Public Communications Specialist - 2689

University of North Carolina Pembroke

Pembroke (NC)

On-site

USD 47,000 - 50,000

Full time

6 days ago

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Job summary

University of North Carolina Pembroke seeks a Public Communications Specialist to lead fundraising communications, donor storytelling, and alumni engagement. You will craft plans for philanthropic campaigns, manage newsletters, and oversee content across the Advancement website and university channels.

The role emphasizes collaboration with the Office of Advancement, strong writing and media relations skills, and the ability to drive multi-channel campaigns in a university setting.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, English, public relations, or related field.
Preference for higher education and/or philanthropic communications experience.
Experience in fundraising or advancement communications is preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop a communications strategy for Advancement around philanthropic activities and donor materials.
Create an Advancement communications calendar aligned with the UCM plan.
Research and write donor, alumni, and constituent stories through interviews.
Lead the UNCP Today magazine to feature donor and alumni stories.
Oversee alumni newsletter content, coordinating with the Director of Alumni Engagement.
Manage Advancement website content and develop new material.
Lead media relations for Advancement, including press materials and inquiries.
Shape a cohesive social media strategy for Alumni Engagement and university channels.
Provide strategic comms plans, project management, and speeches for campaigns.
Schedule projects to ensure timely, high-quality creative assets.
Collaborate to identify alumni communication needs and strengthen engagement.

Skills

Communication skills

Professionalism

Time management

Quality & accuracy

Adaptability

Initiative

Stakeholder communication

Multi-channel campaigns

Software familiarity

Print & digital design

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, English, public relations, or related field

Job description

Public Communications Specialist - 2689

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening.

Special Instructions

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.

Position Details

Division: University, Communications and Marketing
Department: University Communications and Marketing
Working Title: Communications & Marketing Manager for Advancement
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: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Work Schedule Type: Monday - Friday
Is this a grant funded position?: No

Min T/E 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.

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 participation and nurture its relationships with those audiences.

Job Description

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

Posting Information