Associate Director of External Affairs

Position Information

• Working Title
  :
  Associate Director of External Affairs
• Department
  :
  Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise
• Position Number
  :
• Vacancy : NF0009557
• Position Type
  :
  Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)
• Appointment Type
  : EHRA Non-Faculty
• Location
  :
  North Carolina, US
• Full Time/Part Time
  :
  Full-Time Permanent
• FTE
  : 1
• Proposed Start Date
  : 03/23/2026
• Final date to receive applications
  : 03/06/2026
• Open Until Filled
  :
  No
• Posting Open Date
  : 02/20/2026

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities
. Known for its beautiful campus, world‑class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn. One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and the community. University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events.

UNC‑Chapel Hill offers full‑time employees a comprehensive benefits package
, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

Established in 1985 by Frank Hawkins Kenan, the Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise is a nonpartisan business policy think tank affiliated with the UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School. The nonprofit institute and its affiliated centers convene leaders from the private sector, academic community and government to build a greater understanding of how entrepreneurship, economic development and global commerce can work for the public good.

The institute leverages best‑in‑class research to develop market‑based solutions to today’s most complex economic challenges. In doing so, the institute aims to support businesses and policies that better the lives of people in North Carolina, across the country and around the world.

This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement that may include a partially remote work location, consistent with System Office policy. UNC Chapel Hill employees are generally required to reside within a reasonable commuting distance of their assigned duty station.

The Associate Director of the External Affairs department will operationalize the Director’s broad team priorities and public relation strategies, lead the development of tools to track and communicate metrics/KPIs and work alongside the Business Development and Research Initiative teams as new projects are developed, pitched, and finalized.

With the Director predominantly outward facing, the Associate Director will provide day to day operational support, overseeing media relations, events, social media as well as new project initiatives, and serving as the lead contact for new ventures. As the portfolio of Kenan Institute projects continues to expand, our partners have come to rely on us for the management of external relations for each project.

As the projects begin, the Director folds the needs of the project into their overall direction for the department. However, from the time a potential partner is identified, and project needs are under discussion, KIPE needs an EA leader to work alongside the Business Development and Research Initiative Teams to support proposal development, pitch, and awarding of the project.

The External Affairs Associate Director will report to the External Affairs Director and will also work collaboratively with the Kenan-Flagler’s Marketing/Communications teams and those of UNC Chapel Hill on media relations, social media, managing the dissemination of content through School and university communication channels.

Relevant post‑Baccalaureate degree required (or foreign degree equivalent); for…