Media Relations Director

State of North Carolina•1915 Health Service Way Wake, NC

1d•$90,000 - $120,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Media Relations Director leads the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services’ press response, public records compliance, and public engagement strategies in support of the department’s mission to improve the health, safety, and well-being of North Carolinians. The role manages a complex, fast-paced public information program for a large state agency that averages more than 2,300 media requests annually. The Director serves as a primary media communications advisor and key spokesperson for department leadership, coordinating closely with the Governor’s Office, other state agencies, and diverse stakeholders. The position operates with significant independence in partnership with the Director of Strategic Communications and reports to the Senior Director of Communications. The Director supervises the Media Relations Team, including press and public records teams, and oversees communications specialists, an events manager, media relations personnel, and support staff. The role develops media strategies, handles proactive communications and crisis messaging, prepares written public materials, advises executives on communication plans, and builds relationships with media, advocacy groups, and the public. The position is eligible for hybrid work and requires onsite reporting in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, public affairs, media, journalism, English, or a related field from an appropriately accredited institution and six years of experience in communications, public relations, or publicity work; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Nice To Haves

Thorough knowledge of the principles, methods, and modern practices of planning and executing large-scale public relations and media engagement strategies.
Thorough knowledge of journalistic standards, AP style, publication layout, digital media tracking, and multimedia production techniques.
Ability to supervise, mentor, and evaluate communications professionals handling press releases, complex media inquiries, and high-volume public records requests.
Ability to exercise mature judgment, analyze high-stakes situations rapidly, and make sound decisions under tight deadlines.
Experience planning and executing in-person and virtual events, including press conferences, media briefings, stakeholder roundtables, community forums, and executive events.
Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex health and technical data into clear, accessible public information.

Responsibilities

Lead the department’s press response, public records compliance, and public engagement strategies.
Manage the department’s public information program and address a high volume of media requests.
Serve as a primary media communications advisor and key spokesperson for department leadership, coordinating with the Governor’s Office, other state agencies, and stakeholders.
Supervise and direct the Media Relations Team, including press and public records teams.
Oversee professional communications specialists, an events manager, media relations personnel, and support staff.
Plan, design, and execute comprehensive media relations strategies, including proactive public relations campaigns and crisis messaging.
Anticipate emerging issues, risks, and changes in the media and political landscape.
Draft press releases, media advisories, stakeholder letters, talking points, and other public communications under tight deadlines.
Ensure public materials and media responses are reviewed and aligned with department strategy.
Work with department leadership and subject-matter experts to develop public communication plans and effective ways to engage the public.
Build and maintain relationships with local, state, and national news media representatives, community advocacy groups, and the general public.