Program Specialist

UNC-Chapel Hill; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill seeks a University Program Specialist to support the DC Office of Public Affairs. The role involves high-level administrative, operational, and communications duties to ensure a welcoming, efficient presence for the university in Washington, D.C.

The position will work closely with the Director and Assistant Director, developing office policies, coordinating events, and expanding communications including newsletters, podcasts, and stakeholder updates.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and one year of related experience, or equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Experience providing administrative support for senior executives.
• Prior experience in administrative capacity in higher education or government setting.
• Experience working in a Congressional office or within federal government.
• Demonstrated project management experience, including event and meeting planning.
• Experience with expense processing and account reconciliation.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-level administrative and operational support for UNC’s Washington, D.C. Office of Public Affairs.
• Help manage communications, newsletters, briefing documents, web content, and events.
• Coordinate office policies, procedures, and engagement activities with campus and external stakeholders.

Skills

Administrative support

Communication

Project coordination

Event planning

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Career Area Public Relations/Communications/Marketing

Is this an internal only recruitment?

Is this an internal only recruitment? No

Posting Open Date

Posting Open Date 11/02/2026

Application Deadline

Application Deadline 11/23/2026

Position Type

Position Type Permanent Staff (SHRA)

Position Title

Position Title University Program Specialist - Journey

Salary Grade Equivalent

Salary Grade Equivalent NC12 / GN11

Working Title

Working Title Program Specialist

Position Number

Position Number 20077523

Vacancy ID

Vacancy ID P021522

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

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

If time-limited, estimated duration of appointment

Hours per week 40

Work Schedule

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

This position is not eligible for H-1B sponsorship.

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

Experience providing administrative support for one or more senior executives.
Prior experience in an administrative capacity in a higher education or government setting.
Prior experience working in a Congressional office or within federal government.
Demonstrated project management experience, including event and meeting planning
Experience with expense processing and account reconciliation

Required Licenses/Certifications

Special Physical/Mental Requirements

n/a

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.

Position/Schedule Requirements

Position/Schedule Requirements Evening work occasionally, Overtime occasionally, Weekend work occasionally

Office of Human Resources Contact Information

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at [phone] or send an email to [e-mail]
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.

Required Documents

• Curriculum Vitae / Resume
• Cover Letter

Optional Documents

Posting Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Please select the response below that best describes your experience/education for the University Program Specialist position.
  • Bachelor's degree and one year of related experience
  • Master's degree or Doctorate in any field
  • Associate's degree and at least 3 years of related experience
  • Combination of post-high school education and/or experience in a related area to equal at least 5 years (ex: 1 year of college and 4 years of experience)
  • High school diploma/GED and at least 5 years of related experience
  • Did not complete high school but have a combination of high school education and related experience to equal 9 years (ex. 1 year of high school and 8 years experience)
  • None of the above
• * Please describe your experience/education and how it fits this University Program Specialist position.

  (Open Ended Question)