Communications Specialist

University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill; Elkins Hills (NC); On-site; USD 48,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill seeks a Communications Specialist for its Strategic Communications team. You will support media relations, draft advisories and news releases, and monitor coverage for the university.

The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor's degree in a related field, can pitch journalists, and produce timely reports for university leadership. Full-time position based in Chapel Hill with standard weekday hours.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a discipline related to the area of assignment.
• Familiarity with WordPress preferred.

Responsibilities

• Draft media advisories and news releases.
• Monitor and analyze media trends and coverage.
• Prepare reporting and insights for university leadership.
• Pitch journalists and staff media events as needed.

Education

Bachelor's degree in a discipline related to the area of assignment

Tools

WordPress

Job description

Posting Information

• Department: University Comms and Marketing-258000
• Career Area: Public Relations/Communications/Marketing
• Is this an internal only recruitment?: No
• Posting Open Date: 11/05/2026
• Application Deadline: 11/17/2026
• Position Type: Permanent Staff (SHRA)
• Position Title: Public Comm Specialist - Journey
• Salary Grade Equivalent: NC13 / GN10
• Working Title: Communications Specialist
• Position Number: 20007662
• Vacancy ID: P021532
• Full-time/Part-time Permanent/Time-Limited: Full-Time Permanent
• Hours per week: 40
• Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:30am to 4:30pm
• Work Location: CHAPEL HILL, NC
• Position Location: North Carolina, US
• Hiring Range: $48,000 - $52,000
• Pay Band Information: To learn more about the pay band for this branch and role, please see the Career Banding rates spreadsheet.
• Notice to Applicants: This position is not eligible for H-1B sponsorship.

Position Summary Information

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

University Communications and Marketing protects and advances Carolina's reputation as the nation's first and best public research university. In partnership with leaders and colleagues across campus, the team is responsible for developing and implementing an integrated strategy to share the impact of our university's teaching, research and service that improves our state, nation and world. Areas within University Communications and Marketing include Web Planning and Production, Internal Communications, Development Marketing, Executive Communications, Strategic Communications, Marketing, Social Media, Creative Services, and the UNC Visitors Center.

Position Summary

The University of North Carolina's Office of University Communications and Marketing is seeking a Communications Specialist for its best-in-class Strategic Communications team. This is a perfect position for a communications professional to be part of the overall media strategy and response for the nation's first and best public university. The Communications Specialist plays an important role in managing the delivery and monitoring of messages and strategies for the University on a wide range of topics and issues in higher education and works directly with leadership in the department. The Communications Specialist creates and distributes the daily monitoring report and is expected to work 7:30am-4:30pm weekdays.

Reporting to the Senior Director of Strategic Communications, the Communications Specialist supports the media relations team in all aspects, including drafting media advisories, news releases, monitoring and analyzing media trends and coverage, providing reporting and analysis on University coverage and business intelligence for use by University leadership and maintaining the University's open meetings calendar. This person manages the media relations team's data, inquiries and coverage, and produces regular reports to quantify efforts and outcomes. This position also produces written communications for use in various University media, as assigned by department leadership. The Communications Specialist assists the Strategic Communications Managers with their portfolios from time to time, which allows an opportunity to learn the communications needs and opportunities around the Carolina campus. This position pitches journalists and staffs media events as needed, maintains media contact lists and other tools used by the media relations team; and, provides support to the media relations team and others in the University Communications organization.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

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.

Management Preferences

• Familiarity with WordPress preferred.

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.

Quick Link

https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/327877

Contact Information

Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.