Communications and Design Manager

About the Department
The Peter A. Pappas Real Estate Development Program provides a comprehensive approach to real estate development, focusing on land‑use, transportation, and open‑space planning. It builds on the work of the Initiative for Community Growth, led by Chuck Flink, Fellow of the American Society of Landscape Architects.

Wolfpack Perks and Benefits
As a Pack member, you belong here and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well‑being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

What we offer:

Medical, Dental, and Vision

Flexible Spending Account

Retirement Programs

Disability Plans

Life Insurance

Accident Plan

Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs

12 Holidays Each Year

Tuition and Academic Assistance

And so much more!

Attain work‑life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.

Disclaimer: Perks and benefit eligibility is based on Part‑Time or Full‑Time employment status.

Essential Job Duties
The Communications + Design Manager leads the strategy, development, and execution of communications that elevate the visibility and impact of the Pappas Program. This position is responsible for managing the Program’s visual identity and ensuring consistent, high‑quality communications across digital and print platforms. Working collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, and external partners, the Manager develops compelling communications that showcase the Program’s research, events, and initiatives while strengthening engagement with key audiences.

Key Responsibilities
Brand Management & Creative Design

Lead the application and stewardship of the Pappas Program’s visual identity across all communications, including the website, reports, presentations, event materials, social media, print collateral, and branded merchandise.

Design and produce high‑quality print and digital materials using Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign) while ensuring consistency with established brand standards.

Communications Strategy & Digital Engagement

Develop and execute a comprehensive communications strategy across multiple platforms, including WordPress, Mailchimp, social media, print publications, and electronic calendar postings.

Create and edit compelling written and visual content that promotes Program initiatives, events, research, and accomplishments to internal and external audiences.

Research Communications & Event Support

Serve as the communications lead for the Program’s Sponsored Research initiatives by collaborating with faculty, staff, and students to develop research publications, illustrations, data visualizations, and print‑ready deliverables.

Lead communications and marketing efforts for Program events by designing promotional materials, managing Mailchimp email campaigns, coordinating social media outreach, overseeing RSVP tracking, and supporting event logistics, signage, and wayfinding.

Project & Personnel Management

Manage multiple communications and design projects simultaneously, ensuring deliverables are completed on schedule and meet quality standards.

Supervise the Program’s social media intern by assigning projects, reviewing content, and providing guidance on communications and graphic design best practices.

If you are a creative professional who enjoys combining graphic design, strategic communications, and project management to support research and education, we’d love to hear from you. If you thrive in a collaborative environment, have an eye for detail, and enjoy creating engaging communications that make a lasting impact, you’ll find an exciting opportunity to grow your career with the Pappas Program.

Other Responsibilities

Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Education and Experience

Bachelor’s Degree or Master’s Degree in Graphic Design or Communications from an accredited university.

Other Required Qualifications

2‑5 years of experience in graphic design or communications, with a strong portfolio.

Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) and experience with WordPress.

Strong knowledge of design principles, typography, color theory, layout, and producing print materials from layout through final production.

Familiarity with email marketing platforms, particularly Mailchimp.

Strong writing, copyediting, and communication skills.

Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and work collaboratively with a small, multidisciplinary team.

Preferred Qualifications

Demonstrated experience creating publications, infographics, data visualizations, or other research communication materials for technical or academic audiences.

Experience planning and promoting events, including developing marketing collateral, managing email campaigns, coordinating RSVPs, and supporting event logistics.

Experience supervising or mentoring student employees, interns, or creative team members.

Required License(s) or Certification(s)
N/A

EEO Statement
NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability‑related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919‑513‑0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515‑2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

NC State University participates in E‑Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

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