Associate Dean of Communication

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Law, seeks an Associate Dean for Communications to lead internal and external communications.

You will develop a strategic plan, elevate the school's visibility in legal academia, and work closely with University Communications & Marketing to advance branding and messaging across print, web, and social channels.

This role reports to senior leadership, guides a communications team, and engages with students, faculty, alumni, and the public.

Qualifications

• Master’s or Bachelor’s degree; 0–2 years’ relevant experience or an equivalent combination.
• Strong communication and leadership capabilities.
• Experience translating organizational strengths into targeted communications tactics.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a strategic communications plan for the School of Law.
• Promote the School of Law with students, alumni, faculty, and external audiences.
• Collaborate with University Communications & Marketing and lead branding initiatives.

Skills

Strategic communications

Branding/identity

Media relations

Journalistic practices

Project management

Team leadership

Written and oral communication

Education

Master’s or Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Department: School of Law-360001

Career Area : Public Relations/Communications/Marketing

Posting Open Date: 08/28/2026

Application Deadline: 09/08/2026

Open Until Filled: No

Position Type: Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)

Working Title: Associate Dean of Communication

Appointment Type: EHRA Non-Faculty

Position Number: 01002567

Vacancy ID: NF0009958

Full Time/Part Time: Full-Time Permanent

FTE: 1

Hours per week: 40

Position Location: North Carolina, US

Hiring Range: Commensurate with education, skills, and experience.

Proposed Start Date: 10/05/2026

Be a Tar Heel!

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.

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit

The University of North Carolina, School of Law aspires to be a great public law school. Toward this end, it pursues a fourfold mission: to prepare outstanding lawyers and leaders for the bar, the bench, all public and private law settings, and public service; to make nationally and internationally significant legal and policy contributions through an ambitious agenda of research and scholarship; to instill lifelong ethical values, dedication to the cause of justice and a lasting commitment to pro bono and public service; and, to serve the legal profession, the people and institutions of North Carolina, the nation and the world.

Position Summary

The Associate Dean for Communications serves as the lead communications and marketing professional for the School of Law and is responsible for management of the School of Law’s internal and external communications strategy. S/he will lead the development and implementation of a strategic communications plan to actively promote the School of Law with key constituents. The Associate Dean has a hardline report to the Senior Associate Dean of the Law School and is a member of the School’s senior management team. The role has a dotted line report to University Communications & Marketing (UCM) and serves as a member of the Communications and Marketing Leadership Council (CMLC) managed by UCM. S/he represents the School of Law with various internal and external constituents such as prospective and current students, faculty, staff, alumni, the larger academic community, media and the general public. S/he is responsible for establishing and implementing plans related to School of Law branding/identity and marketing projects. The CCO will lead strategic initiatives designed to elevate and enhance the reputation and visibility within legal academia and the legal profession.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Master’s or Bachelor’s and 0-2 years’ experience; or will accept a combination of related education and experience in substitution.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

N/A

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

• Successful candidates will have experience translating an organization’s key strengths, mission and strategic direction into specific communication tactics


• Extensive knowledge of current journalistic practices, principles and styles


• Considerable experience working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment


• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects with short time frames


• Ability to work independently, yet collaboratively


• Increasing levels of responsibility writing professionally for print, web and social media


• Experience supervising and directing employees


• Outstanding written and oral communication skills


• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse groups


• Prefer candidates with experience working in an academic setting and graphic design programs.

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

This position is designated as a Campus Security Authority in accordance with the Clery Act. This position will be required to report Clery crimes to the Clery Compliance Manager and complete annual training about reporting responsibilities.