Assistant Director of Research Communications

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

Benefits offered by this job

Childcare benefits

Wellness & Recreation membership

Wellness programs

Job summary

NC State University seeks an Assistant Director of Research Communications to shape how the university shares its research impact with the public. You will craft compelling stories across science, engineering, and related fields, translating complex findings into accessible content for diverse audiences.

You will collaborate with leadership, UComm, and campus communicators to advance research communications strategy, build media relationships, and guide a team in storytelling across platforms.

Qualifications

• Post-baccalaureate degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or related field.
• Bachelor’s degree with equivalent broad-based experience in marketing or strategic communications.

Responsibilities

• Identify, report and write news releases, feature stories and content highlighting NC State research.
• Translate complex research into accessible stories for broad audiences.
• Pitch research stories to local, regional, national, and trade media; build reporter relationships.
• Develop strategies to elevate NC State’s research profile and advise on messaging and distribution.
• Mentor writers and develop multimedia storytelling approaches for digital platforms.

Skills

Science writing

Writing and editing

Media relations

Strategic communications

Education

Post-baccalaureate degree in Marketing/Communications

Bachelor’s degree with related experience

Job description

Assistant Director of Research Communications

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Posting Information

Posting Number

Posting Number PG195008EP

Internal Recruitment

Internal Recruitment No

Working Title

Working Title Assistant Director of Research Communications

Anticipated Hiring Range

Anticipated Hiring Range $75,000 - $85,000

Work Schedule

Work Schedule 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.

Job Location

Department

Department University Communications and Marketing

About the Department

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

As a Pack member, you belong here,, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

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

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.

Key Responsibilities:

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.

Qualifications

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

Commercial Driver's License required

Position Number

Position Number 00110044

Position Type

Position Type EPS/SAAO

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

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

Appointment

Appointment 12 Month Recurring

Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather

Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather Mandatory - Adverse Weather

Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events

Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events Non Mandatory - Emergency Event

Department ID

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.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * How did you learn of this opportunity?
  • NCSU website
  • Craigslist
  • Indeed.com
  • Carolina Job Finder/Employment Guide
  • NC Works
  • Dress for Success
  • Technical/Trade School Program
  • Job Fair (Identify Job Fair in question #2 below)
  • Direct Contact from NSCU Representative (identify person in question #2 below)
  • Other
  • Monster.com
  • Other online job board
  • NCSU employee referral
  • Social Media (LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Ohter)
• If you learned about this vacancy from "other source" or "other website", please provide the source.

  (Open Ended Question)

• * In the space below, please describe your professional experience as it relates to this role.

  (Open Ended Question)

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Contact Information for References

Optional Documents

NC STATE UNIVERSITY

RALEIGH, NC 27695

PHONE: [phone]