Strategic Communications Specialist

Position Summary
The Strategic Communications Specialist executes the Collaboratory's external engagement strategy, ensuring that the impact of research is visible and accessible to diverse audiences through digital platforms, targeted email outreach, and proactive media engagement. This role combines strategic storytelling with digital engagement, email strategy, audience targeting, and media relations to produce written and visual content that translates complex research into clear, compelling narratives for policymakers, partners, and the public.

Organizational Unit Overview
The North Carolina Collaboratory at UNC-Chapel Hill disseminates the policy and research expertise of the University for practical use by state and local government. Established in 2016, it supports more than 250 active projects, drawing on over $250 million in appropriations, and serves as a trusted leader in science and policy.

Key Responsibilities

Writing & Strategic Content Development

Craft clear, compelling content that translates complex research into accessible narratives for policymakers, partners, and the public.

Translate technical findings into approachable messaging and written materials.

Conduct stakeholder interviews to ensure accuracy and clarity for non‑expert audiences.

Social Media Development & Audience Growth

Lead the Collaboratory's social media strategy across Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, and other platforms.

Create timely, engaging content and develop platform‑specific strategies.

Analyze performance metrics to optimize visibility and monitor news and legislative activity.

Email Strategy, Writing & Audience Targeting

Manage the creation, editing, and strategic distribution of newsletters, press releases, media advisories, and stakeholder updates.

Oversee the email platform, curate and organize stakeholder lists, and ensure messages reach target audiences effectively.

Media Relations

Cultivate and manage relationships with reporters and media outlets to ensure accurate and visible coverage.

Conduct proactive media outreach, press management, and respond quickly to media inquiries.

Monitor media coverage to position the Collaboratory as a trusted resource for journalists covering research, policy, and public‑interest issues.

Academic Partnerships & Brand Development

Engage academic and research communities to elevate the Collaboratory's reputation.

Identify conference opportunities, strengthen strategic positioning, and pursue awards that highlight research impact.

Facilitate principal investigator training to support effective representation of the Collaboratory's work.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
A Master's degree or a Bachelor's degree with 0–2 years of relevant experience; or a combination of related education and experience in substitution.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

Required Qualifications

Ability to write and edit across multiple formats (e.g., articles, newsletters, press releases, talking points, email campaigns, media statements).

Proficiency in managing social media platforms (Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.) and related analytics tools.

Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships across diverse stakeholders, including researchers, policymakers, academic partners, and members of the media.

Required Competencies

Translate complex research into clear, compelling written content for diverse audiences.

Strategic storytelling and campaign development skills, including proactive media relations and targeted email outreach.

Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.

Analyze audience data and apply insights to refine messaging and boost engagement across social, email, and earned media channels.

Attention to detail and commitment to brand consistency across all communications.

Required Experience

Professional communications experience spanning writing, digital, and media‑focused work.

Proven ability to develop and execute integrated communications campaigns (email, social, media, stakeholder engagement) that increase visibility and advance organizational goals.

Experience managing end‑to‑end campaigns and media engagement, including content creation, posting, analytics, and optimization.

Demonstrated success collaborating with cross‑functional teams and preparing leadership for external engagements.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

Preferred Qualifications

Demonstrated training or certification in digital marketing, analytics, email marketing platforms, media relations, or social media management tools.

Familiarity with state government, legislative processes, or higher education systems.

Experience preparing spokespeople or leadership for media engagement.

Strong writing and editing skills for executive communications, op‑eds, or other high‑visibility materials.

Preferred Competencies

Strategic ability to anticipate communications opportunities and proactively position the organization through media engagement and targeted email outreach.

Write and tailor messaging for policymakers, legislators, academic audiences, and media outlets.

Working knowledge of SEO, content strategy, digital advertising, and email and audience targeting.

Measure communications ROI and present data‑driven insights on email and media outreach performance.

Preferred Experience

Progressively responsible communications experience, ideally within higher education, nonprofit, or government settings.

Experience building and managing partnerships with external stakeholders such as universities, research consortia, government agencies, and media contacts.

Proven track record of securing media coverage and strong email engagement successes.

Experience developing training resources or onboarding materials for faculty, researchers, or staff involved in media or email communications.

Special Physical/Mental Requirements
None specified.

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities
Not Applicable.

Benefits and Professional Development

Access to a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth and skill development.

Exclusive perks and discounts on retail, restaurants, performing arts, childcare centers, and selected campus events.

A comprehensive benefits package, including paid leave, health, life, and retirement plans, and additional programs supporting work/life balance.

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.

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