Research Strategic Communications Manager

University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill; Elkins Hills (NC); On-site; USD 70,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is seeking a creative Research Strategic Communications Manager to help shape how Carolina's research and discovery are understood nationally and internationally. You will develop distinctive story angles and connect researchers with journalists to elevate UNC's research impact.

The role emphasizes proactive earned media, working across disciplines, and translating complex science into clear narratives while collaborating with faculty and communicators

Qualifications

• Excellent understanding of media trends and news cycles.
• Experience pitching stories to journalists.
• Ability to provide strategic communications counsel to unit-level communicators.
• Strong project management and organization skills.
• Superior writing and editing abilities.
• General knowledge of current issues in higher education.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement earned media strategies to promote UNC-Chapel Hill research.
• Identify opportunities to connect faculty and researchers with journalists and outlets.
• Create compelling story angles and media pitches.
• Collaborate with communications teams to translate complex research into accessible narratives.

Skills

Media relations

Strategic communications

Pitching to journalists

Storytelling

Project management

Writing & editing

Higher education knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Job Details

• Department: University Comms and Marketing-258000
• Career Area: Public Relations/Communications/Marketing
• Posting Open Date: 11/03/2026
• Application Deadline: 11/20/2026
• Open Until Filled: No
• Position Type: Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)
• Working Title: Research Strategic Communications Manager
• Appointment Type: EHRA Non-Faculty
• Position Number: 00001230
• Vacancy ID: NF0010163
• Full Time/Part Time: Full-Time Permanent
• FTE: 1
• Hours per week: 40
• Position Location: North Carolina, US
• Hiring Range: $70,000 - $75,000
• Proposed Start Date: 01/04/2027

About the University

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 at Chapel Hill's University Communications and Marketing team is seeking a curious, creative and highly driven Research Strategic Communications Manager to help shape how Carolina's research and discovery are understood across North Carolina, the nation and the world.

This position will play a central role in strengthening Carolina's reputation as a leading global research university by identifying the people, discoveries and ideas that distinguish the University and turning them into compelling stories for national and international audiences. The Research Strategic Communications Manager will actively mine for opportunities across the University, develop distinctive story angles and connect Carolina researchers and expertise to the issues shaping the national conversation.

Reporting to the Senior Director of Strategic Communications, the Research Strategic Communications Manager will serve as a strategic communications partner for major University research priorities. The manager will work across disciplines and in close partnership with faculty, research leaders, communicators and colleagues throughout University Communications and Marketing to develop communications strategies that elevate Carolina's research strengths and demonstrate the impact of its work.

A major focus of the position is proactive earned media. The Research Strategic Communications Manager will build and maintain strong relationships with leading journalists covering science, health, technology, research and higher education; develop sophisticated pitches and media strategies; identify opportunities to connect Carolina experts with breaking and emerging news; and position faculty and researchers as trusted voices in their fields. The manager will translate highly complex research into clear, compelling narratives without sacrificing accuracy or nuance.

The manager will also help develop communications strategies around significant discoveries, research initiatives, institutional priorities and major announcements. Working with colleagues in strategic planning, brand marketing, editorial, social media, creative and other communications functions, they will help turn promising research stories into integrated communications opportunities across earned, owned and social channels.

The ideal candidate is intellectually curious and energized by discovering a great story before anyone else does. They understand what makes research interesting to audiences beyond academia, can recognize connections between Carolina expertise and larger societal conversations, and know how to turn those connections into media opportunities. They should be comfortable moving across disciplines and quickly developing fluency in emerging areas of research, science, health and technology.

The Research Strategic Communications Manager will maintain a strong understanding of trends affecting the research enterprise and higher education and will contribute to communications priorities across University Communications and Marketing as needed. The specific research themes and initiatives supported by the position will evolve with University priorities, allowing the manager to focus resources on the areas with the greatest opportunity to strengthen Carolina's reputation and demonstrate its impact.

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.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

• Excellent understanding of media trends and news cycles, as well as experience developing media strategy and promoting stories on a wide array of topics.
• Experience working with journalists, including pitching stories and responding to media inquiries.
• Demonstrated ability to give strategic communications counsel to unit-level communicators.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple projects and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong project management and organization skills.
• Superior writing, editing and public presentation skills.
• General knowledge of current issues in higher education, especially for public universities.
• Demonstrated ability to give strategic communications counsel to unit-level communicators.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple projects and work in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

• Seven or more years' experience working in public or media relations for higher education, an agency, government, research institution or comparable setting.
• Demonstrated experience translating research and/or scientific knowledge into clear, relatable content.
• Experience generating earned media using a variety of tactics or strategies.

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.

Quick Link

https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/327878

Posting Contact Information

Department Contact Name and Title: Shannon DeRespino, Operations Assistant

Department Contact Telephone or Email: [e-mail]

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.