Public Communications Specialist - 2689

University of North Calorina Pembroke; Pembroke (NC); On-site; USD 47,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

UNC Pembroke's University Communications and Marketing seeks a Public Communications Specialist to partner with Advancement, crafting messaging and strategies for fundraising success. You will develop donor and alumni materials, manage communications calendars, and oversee content across newsletters, websites, and social channels.

The role requires strong writing, media relations, and project management skills, with a focus on collaboration with the Advancement team and alumni outreach.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, English, public relations, or related field.
• Experience in higher education and/or philanthropic communications preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop a communications strategy for Advancement related to fundraising.
• Create a comprehensive Advancement communications calendar aligned with UCM content plans.
• Research and write donor/alumni stories; conduct interviews.
• Lead UNCP Today magazine stories featuring donor/alumni content.
• Oversee alumni newsletter content and distribution with the Director of Alumni Engagement.
• Manage Advancement website content and develop new material.
• Lead media relations for Advancement; prepare press releases and statements.
• Develop social media strategies for Alumni Engagement and align with university channels.
• Provide strategic communications support and project management for campaigns.

Skills

Communication skills

Professionalism

Time management

Attention to detail

Multi-project management

Initiative

Stakeholder communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

This position is subject to the successful completion of an employment background check. An employment background check includes a criminal background check, employment verification, reference checks, license verification (if applicable) and credit history check (if applicable). In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. New employees are paid only by direct deposit to the financial institution of their choice. Candidates claiming Veterans Preference must attach a copy of their DD-214 as a part of the online application process.
UNC Pembroke is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The University prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibits discrimination against all individuals based on their age, race, color, genetic information, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression and national origin. UNC Pembroke is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and seeks priority referrals of protected veterans for our openings.

Lic or Certification required by statute or regulation

Position Information

Division

University, Communications and Marketing

Department

University Communications and Marketing

Vacancy Type

Probationary Permanent Full Time

FTE

1

Position Overall Competency Level

J

Recruitment Range

$47,473 - $50,000

Anticipated Hiring Range

$50,000

Position #

2689

FLSA Status

Non-Exempt

Months per year

12

Work Schedule

8-500 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Work Schedule Type

Monday - Friday

Is this a grant funded position?

No

If yes, please indicate the end date of the grant.(if applicable)

N/A

Primary Purpose of Organization Unit

University Communications and Marketing ( UCM ) at The University of North Carolina Pembroke is responsible for marketing the university to prospective students, alumni, donors, and other constituents, as well as communications efforts and brand development. Additionally, UCM is charged with developing and communicating the university’s message through positive media including social and digital channels, strategic communications efforts, and community relationships. UCM supports other university divisions through communications and marketing plans and implementation.

Primary Purpose of Position

The Public Communications Specialist (Communications & Marketing Manager for Advancement) partners with colleagues in the Office of Advancement to understand communications needs and goals for fundraising, then develops messaging, storytelling, and strategies for success. They also work with colleagues to develop communications with and for the university’s alumni and donors, to develop strategies and tools to help the university enhance fundraising participationand nurture its relationships with those audiences.

Job Description

Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Develop a communications strategy for the Office in Advancement as it pertains to philanthropic activities, including customized donor proposals, brochures, newsletters, stewardship reports, and materials for donors and potential donors.
• Develop a comprehensive Advancement communications calendar that covers the range of communications for the division and identify areas to align the calendar with the larger UCM content plan and calendar for optimal engagement.
• Research and write stories regularly for various outlets that highlight donors, alumni, parents, friends and other university constituents. Meet with constituents by phone or in person to conduct interviews for stories.
• Play a leading role in the annual UNCP Today magazine, ensuring representation of donor and alumni stories and materials that support the larger themes of advancement.
• Oversee the design, content collection and distribution of the alumni newsletter in close collaboration with the Director of Alumni Engagement and ensure the content meets UCM standards.
• Oversee and manage content on the Advancement website, updating with current information as necessary. Write and develop new content when appropriate.
• Serve as lead for media relations on behalf of the Office of Advancement, including preparation of news releases, statements and other relevant materials. Where appropriate, field media inquiries related to Advancement news in accordance with UCM policies for media relations.
• Work with UCM and Advancement colleagues to develop a consistent, effective social media strategy for Alumni Engagement social media accounts as well as to incorporate advancement messaging into the university social media channels as appropriate.
• Provide strategic communications support to the Advancement team through the development of communications plans and project management, event run-of-show and speeches as well as white papers for larger thematic fundraising campaigns.
• Oversees and monitors the scheduling of projects to ensure timely completion of all creative assets while maintaining high quality standards.
• Collaborate with the Director of Alumni Engagement to identify alumni communication needs and develop strategies that help achieve the division’s goals and objectives for strengthening alumni engagement with the university.

Management Preference

Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, English, public relations, or a related field.
Preference for candidates with higher education and/or philanthropic communications experience.

Required skills:

• Proficient communication and analytical skills
• Maintains a high degree of professionalism
• Demonstrates time management and priority-setting skills
• Demonstrates a high commitment to quality with a high level of accuracy and dependability
• Possesses flexibility to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment while simultaneously handling multiple priorities
• Possesses a high degree of initiative and ability to drive multiple projects to successful completion
• Ability to communicate effectively with internal and/or external constituents
• Demonstrates ability to write and manage multi-channel marketing campaigns
• Familiarity with relevant software, programs, and platforms
• Ability to design and disseminate a variety of print and electronic materials

Required Documents

• CV/Resume
• Cover Letter

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).