A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

The Office of University Communications is responsible for the strategic management of the University’s overall public relations and reputation management activities. The department provides leadership, counsel and services to over 200 communicators across campus and works with those communicators to ensure a unified campus-wide communications strategy. Areas within University Communications include: Executive Communications, Media Relations, Visual Communications & Production, Content Strategy, Social Media, Issues Management, Public Records, the UNC-Chapel Hill Visitors Center, and UNC Creative.

UNC-Chapel Hill’s University Communications department is seeking an Associate Director of Media Relations for its best-in-class Media Relations team. Individuals who thrive on driving and supporting a team to accomplish their goals are well suited for this position. If you enjoy combining communications, operations and team management to create an efficient, successful team, and want to work for the nation’s first and best public university, this is the role for you. Experience working with strong teams and creating processes that serve them are required, as well as a passion for strategic communications, media and strong writing. Reporting to the Senior Director of Media Relations, the Associate Director of Media Relations helps manage the daily operations of the media relations team and handle senior-level initiatives for both the proactive and reactive media needs for the nation’s first public university. This role works with colleagues in the Office of University Communications, University leaders and communications professionals across campus in a fast-paced and busy office that handles a high volume of news stories of national importance. The person in this role will draft communications plans for large-scale promotional initiatives, such as the University’s strategic plan, annual commencement ceremonies and media announcement events, and guide the media relations team on developing strategies for their announcements and will work with the director to determine story lines that best position the University as a world-class public research institution. They will work with the media relations team to oversee daily work and operations, guide team members on planning, and advise on strategy. They will also engage in issues management and make recommendations on media strategies and responses. In addition, the Associate Director will serve as a contact for members of the media. They will develop and maintain strong working relationships with subject matter experts across the campus and with key journalists on the national, state and local levels.

Bachelor’s degree and one year of experience related to the area of assignment; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

The Associate Director of Media Relations must have the ability to keep current with changing priorities and developments within the department and the University. Must have thorough knowledge of and hands-on experience in media relations and communication of complex issues. Strong written and oral communications skills are essential. The ability to handle difficult situations and those that fall outside established procedures and guidelines. Extensive experience working with national media outlets on behalf of large, complex organizations.

Experience working in public relations for higher education, an agency, government or comparable setting. Experience with writing and journalism. Experience creating and executing media campaigns preferred. Experience working in public relations for higher education, an agency, government or comparable setting. Experience with writing and journalism. Experience creating and executing media campaigns preferred.