Program Specialist

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill (NC)

On-site

USD 36,381 - 78,593

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill seeks a Program Specialist to support the Office of Public Affairs in Washington, D.C. The role focuses on administrative, operational and engagement duties to advance UNC’s policy and outreach initiatives.

The position emphasizes strong written and verbal communication skills, event coordination, and managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and one year of related experience required.
Experience in administrative support and communications is preferred.
Familiarity with public affairs, government relations, or higher education settings is a plus.

Responsibilities

Provide high-level administrative, operational, communications and engagement support for UNC-Chapel Hill’s Office of Public Affairs in Washington, D.C.
Develop and manage communications output: newsletters, stakeholder updates, briefing documents, web content, social media and a monthly podcast.
Handle financial matters for the D.C. office, including supplies, building coordination and policy-compliant transactions.

Skills

Administrative support

Communications

Engagement

Event coordination

Writing & content

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Department:

Secretary of the University-257001

Career Area:

Public Relations/Communications/Marketing

Is this an internal only recruitment?:

Posting Open Date :

07/27/2026

Application Deadline:

08/09/2026

Position Type:

Permanent Staff (SHRA)

Position Title:

University Program Specialist - Journey

Salary Grade Equivalent:

NC12 / GN11

Working Title:

Program Specialist

Position Number:

20077523

Vacancy ID:

P021228

Full-time/Part-time Permanent/Time-Limited:

Full-Time Permanent

Hours per week:

Work Schedule:

Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm, occasional evening and weekend work, occasional overtime

Work Location:

District of Columbia, US

Position Location:

District of Columbia, US

Hiring Range:

$36,381 - $78,593

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.

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 Secretary of the University department reports to the Chancellor and is responsible for overseeing administrative and operational matters related to strategic initiatives and special projects for the University. This unit serves as the University’s liaison between internal and external stakeholders, including but not limited to: the Board of Trustees, Student Government, Employee Forum, and Faculty Council. The University’s State Affairs and Federal Affairs departments report to the Secretary of the University – together the units jointly advocate for the University’s priorities affecting higher education, while cultivating and building on relationships with the NC State legislature and U.S. Congress. Overseeing UNC Public Affairs, this unit serves as the primary liaison between the University and policymakers at the federal and state levels. Charged with developing and advancing the University’s policy agenda and expanding strong partnerships with our public officials.

Position Summary:

The Program Specialist in the Office of Public Affairs serves as a key member of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Washington, D.C. Office, providing high-level administrative, operational, communications, and engagement support for the Office of Public Affairs. Based full time in Washington, D.C., this position will work closely with the Director and Assistant Director of Federal Affairs to support the daily operations of UNC-Chapel Hill’s D.C. presence and help establish the office as a welcoming, professional, and highly effective resource for the University community.
As a new position in a growing office, this role will be instrumental in developing, maintaining, and updating office policies, procedures, systems, and best practices to ensure consistent and efficient operations. The position will serve as the primary point of contact for office visitors, events, and engagement activities, interacting regularly with a wide range of stakeholders, including campus administrators, faculty, students, alumni, members of Congress, congressional staff, federal agency representatives, national associations, peer institutions, and other external partners. The individual in this role must exercise sound judgment, professionalism, discretion, and a high degree of responsiveness in representing the University and the Office of Public Affairs.
In addition to office administration and event coordination, this position will manage and support communications for the Office of Federal Affairs. Working closely with the Director and Assistant Director, the Program Specialist will help expand the office’s communications footprint through newsletters, stakeholder updates, event materials, briefing documents, web content, social media coordination, and new communications initiatives, including the development and launch of a monthly podcast. Experience or demonstrated interest in strategic communications, writing, digital content, and storytelling is strongly preferred.
Another critical component to this role is financial management of the DC office space. This includes handling of all supplies, building management issues, working closely with Public Affair unit’s business manager to ensure all proper policies and procedures are followed when transacting business related to the DC office.
This role requires excellent organizational skills, strong written and verbal communication abilities, attention to detail, initiative, diplomacy, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced and highly visible environment. The position will handle sensitive and confidential information and must maintain the highest standards of professionalism and discretion.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree and one year of experience related to the area of assignment; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Management Preferences: