What are the responsibilities and job description for the Communications & Events Specialist position at Inside Higher Ed?
Department
Study Abroad - 313800
Career Area
Public Relations/Communications/Marketing
Posting Open Date
04/17/2026
Application Deadline
04/28/2026
Position Type
Temporary Staff (SHRA)
Position Title
Communications & Events Specialist
Position Number
20025538
Vacancy ID
S027152
Full-time/Part-time
Full-Time Temporary
Hours Per Week
40
Work Schedule
Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Position Location:
North Carolina, US
Hiring Range
$22.00 per hour
Proposed Start Date
05/25/2026
Estimated Duration Of Appointment
6 months not to exceed 11 months
Be a Tar Heel!:
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.One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks that include numerous retail and restaurant discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates for performing arts events.
Primary Purpose Of Organizational Unit
The Study Abroad Office (SAO) at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is the primary unit charged with study abroad program development, oversight, and advising. SAO creates transformative global learning experiences for all students to pursue their Carolina education at sites around the world. UNC Chapel Hill is a national leader in study abroad participation and ranks in the top 10 among all U.S. higher education institutions for annual study abroad enrollment. Based within the College of Arts & Sciences, the office oversees study abroad and domestic study programs that enroll students from the College as well as other UNC Schools. Programs include student exchange, direct-enroll, partner provider, and UNC faculty-led programs, and educational opportunities that encompass traditional courses, internships, research, service and virtual programs. The SAO employs a staff of approximately 20 fulltime professionals and manages a recharge center and total budget of $30MM, consisting of $15MM in cash and an additional $15MM in expense transactions. The Study Abroad Office serves over 2500 outgoing undergraduate students plus over 300 incoming students from UNC’s global partners. The office collaborates with academic and administrative units throughout the College, as well as with other UNC schools in support the University’s global mission. The Office is affiliated with UNC Global and is located in the FedEx Global Education Center. Though based within the College of Arts & Sciences, the office serves as a resource for the entire Carolina community.
Position Summary
The Communications & Events Specialist supports the Communications & Marketing Manager in implementing communication strategies and executing large-scale outreach events for the Study Abroad Office. This role ensures that Carolina students are aware of and inspired to pursue global learning experiences that enhance their academic goals, broaden their perspectives, and equip them with valuable skills to succeed in an interconnected world. Key responsibilities include planning and executing major outreach events, managing social media campaigns, and creating digital content to promote study abroad opportunities. Through these efforts, the Communications & Events Specialist expands the office’s reach, showcases diverse global programs, and shares student success stories. Specifically, this position oversees office-wide study abroad outreach events, including New Student Orientations, Week-of-Welcome, Family Weekend, the Study Abroad Fair, and collaborations with Admissions. Responsibilities include setting outreach priorities, developing event concepts with the Communications & Marketing Manager, managing the outreach budget, and coordinating logistics such as venue scheduling, staffing, stakeholder communication, registration processes, parking, equipment, and catering. In addition to event and communications work, this role provides leadership and direction for student staff supporting outreach and engagement initiatives. The Communications & Events Specialist serves as the co-Staff Advisor to the Study Abroad Peer Ambassadors (SAPA), co-supervising and mentoring student leaders as they plan and implement campus engagement efforts. This position also oversees the project-based work of Study Abroad Peer Advisors serving as Events, Marketing, and Social Media Specialists, guiding content development, digital communications, and event promotion to ensure consistency and quality across initiatives. This role works in close coordination with the General Advisor & Events Coordinator, who oversees daily drop-in advising operations. While the General Advisor leads student supervision during advising hours, the Communications & Events Specialist provides primary oversight of student project work, outreach initiatives, and communications efforts conducted outside of advising hours, ensuring alignment between advising, outreach, and marketing strategies. Additionally, the Communications & Events Specialist leads front office operations for the Study Abroad Office, overseeing student staff support for reception coverage, phone and equipment management, mail processing, and supply coordination to maintain a welcoming, organized, and student-centered environment. The UNC Study Abroad Office engages students, faculty, staff, international partners, alumni, and donors through its website, newsletters, and social media platforms. While the Communications & Marketing Manager develops strategic communications in alignment with office goals, the Communications & Events Specialist plays a critical role in executing, publishing, and evaluating these communications and events to maximize their impact.
Minimum Education And Experience Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in a discipline related to the area of assignment; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.
Management Preferences
Familiarity with a variety of technology platforms.
Demonstrated experience working effectively in autonomous or interdependent team settings.
Experience implementing data informed practices.
Superior critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Experience with photography, videography or video editing.
Special Physical/Mental Requirements
N/A
Campus Security Authority Responsibilities
Not Applicable.
Study Abroad - 313800
Career Area
Public Relations/Communications/Marketing
Posting Open Date
04/17/2026
Application Deadline
04/28/2026
Position Type
Temporary Staff (SHRA)
Position Title
Communications & Events Specialist
Position Number
20025538
Vacancy ID
S027152
Full-time/Part-time
Full-Time Temporary
Hours Per Week
40
Work Schedule
Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Position Location:
North Carolina, US
Hiring Range
$22.00 per hour
Proposed Start Date
05/25/2026
Estimated Duration Of Appointment
6 months not to exceed 11 months
Be a Tar Heel!:
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.One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks that include numerous retail and restaurant discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates for performing arts events.
Primary Purpose Of Organizational Unit
The Study Abroad Office (SAO) at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is the primary unit charged with study abroad program development, oversight, and advising. SAO creates transformative global learning experiences for all students to pursue their Carolina education at sites around the world. UNC Chapel Hill is a national leader in study abroad participation and ranks in the top 10 among all U.S. higher education institutions for annual study abroad enrollment. Based within the College of Arts & Sciences, the office oversees study abroad and domestic study programs that enroll students from the College as well as other UNC Schools. Programs include student exchange, direct-enroll, partner provider, and UNC faculty-led programs, and educational opportunities that encompass traditional courses, internships, research, service and virtual programs. The SAO employs a staff of approximately 20 fulltime professionals and manages a recharge center and total budget of $30MM, consisting of $15MM in cash and an additional $15MM in expense transactions. The Study Abroad Office serves over 2500 outgoing undergraduate students plus over 300 incoming students from UNC’s global partners. The office collaborates with academic and administrative units throughout the College, as well as with other UNC schools in support the University’s global mission. The Office is affiliated with UNC Global and is located in the FedEx Global Education Center. Though based within the College of Arts & Sciences, the office serves as a resource for the entire Carolina community.
Position Summary
The Communications & Events Specialist supports the Communications & Marketing Manager in implementing communication strategies and executing large-scale outreach events for the Study Abroad Office. This role ensures that Carolina students are aware of and inspired to pursue global learning experiences that enhance their academic goals, broaden their perspectives, and equip them with valuable skills to succeed in an interconnected world. Key responsibilities include planning and executing major outreach events, managing social media campaigns, and creating digital content to promote study abroad opportunities. Through these efforts, the Communications & Events Specialist expands the office’s reach, showcases diverse global programs, and shares student success stories. Specifically, this position oversees office-wide study abroad outreach events, including New Student Orientations, Week-of-Welcome, Family Weekend, the Study Abroad Fair, and collaborations with Admissions. Responsibilities include setting outreach priorities, developing event concepts with the Communications & Marketing Manager, managing the outreach budget, and coordinating logistics such as venue scheduling, staffing, stakeholder communication, registration processes, parking, equipment, and catering. In addition to event and communications work, this role provides leadership and direction for student staff supporting outreach and engagement initiatives. The Communications & Events Specialist serves as the co-Staff Advisor to the Study Abroad Peer Ambassadors (SAPA), co-supervising and mentoring student leaders as they plan and implement campus engagement efforts. This position also oversees the project-based work of Study Abroad Peer Advisors serving as Events, Marketing, and Social Media Specialists, guiding content development, digital communications, and event promotion to ensure consistency and quality across initiatives. This role works in close coordination with the General Advisor & Events Coordinator, who oversees daily drop-in advising operations. While the General Advisor leads student supervision during advising hours, the Communications & Events Specialist provides primary oversight of student project work, outreach initiatives, and communications efforts conducted outside of advising hours, ensuring alignment between advising, outreach, and marketing strategies. Additionally, the Communications & Events Specialist leads front office operations for the Study Abroad Office, overseeing student staff support for reception coverage, phone and equipment management, mail processing, and supply coordination to maintain a welcoming, organized, and student-centered environment. The UNC Study Abroad Office engages students, faculty, staff, international partners, alumni, and donors through its website, newsletters, and social media platforms. While the Communications & Marketing Manager develops strategic communications in alignment with office goals, the Communications & Events Specialist plays a critical role in executing, publishing, and evaluating these communications and events to maximize their impact.
Minimum Education And Experience Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in a discipline related to the area of assignment; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.
Management Preferences
Familiarity with a variety of technology platforms.
Demonstrated experience working effectively in autonomous or interdependent team settings.
Experience implementing data informed practices.
Superior critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Experience with photography, videography or video editing.
Special Physical/Mental Requirements
N/A
Campus Security Authority Responsibilities
Not Applicable.
Salary : $22