Strategic Planner

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill (NC); On-site; USD 62,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, through University Communications and Marketing, seeks a Strategic Planner to translate university priorities into coordinated communications strategies. The role partners with schools and major administrative units to align priorities, opportunities, and storytelling, strengthening the university's brand and engagement.

Ideal candidates have a Bachelor’s degree and 2–3 years in strategic planning or communications, strong analytics, project

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a discipline related to the area of assignment; or equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Strong analytical and research skills with the ability to translate data insights into actionable strategies.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Turn University priorities into coordinated communications strategies across schools and administrative units.
• Align stakeholders and connect priorities with stories to strengthen brand and engagement.
• Translate analytics and insights into strategic decisions and measurable plans; drive execution from strategy to projects.

Skills

Strategic planning

Marketing

Analytics

Organization

Project management

Communication skills

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Tools

Asana

Job description

Department:

University Comms and Marketing-258000

Career Area :

Public Relations/Communications/Marketing

Posting Open Date:

08/07/2026

Application Deadline:

08/21/2026

Open Until Filled:

No

Position Type:

Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)

Working Title:

Strategic Planner

Appointment Type:

EHRA Non-Faculty

Position Number:

20020395

Vacancy ID:

NF0009949

Full Time/Part Time:

Full-Time Permanent

FTE:

1

Hours per week:

40

Position Location:

North Carolina, US

Hiring Range:

$62,000-$72,000

Proposed Start Date:

09/28/2026

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:

Working within Carolina’s University Communications and Marketing Department , the Strategic Planning Team partners with University schools and major administrative units to turn University priorities into coordinated communications strategies. Our goal is to help Carolina’s units communicate with clarity and impact in alignment with the University’s overall vision and messaging framework. The Strategic Planner works to align stakeholders, discover opportunities and connect people, priorities and stories. This position combines strategic insight with analytical thinking to enhance brand awareness and reputation, and to strengthen the University’s brand and engagement across the institution. This position is perfect for someone who values relationship-building, enjoys strategic thinking and translating analytics and insights to strategic decisions, as well as seeing a project from strategy to execution.

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:

• 2-3 years of experience in strategic planning, marketing, or communications preferably in higher education or a large, complex organization.


• Strong analytical and research skills with the ability to translate data insights into actionable strategies.


• Strong organizational, collaborative and project management skills.


• Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize deadlines.


• Proficiency in project management and planning tools (Asana)


• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience:

• Strategic and long-range thinking.


• Higher education market awareness.


• Collaboration and partnership development.


• Creative problem-solving and adaptability.


• Strong presentation and facilitation skills.

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities:

Not Applicable.