About the Opportunity The Director of Media Relations is responsible for telling The University of North Carolina's (UNC) story to the world through a strategic, proactive and comprehensive media communications and relations strategy. The Director will work to elevate the University's local, regional and national reputation by leveraging the UNC System's brand, its excellent students and expert faculty and staff, and its position as a highly respected and innovative system of higher education. Reporting to the Vice President for Communications, the Director will work collaboratively with colleagues across UNC System Office and media relations staff at the University's 17 constituent institutions to create and/or identify content with broad media and public appeal. The Director will also have responsibility for partnering with colleagues in Legal Affairs in coordinating fulfillment of public records requests involving System Office and/or the University's constituent institutions.
This position is primarily onsite, with some opportunity for hybrid work, consistent with System Office policy. UNC System employees are generally required to reside in North Carolina, within a 2-hour commuting distance of their assigned duty station.
About the UNC System Office The UNC System Office includes the offices of the President and other senior administrators of the multi-campus University of North Carolina System. The UNC System is a treasured public institution dedicated to serving the people of North Carolina through world-class teaching, research, and community engagement. Today, nearly 250,000 students are enrolled in our 16 universities across the state and at the NC School of Science and Mathematics. System Office staff is responsible for executing the policies of the UNC Board of Governors and providing University-wide leadership in the areas of academic affairs, business and financial management, long-range planning, student affairs, research, legal affairs, and government relations. The UNC System Office also has administrative oversight of a number of University affiliates, including PBS North Carolina, the North Carolina Arboretum, the NC State Education Assistance Authority, and University of North Carolina Press.
About the Team The University Communications office is responsible for providing subject matter expertise and coordination of the University's branding, strategic communications, social media, web site, media relations, and community relations activities. This includes advising and providing communications support to the President, senior officers, and functional offices that comprise the UNC System Office. This office also serves a coordination and liaison role on behalf of the System Office to the chief communications officers of the constituent universities of the UNC System.
Minimum Education, Experience, and Skills Master's degree and 5 years of experience in a field directly related to media relations and/or communications, will accept a Bachelor's degree with 7 or more years of experience, including a minimum of 4 years of proven experience working directly with the media and successfully pitching stories.
Required Competencies
Ability to be strategic, think creatively, take initiative, and effectively work both independently and collaboratively with colleagues across the University.
Problem-solving skills, with the ability to quickly assess issues and crises, and develop and execute effective media communications plans to address them.
Ability to build and maintain successful relationships with national, regional, and local media.
Possess excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communications skills.
Copy editing skill and knowledge of AP Style.
Ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters.
Must be able to manage multiple and diverse projects and meet deadlines.
Ability to critically evaluate information and assess news value, while maintaining high journalistic standards of accuracy and integrity.
Tech-savvy, with the ability to help facilitate a wide array of media opportunities through various channels, from print and broadcast to podcasts and social media.
Knowledgeable and up to date on advances and trends related to media relations.
Prior demonstrated experience as a spokesperson for a complex and diverse organization.
Ability to engage in occasional evening and weekend work is required as is periodic business travel.
Preferred Education, Experience, and Skills
Prefer prior experience in higher education and/or the public sector, but this is not required.
Crisis communications experience
Previous journalism experience a plus.
Photography, videography, and basic video editing skills.
Classification: Director Appointment Type: Permanent Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time Employment Type: EHRA EHRA Category: SAAO (Tier II) Location: Raleigh, NC USA Position Number: 20023211 Special Instructions to Applicants: The position remains open until filled, but applications received by March 21, 2023 will be given priority consideration. For questions or additional information about this opportunity, please contact executive recruiter, Anne Schwarz, at acschwarz@northcarolina.edu
Equal Employment Opportunity and Other Information The UNC System Office (includes PBS NC, NCSEAA, and NC Arboretum) is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran. The UNC System Office (includes PBS NC, NCSEAA, and NC Arboretum) is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.
To claim veteran's preference, all eligible persons must indicate their eligibility as requested on the application. A DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, may be required later in the selection process.
The UNC System Office (includes PBS NC, NCSEAA, and NC Arboretum) 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.
