Strategic Communications Specialist

Position Summary The Strategic Communications Specialist executes the Collaboratory’s external engagement strategy, ensuring that the impact of research is visible and accessible to diverse audiences through digital platforms, targeted email outreach, and proactive media engagement. This position combines strategic storytelling with digital engagement, email strategy, audience targeting, and media relations to produce written and visual content that translates complex research into clear, compelling narratives for policymakers, partners, and the public. Reporting to the Director of External Impact & Strategic Communications, the Specialist drives the Collaboratory’s external engagement by developing and managing social media strategies, executing targeted email campaigns, and building media relationships to secure coverage and coordinate responses. This position also creates accessible research-based content for key stakeholders, including one‑pagers, press releases, presentations, articles, and talking points. Additionally, the Specialist uses analytics to understand and grow digital audiences, ensuring that content reaches the right stakeholders at the right time. This position also supports academic partnerships and brand development by identifying priority conferences, events, and awards that elevate the Collaboratory’s work. The Strategic Communications Specialist amplifies the institutional voice, visibility, and reputation of the Collaboratory as a trusted leader in science and policy. Minimum Education and Experience Requirements Master’s or Bachelor’s and 0‑2 years’ experience; or will accept a combination of related education and experience in substitution. Required Qualifications Ability to write and edit across multiple formats (e.g., articles, newsletters, press releases, talking points, email campaigns, media statements). Proficiency in managing social media platforms (Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.) and related analytics tools. Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships across diverse stakeholders, including researchers, policymakers, academic partners, and members of the media. Required Competencies Ability to translate complex research into clear, compelling written content for diverse audiences through written, digital, email, and media channels. Strategic storytelling and campaign development skills, including proactive media relations and targeted email outreach. Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment. Ability to analyze audience data and apply insights to refine messaging and boost engagement across social, email, and earned media channels. Attention to detail and commitment to brand consistency across written, digital, email, media, and event‑based communications. Required Experience Professional communications experience spanning writing, digital, and media‑focused work. Proven ability to develop and execute integrated communications campaigns (email, social, media, stakeholder engagement) that increase visibility and advance organizational goals. Experience managing end‑to‑end campaigns and media engagement, including content creation, posting, analytics, and optimization. Demonstrated success collaborating with cross‑functional teams and preparing leadership for external engagements. Preferred Qualifications Demonstrated training or certification in digital marketing, analytics, email marketing platforms, media relations, or social media management tools. Familiarity with state government, legislative processes, or higher education systems. Ability to develop and refine email strategies, including audience segmentation, list management, and campaign testing. Experience preparing spokespeople or leadership for media engagement, including drafting press statements or coordinating interviews. Strong writing and editing skills for executive communications, op‑eds, or other high‑visibility materials. Preferred Competencies Strategic ability to anticipate communications opportunities and proactively position the organization through media engagement and targeted email outreach. Ability to write and tailor messaging for policymakers, legislators, academic audiences, and media outlets. Working knowledge of SEO, content strategy, digital advertising, and email and audience targeting. Ability to measure communications ROI and present data‑driven insights on email and media outreach performance. Preferred Experience Progressively responsible communications experience, ideally within higher education, nonprofit, or government settings. Experience building and managing partnerships with external stakeholders such as universities, research consortia, government agencies, and media contacts. Proven track record of securing media coverage and strong email engagement successes that elevate organizational visibility. Experience developing training resources or onboarding materials for faculty, researchers, external collaborators or staff involved in media or email communications. Special Instructions Please include 2–3 writing samples in the “Documents needed to Apply” section of your application. Candidates advancing beyond the initial interview may be asked to complete a brief skills assessment related to the responsibilities of the position. #J-18808-Ljbffr University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill