Police Public Information Officer (Non-Sworn)

University of North Carolina Wilmington; Wilmington (NC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

University of North Carolina Wilmington's Police Department seeks a Police Public Information Officer (Non-Sworn) to lead public information, media relations, emergency communications, digital communications, internal communications, and community engagement programs. The role develops short- and long-term communication strategies and serves as an authorized spokesperson.

This civilian, non-sworn position advises leadership and coordinates with the Office of University Relations to ensure

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications or related field.
• Four years of progressive professional experience in public information, media relations, crisis or emergency communications, or internal communications.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings or weekends.
• Valid driver's license.
• Background check required.

Responsibilities

• Lead public information and media relations for UNCW Police.
• Develop communication strategies and standards for department.
• Advise Police leadership and serve as spokesperson on matters.
• Coordinate internal and digital communications.
• Engage with university partners and community stakeholders.

Skills

Public information

Media relations

Crisis communications

Internal communications

Strategic communications

Communication leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications or related field

Job description

Police Public Information Officer (Non-Sworn)

Benefits of Working at UNCW: At the University of North Carolina Wilmington, we are driven by a clear purpose: to empower student success, advance innovation, and strengthen the communities we serve. Guided by our strategic vision and commitment to excellence, UNCW offers a dynamic and collaborative environment where employees can make meaningful contributions while growing their careers. Located in coastal North Carolina, UNCW combines the energy of a thriving academic community with the natural beauty of nearby beaches and outdoor spaces. Here, professional opportunity is balanced with an exceptional quality of life—creating a workplace where you can thrive both personally and professionally. As a member of the Seahawk community, you'll benefit from a culture that values well-being, lifelong learning, and connection. UNCW offers a competitive and flexible benefits package designed to support your health, financial well-being, and professional growth. From comprehensive health coverage and retirement options to generous paid leave, tuition opportunities within the UNC System, learning and development opportunities, and wellness programs, UNCW is committed to helping you thrive both at work and in your personal life.

Recruitment Range:

Determined based on qualifications and/or experience.

Vacancy Number:

E1632

Location of Workplace:

Main UNCW Campus

Home Department:

University Police - 35340

Division:

Business Affairs - 35 Division

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit:

The primary objective of the UNCW Police Department is to provide a safe and secure environment within which students, faculty, and staff can live, learn, and work. Officers within the department are duly sworn, certified, and empowered with the same authority as other local law enforcement officers in the State of North Carolina as regulated by the NC Department of Justice. The department consists of sworn police officers, patrol, investigations, administrative functions, functional authority positions, telecommunicators, and security guards.

University Information:

The University of North Carolina Wilmington, the state's coastal university, is dedicated to the integration of teaching, mentoring, research, and service. UNCW is distinguished by its commitment to putting students first, supporting world-class faculty and staff, delivering transformative learning experiences, and leveraging its unique proximity to the ocean. Recognized nationally for scholarly excellence and affordability, UNCW offers a powerful academic experience that stimulates creative inquiry and critical thinking and reflects emerging industries and interdisciplinary innovation. A public institution with nearly 20,000 students, UNCW offers a full range of baccalaureate- and graduate-level programs, as well as doctoral degrees in educational leadership, marine biology, nursing practice and psychology; and many distance learning options, including clinical research, an accelerated RN-to-BSN program, an Executive M.B.A. program structured for working professionals, and the nation's first bachelor's degree program focused on coastal engineering. The university's efforts to advance research and scholarly activities have earned UNCW the elevated designation of "Doctoral Universities: High Research Activity" institution (R2 University) by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Founded as Wilmington College in 1947, UNCW moved to its present location in the heart of New Hanover County in 1961. The 660-acre campus is only minutes from Wrightsville Beach and historic downtown Wilmington and features Georgian architecture and designated conservation areas. Wilmington International Airport (ILM) provides commercial air service to cities both domestic and abroad and is just six miles from the UNCW campus. UNCW has been part of the University of North Carolina System since 1969.

Brief Summary of Work for this Position:

The Police Public Information Officer and Internal Communications Director serves as the senior civilian communications professional for the UNCW Police Department. This position leads the department's public information, media relations, emergency communications, digital communications, internal communications, and community engagement programs. The position develops short- and long-term communication strategies, establishes communication standards and protocols, advises Police leadership on complex and sensitive matters, and serves as an authorized spokesperson and media liaison within delegated authority. The position coordinates public-facing communications with UNCW's Office of University Relations and other university partners.

this is a civilian, non-sworn position with no arrest authority or sworn law enforcement powers.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

A bachelor's degree from an appropriately accredited institution in communications, public relations, journalism, strategic communications, public administration, marketing, organizational communication, or a related field, and four years of progressively responsible professional experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Strategic communications
• Public information
• Media relations
• Crisis or emergency communications
• Internal communications
• Communications program leadership
• A closely related professional area

An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be accepted by the university.

Must have a valid drivers license.

Ability to work a flexible schedule that could occasionally be evenings, weekends, holidays or emergency response assignments.

Must be able to pass a background check.

Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills & Experience:

Preference may be given to candidates who possess:

• Five or more years of progressively responsible communications experience, including responsibility for complex, sensitive, or high-impact matters.
• Experience serving as an organizational spokesperson or media liaison.
• Experience advising senior leaders on communication strategy.
• Experience leading crisis or emergency communications in public safety, government, emergency management, the military, healthcare, or higher education.
• Experience directing internal communications.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary programs, projects, or work teams.
• Experience establishing or administering peer support, mentoring, employee well-being, or professional development programs.
• Knowledge of the Clery Act, North Carolina public records requirements, media law, accessibility standards, confidentiality, and records retention.
• Relevant FEMA Incident Command System or public information training.
• Experience with social media strategy, web content, photography, videography, graphic design, communication analytics, and communication technology.

FTE:

1.0 FTE (40 hours per week)

Months Per Year:

12 Months

Type of Position:

Permanent

Position Number:

E1632

Job Posting Date:

10/14/2026

Posting Close Date:

11/05/2026

Number of Openings:

Single Incumbent

Special Notes to Applicants:

PLEASE NOTE: This posting will close at 11:59PM(Eastern time) on the posted closing date.

Eligibility for Employment:

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motorvehicle checks. UNC Wilmington participates in E-Verify. Federallaw requires all employers to verify the identity and employmenteligibility of all persons hired to work in the UnitedStates.

UNCW does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of his or her race, sex (such as gender, gender identity, marital status, childbirth, and pregnancy), age, color, national origin (including ethnicity), religion, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation, veteran status, military service member status, genetic information, or relationship to other university constituents - except where sex, age, or ability represent bona fide educational or occupational qualifications or where marital status is a statutorily established eligibility criterion for State funded employee benefit programs.