University Program Specialist - Journey

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 36,000 - 79,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill today seeks a Program Specialist to join the Washington, D.C. Office of Public Affairs.

Based in DC, you will provide high‑level administrative, operational, and engagement support to the Director and Federal Affairs team, helping to establish the office as a proactive resource for the UNC community and external partners. You will implement office policies, manage communications, assist with events and briefings, and coordinate newsletters,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and one year of related experience.
• Experience providing administrative support for senior executives.
• Experience in higher education or government settings preferred.
• Project management experience including events.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-level administrative support to the DC office and Director.
• Coordinate events, meetings, and stakeholder engagement.
• Manage office policies, procedures, and communications.
• Oversee budget items and expense processing.

Skills

Executive support

Administrative tasks

Event coordination

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Posting Information

• Department Secretary of the University-257001
• Career Area Public Relations/Communications/Marketing
• Is this an internal only recruitment? No
• Posting Open Date 11/02/2026
• Application Deadline 11/23/2026
• Position Type Permanent Staff (SHRA)
• Position Title University Program Specialist - Journey
• Salary Grade Equivalent NC12 / GN11
• Working Title Program Specialist
• Position Number 20077523
• Vacancy ID P021522
• Full-time/Part-time Permanent/Time-Limited Full-Time Permanent
• Hours per week 40
• Work Schedule Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm, occasional evening and weekend work, occasional overtime
• Work Location District of Columbia, US
• Position Location District of Columbia, US
• Hiring Range $36,381 - $78,593
• 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

The Secretary of the University department reports to the Chancellor and is responsible for overseeing administrative and operational matters related to strategic initiatives and special projects for the University. This unit serves as the University’s liaison between internal and external stakeholders, including but not limited to: the Board of Trustees, Student Government, Employee Forum, and Faculty Council. The University’s State Affairs and Federal Affairs departments report to the Secretary of the University - together the units jointly advocate for the University’s priorities affecting higher education, while cultivating and building on relationships with the NC State legislature and U.S. Congress. Overseeing UNC Public Affairs, this unit serves as the primary liaison between the University and policymakers at the federal and state levels. Charged with developing and advancing the University’s policy agenda and expanding strong partnerships with our public officials.

Position Summary

The Program Specialist in the Office of Public Affairs serves as a key member of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Washington, D.C. Office, providing high-level administrative, operational, communications, and engagement support for the Office of Public Affairs. Based full time in Washington, D.C., this position will work closely with the Director and Assistant Director of Federal Affairs to support the daily operations of UNC -Chapel Hill’s D.C. presence and help establish the office as a welcoming, professional, and highly effective resource for the University community. As a new position in a growing office, this role will be instrumental in developing, maintaining, and updating office policies, procedures, systems, and best practices to ensure consistent and efficient operations. The position will serve as the primary point of contact for office visitors, events, and engagement activities, interacting regularly with a wide range of stakeholders, including campus administrators, faculty, students, alumni, members of Congress, congressional staff, federal agency representatives, national associations, peer institutions, and other external partners. The individual in this role must exercise sound judgment, professionalism, discretion, and a high degree of responsiveness in representing the University and the Office of Public Affairs. In addition to office administration and event coordination, this position will manage and support communications for the Office of Federal Affairs. Working closely with the Director and Assistant Director, the Program Specialist will help expand the office’s communications footprint through newsletters, stakeholder updates, event materials, briefing documents, web content, social media coordination, and new communications initiatives, including the development and launch of a monthly podcast. Experience or demonstrated interest in strategic communications, writing, digital content, and storytelling is strongly preferred. Another critical component to this role is financial management of the DC office space. This includes handling of all supplies, building management issues, working closely with Public Affair unit’s business manager to ensure all proper policies and procedures are followed when transacting business related to the DC office. This role requires excellent organizational skills, strong written and verbal communication abilities, attention to detail, initiative, diplomacy, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced and highly visible environment. The position will handle sensitive and confidential information and must maintain the highest standards of professionalism and discretion.

Minimum Education And Experience Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and one year of experience related to the area of assignment; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Management Preferences

• Experience providing administrative support for one or more senior executives.
• Prior experience in an administrative capacity in a higher education or government setting.
• Prior experience working in a Congressional office or within federal government.
• Demonstrated project management experience, including event and meeting planning
• Experience with expense processing and account reconciliation

Special Physical/Mental Requirements

n/a

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.

Position/Schedule Requirements

Evening work occasionally, Overtime occasionally, Weekend work occasionally

Quick Link

https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/327851

Contact Information

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.