Director of Communications

University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill; Elkins Hills (NC); On-site; USD 110,000 - 155,000; Full time

Job summary

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill seeks a Director of Communications for the Office of Research Communications. The role leads a team shaping the visibility and reputation of Carolina's research enterprise, bridging OVCR governance and external audiences with expert storytelling and strategic messaging.

The Director partners with UCM and VCR to drive policy communications, research impact storytelling and donor materials while guiding executive communications across multiple channels.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience managing communications and marketing strategy.
• 8 years of experience managing projects and communications for a large, complex organization.
• Strong writer and editor capable of communicating complex scientific concepts clearly.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic oversight of ORC and advance a comprehensive communications strategy.
• Lead a high-performing team responsible for visibility, impact, and reputation of Carolina's research enterprise.
• Serve as chief liaison between OVCR leadership, University leadership, faculty, staff, and communications leaders.
• Develop executive communications and position senior leaders as effective public voices across channels.

Skills

Strategic communications

Team leadership

Storytelling

Stakeholder collaboration

Regulatory fluency

Education

Post-Baccalaureate degree required

Job description

Position Information

Position Type: Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)

Full Time/Part Time: Full-Time Permanent

Hours per week: 40

Hiring Range: Dependent on Qualifications

Position Location: North Carolina, US

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 Office of Research Communications serves the University by conveying the value of research conducted at Carolina to the people of North Carolina and the world. The office produces the UNC Research website and Endeavors, the University's digital research magazine. ORC supports the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research (OVCR)'s administrative offices and centers and institutes with communication and marketing services including strategic planning and guidance, content creation, graphic design, event planning, website administration, executive communications, and amplification of research news and events.

Position Summary

The Director of Communications serves as a senior communications leader for the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research (OVCR), reporting to the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Research and working closely with University Communications and Marketing (UCM) and the Vice Chancellor for Research (VCR) to advance a comprehensive communications strategy that elevates the visibility, impact, and reputation of the UNC Research enterprise.

The Director provides strategic oversight of the Office of Research Communications (ORC), leading a high performing team responsible for advancing the visibility, impact, reputation, and competitive standing of Carolina's research enterprise. The Director also oversees internal and external communications efforts, working at the intersection of research strategy, federal policy, compliance communications, and institutional leadership, requiring scientific literacy, regulatory fluency, and a sophisticated understanding of the federal research funding landscape. The Director serves as the primary communications partner to the VCR as a national voice on research policy across federal agencies, Congress, APLU and AAU leadership, and the broader higher education community.

The Director leads integrated communications strategy across ORC's full portfolio: executive communications and thought leadership, research impact storytelling, compliance and policy communications to a 20,000-member research community, stakeholder and philanthropic materials for donors, legislators, and federal partners, and community engagement including OVCR Office Hours and University Research Week. They also oversee the OVCR's primary communications channels to ensure alignment, reach, and engagement. This work is aligned with the OVCR's Research Roadmap, directly supporting research expenditure growth, faculty recruitment and retention, federal funding relationships, and the national reputation metrics that determine institutional standing.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree required (or foreign degree equivalent) with three years or greater of related professional experience; for candidates demonstrating comparable professional backgrounds, will accept a relevant Bachelor's degree (or foreign degree equivalent) and five years or greater of relevant experience in substitution.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

• Demonstrated experience managing communications and marketing strategy
• 8 years of experience successfully managing projects and communications for a large, complex organization, including working collaboratively within a matrixed communications environment
• Demonstrated experience developing and communicating strategic messages across diverse media, platforms, and audiences.
• Capable of inspiring a creative team of writers, storytellers, producers and designers.
• Strong writer and editor, capable of quickly grasping complex scientific concepts and communicating their substance and value visually and in writing in ways that make them easily understood by a general audience.
• Committed to the production of high-quality content with an attention to detail and be able to inspire the production of such work in others.
• Experience simultaneously managing multiple short-term projects while maintaining focus on long-term projects and delivering on strategic objectives and deadlines.
• Skilled at building and managing external relationships and collaborating in a decentralized, diverse university environment with a team approach that combines collegiality and creativity to motivate others.
• Experience developing executive communications and positioning senior leaders as effective public voices across multiple channels and audiences
• Familiarity with the federal research funding landscape and the compliance and policy environment governing university research, or demonstrated ability to rapidly develop that expertise
• Proven ability to serve as a chief liaison between OVCR leadership, University leadership, faculty, staff and students and communications leaders and organizations across the University and beyond.
• Able to persuade people to follow communication processes and standards even when individuals do not report directly to them.
• Models integrity, innovation, adaptability, inclusion, responsible use of resources, continuous quality improvement and creativity.
• Diplomatic, collaborative, and able to function well in a matrixed organization and to motivate individuals and teams to follow communication and brand standards that enhance brand identity.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

Ten or more years of experience successfully managing and overseeing a communications office for a large, complex organization and working collaboratively within a matrixed communications environment.

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.

Quick Link

https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/326504

Office of Human Resources