The University of North Carolina at Greensboro is hiring: Director, Media Relati

Organization and Posting Details

Posting details and position information are provided below. The University information and unit purpose are included to give context for the role.

Position Summary

The director of media relations at UNC Greensboro serves as the University's primary liaison to local, regional, and national media. This strategic role is responsible for promoting UNCG's academic excellence, research impact, student success and economic mobility, community engagement, and milestones by developing and executing proactive media relations strategies. The director also manages issues communications and supports the University's reputation during crises or sensitive situations. In addition, the director acts as a primary University spokesperson and manages the work of a media relations specialist.

University Information

Located in North Carolina's third largest city, UNC Greensboro is among the most diverse, learner-centered public research universities in the state, with 18,000 students in eight colleges and schools pursuing more than 150 areas of undergraduate and over 200 areas of graduate study. UNCG continues to be recognized nationally for academic excellence, access, and affordability. UNCG is ranked No. 1 most affordable institution in North Carolina for net cost by the NY Times and No. 1 in North Carolina for social mobility by The Wall Street Journal - helping first-generation and lower-income students find paths to prosperity. Designated an Innovation and Economic Prosperity University by the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, UNCG is a community-engaged research institution with a portfolio of more than $67M in research and creative activity. The University's 2,600 staff help create an annual economic impact for the Piedmont Triad region in excess of $1B.

Primary Purpose of the Organizational Unit

University Communications (UC) has the primary responsibility for elevating the public profile of UNCG through communications and marketing strategies. This group of communications professionals uses a mix of channels to reach audiences that include digital, social, and print media. Reporting to the Office of the Chancellor, UC's mission is to provide external communications through print and digital media to increase public awareness and support of the University. UC's expertise includes communications/media, creative services, web communications, and marketing. Each area has a unique set of responsibilities and duties; staff collaborates to promote and elevate UNCG's brand and image.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, English, or a related field
• At least seven years of progressively responsible experience in media relations or journalism, preferably in higher education, government, an agency, or a large nonprofit
• A strong understanding of the news cycle and newsroom roles
• Familiarity with leading podcasters and influencers, with an understanding of brand-building tactics
• Demonstrated success in placing stories in high-profile outlets (regionally and nationally) and navigating complex media environments
• Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication skills
• Experience writing and editing using Associated Press Stylebook guidelines
• Exceptional management and mentoring abilities
• Strong news judgment and crisis communication experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in communications or related discipline
• Familiarity with North Carolina media markets and the UNC System
• Experience working with faculty or subject-matter experts
• Proficiency in media monitoring tools, CRM platforms, and CMS systems
• Spanish language proficiency is a plus

Other Open Details

Recruitment Range: Commensurate with experience

Org #-Department: University Communications - 33901

Job Open Date: 09/03/2025

Job Close Date: 10/01/2025

Open Until Filled: No

FTE: 1.000

Type of Appointment: Permanent

Number of Months per Year: 12

FLSA: Exempt