Research Strategic Communications Manager

UNC-Chapel Hill•Chapel Hill, NC

About The Position

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s University Communications and Marketing team is seeking a curious, creative and highly driven Research Strategic Communications Manager to shape how Carolina’s research and discovery are understood in North Carolina, nationally and internationally. The role strengthens Carolina’s reputation as a leading global research university by identifying distinctive people, discoveries and ideas and turning them into compelling stories for broad audiences. Reporting to the Senior Director of Strategic Communications, the manager serves as a strategic communications partner for major University research priorities. They work across disciplines with faculty, research leaders, communicators and University Communications and Marketing colleagues to develop strategies that elevate Carolina’s research strengths and demonstrate its impact. A major focus is proactive earned media. The manager builds relationships with journalists covering science, health, technology, research and higher education; develops pitches and media strategies; connects Carolina experts with breaking and emerging news; and positions faculty and researchers as trusted voices. They translate complex research into clear, compelling narratives while preserving accuracy and nuance. The role also supports communications strategies for significant discoveries, research initiatives, institutional priorities and major announcements. In collaboration with strategic planning, brand marketing, editorial, social media, creative and other communications functions, the manager helps develop integrated opportunities across earned, owned and social channels. The role’s research themes will evolve with University priorities, and the manager will maintain an understanding of trends affecting research and higher education while contributing to broader communications priorities as needed.

Requirements

Excellent understanding of media trends and news cycles.
Experience developing media strategy and promoting stories on a wide array of topics.
Experience working with journalists, including pitching stories and responding to media inquiries.
Demonstrated ability to provide strategic communications counsel to unit-level communicators.
Ability to manage multiple projects effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Strong project management and organization skills.
Superior writing, editing and public presentation skills.
General knowledge of current issues in higher education, especially for public universities.

Nice To Haves

Seven or more years of experience in public or media relations for higher education, an agency, government, a research institution or a comparable setting.
Demonstrated experience translating research and/or scientific knowledge into clear, relatable content.
Experience generating earned media using a variety of tactics or strategies.

Responsibilities

Identify research-related people, discoveries and ideas that distinguish the University and develop them into compelling stories.
Proactively identify story opportunities across the University and connect Carolina expertise to issues shaping the national conversation.
Serve as a strategic communications partner for major University research priorities.
Develop communications strategies that elevate Carolina’s research strengths and demonstrate the impact of its work.
Build and maintain relationships with journalists covering science, health, technology, research and higher education.
Develop media pitches and strategies, respond to media inquiries, and connect Carolina experts with breaking and emerging news.
Position faculty and researchers as trusted voices in their fields.
Translate complex research into clear, compelling narratives without sacrificing accuracy or nuance.
Develop communications strategies for significant discoveries, research initiatives, institutional priorities and major announcements.
Collaborate with colleagues across strategic planning, brand marketing, editorial, social media, creative and other communications functions to create integrated opportunities across earned, owned and social channels.
Maintain an understanding of trends affecting the research enterprise and higher education.
Contribute to University Communications and Marketing communications priorities as needed.