Public Communications Specialist-Durham

State of North Carolina • Durham, NC

21h • Hybrid

About The Position

North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (NCSSM) a constituent of the University of North Carolina System, is a world-class public high school with statewide reach empowering academically talented students from every corner of the state to design their own future. We offer our Residential high school program in Durham and Morganton for juniors and seniors, our Online supplementary honors program, and individual virtual daytime Connect courses in partnership with local high schools, all tuition free. Our wide array of summer offerings for rising fifth- through 12th-graders includes free opportunities for in-state students alongside paid options for students from anywhere in the world. Specializing in science, technology, engineering, and math and embracing the fine arts and humanities, NCSSM has become the model for 18 such specialized schools around the globe since its founding in 1980. For more information visit ncssm.edu. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran or national guard.
CLOSING DATE: Wednesday, March 11, 2026
This position will close at 11:59 p.m. the night before the end date listed.
POSITION TYPE: Permanent, 2-year Time-Limited, SHRA, FLSA non-exempt, 1.0 FTE
NCSSM and the Extended Learning division foster an environment of collaboration across departments and divisions and support community-engaged service and research.
The primary purpose of the position is to develop and implement a marketing strategy to recruit students from North Carolina to participate in summer and other extended learning programs. Some travel will be required (15%). The position reports to the Associate Director of STEM Access and Outreach and is responsible for developing new strategies and creative, innovative approaches to reach targeted audiences with specific high impact messages as well as marketing campaigns for specific projects. The marketing strategy and campaigns will be representative of participant demographics, program features, and benefits. The position will also identify target audiences for recruitment, develop and manage communications systems, write and edit content for websites, newsletters, and social media platforms for Step Up to STEM at Elizabeth City State University (ECSU), NCSSM Durham, and the University of North Carolina at Pembroke (UNCP). Additionally, the position will provide administrative support for the Step Up to STEM programs at those locations. This position has remote options that are flexible/hybrid. The position will have responsibilities driving for school-related business/transporting students, therefore, candidates must possess a valid driver’s license with no serious driving-related convictions.

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.
• Candidates must possess a valid driver’s license with no serious driving-related convictions.

Nice To Haves

• Proficiency in graphic design tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and knowledge of social media platforms and best practices (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok).
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills to engage learners with varied instructional needs and cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Meticulousness in editing materials, tracking campaign metrics, and managing logistics.
• Preferred minimum of 2 years of directly related work experience, particularly in a higher education or public sector environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a marketing strategy to recruit students from North Carolina to participate in summer and other extended learning programs.
• Develop new strategies and creative, innovative approaches to reach targeted audiences with specific high impact messages as well as marketing campaigns for specific projects.
• Identify target audiences for recruitment.
• Develop and manage communications systems.
• Write and edit content for websites, newsletters, and social media platforms for Step Up to STEM at Elizabeth City State University (ECSU), NCSSM Durham, and the University of North Carolina at Pembroke (UNCP).
• Provide administrative support for the Step Up to STEM programs at those locations.
• Driving for school-related business/transporting students

Benefits

• NCSSM offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package designed to support the well-being, growth, and work-life balance of our employees.
• Highlights include generous vacation and sick leave; 12 annual holidays; paid parental, family medical, and community service leave; and flexible work schedules where applicable.
• Leave is earned monthly and pro-rated for part-time employees and those working less than 12 months.
• Employees also enjoy access to the State Health Plan, multiple retirement options (including TSERS and ORP), supplemental retirement savings plans, tuition waiver benefits across the UNC System, and free access to on-site facilities like a gym, library, and cafeteria.
• Additional perks include life insurance, disability coverage, flexible spending accounts, and membership eligibility with the State Employees Credit Union.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level