Public Comm Specialist - Journey

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

Job summary

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is seeking a Communications Specialist for its Strategic Communications team. This role supports the media relations function, drafts advisories and news releases, and coordinates monitoring and analysis to inform University leadership.

You will help manage media events, maintain contact lists, and prepare routine reporting on coverage. Reporting to the Senior Director of Strategic Communications, the position requires a bachelor's degree and a

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Support media relations by drafting advisories and releases.
• Monitor media trends, prepare reports, and provide analysis for university leadership.
• Assist Strategic Communications Managers and staff media events as needed.

Education

Bachelor’s degree

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

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

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.

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.