Public Communication Specialist

Employee Benefits
Employee Benefits available to NCCU permanent employees include the following and more:

Accrued Vacation and Sick Leave

Community Service Leave

NCFlex – Vision, Dental, Flexible Spending Account, Life Insurance and more

11‑12 Paid Holidays

Teachers and State Employees Retirement System (TSERS)

Optional Supplemental Plans – 401k, 403b, 457b and 457

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Campus Recreation Center Discount

University Bookstore Discount and more.

Primary Function of Organizational Unit
The purpose of the Office of Communications & Marketing is to position and raise the profile of North Carolina Central University as the best, high‑quality regional university in the southeastern United States to local, regional, national and global audiences. Leverage NCCU’s unique assets (students, leadership, faculty and staff, partners, academic programs) to key audiences and stakeholders in Durham, as well as around the world. Generate interest in and excitement for NCCU and its programs by promoting them in the media (print, broadcast, radio, online). Build and create a collaborative, resourceful, productive and results‑driven department for NCCU. Increase ongoing positive awareness of NCCU among key constituent audiences, including media, alumni, potential students and faculty, as well as organizations and corporate entities, including future employers, University partners and the Durham community.

Primary Purpose of Position
The primary purpose of this position is to provide senior‑level creative direction and graphic design support for the university’s integrated communications, marketing and brand efforts. This position develops, designs and produces strategic visual communications for print, digital, web, social media, email, environmental, presentation and multimedia platforms that advance NCCU’s reputation, visibility, recruitment, engagement and institutional priorities. The Senior Graphic Designer translates complex information, university messages and campaign goals into compelling visual materials for internal and external audiences, ensuring consistency with university brand standards, accessibility expectations and modern design practices. The position supports major university events, executive communications, enrollment and advancement initiatives, academic and administrative units, and high‑priority institutional campaigns. This role also helps guide the planning, development and execution of creative projects, collaborates with campus partners and external vendors, maintains brand and design assets, and contributes to communication strategies that strengthen audience engagement across current and emerging media channels.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
The successful candidate must possess:

Demonstrated project management and technical expertise with the ability to work independently and take initiative.

Strong critical, analytical, and creative thinking skills to manage multiple online and offline projects on deadline.

Skilled in providing strategic counsel, advisement, and written updates for campus clients, including maintaining NCCU’s Style Guide and web/social media policies.

Excellent communication, editing, analytical, and organizational abilities with sound judgment and discretion in problem‑solving.

Exceptional interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively and diplomatically in high‑pressure environments with flexible scheduling.

Bachelor’s degree in a discipline related to the area of assignment; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Licenses or Certification
N/A

Equal Opportunity Employer
North Carolina Central University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.

Work Hours
Monday – Friday 8‑5 (some evening and weekend work may be required)

Position required to work during periods of adverse weather or other emergencies.

Work Location
Fully On‑site (dedicated office at Duty Station)

Key Responsibilities and Related Competencies
Required Competency: Communication (Presentations, Oral, and Written)

Leads design and creative execution for high‑visibility university initiatives, including major events, executive communications and institutional campaigns, ensuring a cohesive and elevated visual presence across platforms.

Develops and produces a wide range of strategic visual assets for print and digital use, including but not limited to brand identities, campaign materials, publications, presentations, social media content and web and email communications.

Designs and evolves digital communications such as newsletters, web features and email marketing, optimizing for user experience, accessibility and engagement across devices and platforms.

Integrates emerging design technologies and AI‑assisted tools to enhance creative development, streamline workflows, generate concepts and support scalable content production while maintaining quality and brand integrity.

Collaborates with cross‑functional teams to translate communication goals into effective visual solutions, aligning design output with broader marketing strategies and audience insights.

Contributes to the development and maintenance of brand standards, templates and design systems to ensure consistency and efficiency across the university.

Required Competency: Research Design
Researches, evaluates and applies emerging design trends, technologies and platforms, including AI‑assisted tools, to enhance the effectiveness and innovation of university communications. Identifies and recommends new multimedia approaches and digital formats that support strategic marketing and storytelling goals across web, social media and interactive platforms. Develops and maintains a library of design assets, templates and multimedia resources that support consistent, efficient and scalable content creation. Assesses user experience, accessibility standards and audience engagement data to inform design decisions and improve digital communication performance. Collaborates with cross‑functional partners to pilot, implement and refine new tools, workflows and creative solutions that strengthen the university’s digital presence.

Required Competency: Arts Design and/or Project Management

Leads the planning, development and execution of creative projects from concept through completion, ensuring alignment with university priorities, brand standards and communication goals.

Manages multiple design projects simultaneously, establishing timelines, milestones and deliverables while maintaining high‑quality creative output.

Coordinates with internal clients, cross‑functional teams and external vendors to define project scope, gather requirements and ensure clear expectations throughout the project lifecycle.

Applies design expertise and judgment to guide creative direction, solve problems and ensure effective visual communication across platforms.

Utilizes project management tools and AI‑assisted workflows to streamline processes, improve efficiency and support scalable content production.

Monitors project progress, addresses challenges and adjusts plans as needed to meet deadlines and evolving priorities.

Posting Information
Posting Number: SPA01476P

Open Date: 05/08/2026

Close Date: 05/21/2026

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