Research Engagement and Communications Manager

Research Engagement and Communications Manager

Please see Special Instructions for more details.
Please provide a sample portfolio demonstrating successful outcomes in areas of responsibility. You may upload or provide a URL in the Other Document section of the application.
The finalist will be subject to a Criminal Background Check and/or a Motor Vehicle Report
The Search Committee will not contact references without first verifying permission with
the finalist.
Please ensure your resume reflects the knowledge, skills, abilities, and experiences to support your answers to the supplemental questions.
UNC Charlotte Benefits Information: https://hr.charlotte.edu/benefits/benefits-overview/
Position Information

General Information
Position Number
003995

Vacancy Open to
All Candidates

Working Title
Research Engagement and Communications Manager

Position Designation
EHRA Non-Faculty

Employment Type
Permanent - Full-time

Months per Year
12

Work Schedule
8-5 Monday-Friday; Limited telework eligible after six months.

Hours per week
40

FLSA Status
Exempt

Division
Research

Department
Div of Research (Adm)

Work Location
Grigg Hall

Salary Range

Primary Purpose of Department
The Research Engagement and Communications Manager helps plan, create, and execute effective marketing and communications strategies and materials that promote the vision and brand for the Division of Research. The individual will report to the Executive Director of the Office of Research, Development, and Engagement and will coordinate Division communications following University processes, support event planning, and generate materials using University standards that integrate data and materials from Division sources and systems. The Manager will coordinate and guide the various Division units to effectively communicate efforts, policies, and initiatives to the broader campus community, also producing materials for audiences external to the university. The individual will work across a variety of channels, including, but not limited to, print, web, email, and social media, to engage internally and externally.

Primary Purpose of Position
The Manager leads the development and implementation of the Division of Research's communication and marketing strategy, including collaborating with constituents and partners, devising key messages, establishing and implementing processes for distribution across platforms and channels, adhering to University Communications policies and procedures, and codifying communication frameworks and guidance. Writes and administers the Division of Research's communication plan as it pertains to internal and external audiences. The person works with the reporting team to generate reports for incorporation into materials. This position will coordinate and partner with colleagues across campus, including but not limited to colleges, departments, academic programs, and University Communications. The position will also coordinate and promote our three main Division of Research campus events. The person will be responsible for the overarching Division website, reviewing for consistency, and ensuring content is current and aligns with other Division materials.

Summary of Position Responsibilities

Engagement and Communications Materials:
Create, Design, and Update Communication and Marketing Materials: Oversees production, including content development and resource allocation for specific communication projects. Coordinates with University Communications to promote Division of Research initiatives, projects, and updates through various media outlets. Designs communication and presentation materials for the Vice Chancellor, Associate Vice Chancellor, and staff members of key initiatives and events. Coordinates with the reporting team to produce regular updates to all Division materials. Promotes the Division of Research through consistent branding with a clear knowledge of its mission.

Event Support for the Division of Research:
Leading overall event planning communications for the three main Division of Research events, including coordinating with the planning committee to design/update materials, compiling invitation lists, and coordinating with University Communications for coverage of the event. This also involves working with the reporting team to generate research information needed for the events.

Communication and Marketing:
Lead the development and implementation of the Division of Research's communication and marketing strategy, including collaborating with constituents and partners to determine objectives, producing key messages, identifying platforms and channels, including social media (LinkedIn, YouTube, etc.), and codifying communication frameworks and guidance in accordance to University Communications policies and procedures. Writes and administers the Division of Research's communication plan as it pertains to internal and external audiences. Possesses excellent writing and editing skills, as well as extensive knowledge of effective marketing and communication techniques. Presents technical information to a lay audience. Identification of opportunities for promotion of research activities.

Project Management:
Responsible for the advancement of communications, production of publications, and management of the Division of Research website/web presence. Work directly with the Associate Vice Chancellor of Research, Division staff, and other constituents, providing counsel and coordination for all branding and marketing initiatives. Conceptualizes, creates, and maintains a full suite of materials, including comprehensive reports, newsletters and brochures, presentations, special-event materials, and email and web-based communications. Designs, maintains, and administers the Division of Research websites. Promotes the best University branding practices and works to maintain standards set by the University. Demonstrates outstanding attention to detail with excellent organizational and interpersonal skills. Functions as the Division of Research point person connecting with University Communications.

Organizational Sensitivity:
Promotes the Division of Research through consistent branding techniques and clear knowledge of its mission. Works with the Associate Vice Chancellor and key stakeholders to prioritize goals, encourage collaboration, identify distinctive strengths and opportunities, and establish marketing and communication goals. Compiles and/or collects reports central to the Division. Coordinates with University Communications to promote the Division of Research and research across campus.

Other Duties as Assigned

Minimum Education/Experience
Bachelor's degree and 3 years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Master's degree with 1-2 years of experience within a higher education or academic research setting
Proven experience translating complex scientific, technical, or academic research concepts into compelling, accessible content for general/lay audiences
Demonstrated proficiency in managing, designing, and updating institutional websites using Content Management Systems (CMS) such as WordPress, or similar campus-approved platforms
Experience directly advising and creating high-profile presentation and communication materials for executive leadership (e.g., Vice Chancellors, Deans, Center Directors or C-suite executives)
Documented success in leading the marketing, branding, and promotional strategy for large-scale institutional events or conferences from conception to execution
Strong working knowledge of maintaining strict brand integrity and aligning divisional messaging with overarching university-wide communication policies and visual identity guidelines
Experience partnering with data/reporting teams to extract key metrics and successfully incorporate technical data, charts, and reports into marketing collateral and annual publications
Proven track record of managing and growing professional social media channels (specifically LinkedIn and YouTube) and executing targeted digital email campaigns
Demonstrated ability to build relationships and collaborate with diverse campus partners, colleges, and central PR departments

Necessary Certifications/Licenses

Preferred Certifications/Licenses

Special Notes to Applicants

Please provide a sample portfolio demonstrating successful outcomes in areas of responsibility. You may upload or provide a URL in the Other Document section of the application.
The finalist will be subject to a Criminal Background Check and/or a Motor Vehicle Report
The Search Committee will not contact references without first verifying permission with
the finalist.
Please ensure your resume reflects the knowledge, skills, abilities, and experiences to support your answers to the supplemental questions.
UNC Charlotte Benefits Information: https://hr.charlotte.edu/benefits/benefits-overview/

Posting Open Date
06/12/2026

Posting Close Date

Open Until Filled
Yes

Proposed Hire Date
08/03/2026

If time-limited please indicate appointment end date

Contact Information

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
*
How did you hear about this employment opportunity?

UNC Charlotte Website
HERC Job Board
Inside Higher Education
Mitratech Circa (formerly known as Local JobNetwork)
Another Website
Agency Referral
Advertisement/Publication
Personal Referral
Other

Where did you learn about this posting?
(Open Ended Question)

*
Do you have a bachelor's degree and three years of experience or the equivalent combination of education and /or experience?

Yes, bachelor's degree and three years of experience or higher
Yes, associate degree and five years of experience
Yes, high school diploma and seven years of experience
No

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

Resume / Curriculum Vitae
Cover Letter / Letter of Interest
Contact Information for References

Optional Documents

Other Document