, veterinary medicine, agriculture and other complex fields, translating research into clear, engaging content for broad audiences. Working with the Director of Research Communications, University Communications and Marketing (UComm), the Office of Research and Innovation, and communicators across campus, this role advances research communications strategy, builds media relationships, advises faculty and research leaders, and supports the development of the research communications team.

Research News and Storytelling

• Identify, report and write news releases, feature stories and other content highlighting NC State research, discoveries and partnerships.
• Translate complex research into accurate, accessible stories that demonstrate its economic and societal impact in North Carolina and beyond.
• Collaborate with faculty, graduate students and research staff to identify timely, newsworthy findings, publications, grants and partnerships.
• Publish and promote research stories through university news platforms and other appropriate channels.
• Partner with UComm colleagues in marketing, video, photography, social media and web to extend research storytelling across platforms.

Research Media Relations

• Pitch research stories to local, regional, national and trade media while building relationships with reporters covering science, technology, health and agriculture.
• Respond to media inquiries, connect journalists with faculty experts, and coordinate research pitches, expert placements and reporter visits with university media relations leaders.
• Monitor and evaluate research media coverage to assess results and inform future outreach.

Strategy and Communications Counsel

• Partner with the Director of Research Communications to develop strategies that elevate NC State’s research profile and advance university priorities.
• Serve as a primary contact for the Office of Research and Innovation and college and unit communicators, advising on research announcements, messaging, timing and distribution.
• Counsel faculty and research leaders on effective approaches to sharing their work and engaging the media.
• Participate in content planning and senior staff meetings to incorporate research into major university initiatives.
• Monitor developments in science communication, journalism and research policy, sharing relevant insights with colleagues.
• Establish and track key performance indicators to evaluate research communications effectiveness.

Team Leadership and Media Training

• Support the development of research communications staff through training, coaching and constructive feedback on writing, editing, accuracy, style and messaging.
• Prepare faculty and researchers for media interviews through practical training and guidance.
• Develop multimedia storytelling approaches, including short-form video and audio, to strengthen research content across digital and media channels.
• Collaborate with UComm colleagues to maintain consistent research messaging across university platforms.

Integrated Collaboration and Project Coordination

• Maintain a research communications calendar and coordinate selected projects from planning through publication and promotion.
• Advise college and unit communicators on story pitches, news release distribution and media opportunities.
• Coordinate with university news, marketing, design, social media, video, photography and web teams to maximize the reach and impact of research communications.

If you are a skilled science communicator who enjoys translating complex research into compelling stories, building meaningful media relationships, and helping researchers share their discoveries with the world, we invite you to bring your writing expertise, strategic insight and collaborative approach to NC State. Join us in showcasing the university’s research excellence and demonstrating how its discoveries make a lasting impact in North Carolina and beyond.

Other Responsibilities:

• Provide leadership support by stepping in for the Director of Research Communications as needed to maintain continuity and keep priorities moving forward.
• Represent University Communications and Marketing at research events, campus meetings and media activities, building connections and supporting the university’s research communications efforts.
• Contribute to special projects and other initiatives that advance NC State’s research communications and media relations goals.

Minimum Education and Experience:

• Post-baccalaureate degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field; or a Bachelor’s degree with equivalent broad-based independent experience in marketing or strategic communications.
• Minimum of five years of progressive experience.

Other Required Qualifications:

• Background and success as a science writer with exceptional writing, editing and fact-checking skills, including the ability to explain complex research clearly and accurately on deadline.
• Understanding of faculty culture and the mission of a major public research university.
• Experience building and maintaining relationships with stakeholders at all levels of an organization.
• Sound judgment and discretion when handling sensitive or embargoed information.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Five to seven years of directly relevant professional experience, ideally in higher education or a research organization.
• Demonstrated success pitching research stories to news media and preparing faculty, leaders or staff for media interviews.
• Experience mentoring or supervising writers and developing storytelling strategies that advance institutional and brand goals.
• Experience producing or coordinating multimedia research content, including video, audio, podcasts, photography or data visualizations.
• Track record of setting measurable goals, evaluating results and managing multiple projects while adapting to shifting priorities.
• Strong writing and editing skills, including working knowledge of AP style.

Required License(s) or Certification(s):

• N/A

Valid NC Driver's License required: No

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship.

Position Number: 00110044

Position Type: EPS/SAAO

Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week): 1.0

Appointment: 12 Month Recurring

Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather: Mandatory - Adverse Weather

Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events: Non Mandatory - Emergency Event

Department ID: 281001 - Payroll

EEO

NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at [phone] or [e-mail].

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.