Director of Executive Communications

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit
The Office of University Communications is responsible for the strategic management of the University’s overall public relations and reputation management activities. The department provides leadership, counsel and services to over 200 communicators across campus and works with those communicators to ensure a unified campus-wide communications strategy. Areas within University Communications include: Content Development, Executive Communications, Internal Communications, Media Relations, Social Media, Strategic Resources, Issues Management, Community Relations, Public Records, UNC Creative and the UNC Visitors Center.

Position Summary
The Director of Executive Communications is responsible for researching, writing and managing strategic communications, primarily for the Chancellor, including speeches, major presentations and other written communications. This position reports to the Vice Chancellor of Communications and works collaboratively with the Chancellor, Provost’s office, chancellor’s office staff, senior University leaders and University Communications staff to deliver a consistent message that advances UNC-Chapel Hill’s mission, values and strategic goals. The director works with leaders and communicators across the campus to research and gather information to highlight in executive communications in strategic ways. The director is assisted by a member of the chancellor’s staff who works on speaking engagement logistics and provides in-person executive staffing at a variety of events. This executive communications manager also helps write remarks and assists with executive social media channels.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree required (or foreign degree equivalent) with three years or greater of related professional experience; for candidates demonstrating comparable professional backgrounds, will accept a relevant Bachelor’s degree (or foreign degree equivalent) and five years or greater of relevant experience in substitution.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
Excellent verbal, interpersonal, and presentation skills to effectively communicate with internal and external audiences. Demonstrated successful track record in professional writing and ability to tell a compelling story. Strong organizational ability and attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
Five years of experience in executive speech writing, journalism, public relations, with extensive experience writing professionally for a variety of platforms, including oral presentations (speechwriting), social media, articles, correspondence, blogs and websites. Demonstrated successful track record in high-level national media writing. Experience working in higher education.