Communications Associate

University of North Carolina School of the Arts; Winston-Salem (NC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of North Carolina School of the Arts is seeking a Communications Associate to support the Division of Strategic Communications. This role coordinates distribution of communications across platforms, maintains databases and media-monitoring systems, and assists with content development and public relations efforts.

The ideal candidate is highly organized with strong writing and editing skills, experience in PR, and the ability to manage multiple projects with attention to detail

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Degrees must be from accredited institutions.
• Experience in higher education or arts nonprofit preferred.
• Proven writing and editing skills for press materials.

Responsibilities

• Build, schedule and distribute press releases and media advisories using Cision and CMS.
• Monitor media coverage and compile weekly media reports.
• Distribute campus emails via MailChimp.
• Maintain media databases and digital assets.
• Coordinate media usage with Creative Services and tag events.
• Publish event listings on public platforms.
• Support PR analytics for KPI reporting.
• Assist with writing and editing press releases and feature stories.
• Support media outreach with researcher contacts and materials.
• Identify newsworthy stories highlighting UNCSA people and programs.
• Collaborate on editorial planning and special projects.

Skills

Writing & editing

Verbal communication

News judgment

Organization & multitasking

Public relations

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Cision

MailChimp

CMS

Adobe Creative Suite

Canva

CRM software

Job description

Communications Associate

The University of North Carolina School of the Arts provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination, harassment, or retaliation based on race, religion, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, political affiliation, National Guard or veteran status, genetic information, or disability.

Applicants needing assistance with the application process are asked to contact: [e-mail]

Classification Title: Public Communication Specialist I

Working Title: Communications Associate

Position Type: EPS

Position Number: 008115

Full/Part Time: Full-time

School/Department Information: The Division of Strategic Communications bears primary responsibility for maintaining and safeguarding the university's public image through strategic marketing, public relations, media relations, news services, publications, executive messaging, digital communications and social media, and crisis and emergency communications. The division establishes standards for articulating the university's mission, vision, core values, strategic goals, and visual identity; promotes UNCSA performances, events, philanthropic opportunities, and the accomplishments of its students, alumni, faculty, and staff; and maintains the university's principal external communications channels, including the website and institutional social media. Strategic Communications also provides communications counsel, insight, and planning support to the Chancellor and other senior leaders.

The Communications Associate provides communications and administrative support for the Division of Strategic Communications and helps execute initiatives that advance the visibility and reputation of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA). Reporting to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Strategic Communications, this position coordinates the distribution of communications across multiple platforms; maintains communications databases, digital assets and media-monitoring systems; and supports content development and public relations efforts across the department. The Communications Associate works closely with the Media Relations Manager to support day-to-day public relations activities, including media monitoring, press distribution, media research, writing and editing communications content, story development and media outreach.

The ideal candidate is a highly organized communicator with exceptional writing and editing skills, experience supporting public relations and communications initiatives, and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines while maintaining strong attention to detail.

Work Schedule and hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.; occasional evening or weekend work is required for content coverage, events, campaigns, or urgent communications.

Communications Operations: 50%

• Build, schedule and distribute press releases and media advisories adhering to daily/weekly deadlines (using Cision and website CMS)
• Monitor media coverage and compile and distribute weekly media report newsletter ("In The News"); keep team apprised of key media coverage on a daily basis in consistent format.
• Build and distribute campus email communications through MailChimp (including Institutional Messages, Weekly Campus Updates email, "The Scene" monthly newsletter).
• Maintain and update media (Cision) and campus databases (MailChimp).
• Coordinate with the Creative Services Director to route/approve selects for media use in Canto.
• Submit performance event/listings to Facebook, Cruncho, and other public event listings
• Contribute to analytics for PR measurement/KPIs (Month in Review report)

Content and Public Relations Support: 50%

• Assist with writing and editing press releases, feature stories and other communications materials.
• Support media relations efforts by researching contacts, preparing materials, and assisting with outreach activities.
• Identify and develop newsworthy story opportunities that highlight the achievements and expertise of UNCSA students, faculty, staff, alumni, and programs.
• Collaborate with Strategic Communications team members on identifying story ideas, editorial planning and special projects.

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in a discipline related to the area of assignment; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in higher education, performing arts or arts-focused nonprofit organizations.
• Demonstrated interest in and knowledge of the performing arts.
• Experience with website CMS (i.e. Modern Campus) and CRM software (i.e. MailChimp).
• Knowledge of media monitoring and analytics tools such as Cision.
• Experience with project management and communications, and editing workflows.
• Experience with photography and videography including basic editing and production.
• Experience with graphic design programs such as Canva or Adobe Creative Suite.

Terms of Employment: P1 PrsnlLv EHRA 17.33 12 Month

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong news judgment and storytelling ability.
• Sound judgment in handling sensitive and confidential information.
• Commitment to accuracy, quality, and strategic thinking.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to multitask and meet deadlines.
• Ability to identify newsworthy stories and translate complex information into compelling content for diverse audiences.
• Awareness of general cultural trends and media outlets.

Special Conditions for Eligibility

Salary Range: Commensurate with Education and Experience

Open Date: 09/17/2026

Open Until Filled: Yes

Required Documents

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter