Director of Communications

Department:
Ofc of Research Communications-624400

Career Area:
Public Relations/Communications/Marketing

Posting Open Date: 10/05/2026

Final date to receive applications: 10/26/2026

Open Until Filled:
No

Position Type:
Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)

Working Title:

Director of Communications

Appointment Type: EHRA Non-Faculty

Position Number:

Vacancy

Full Time/Part Time:
Full-Time Permanent

FTE: 1

Hours per week: 40

Position Location:

North Carolina, US

Hiring Range:
Dependent on Qualifications

Proposed

Start Date:

11/02/2026

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 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.

The Office of Research Communications serves the University by conveying the value of research conducted at Carolina to the people of North Carolina and the world. The office produces the UNC Research website and Endeavors, the University’s digital research magazine. ORC supports the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research ( OVCR )’s administrative offices and centers and institutes with communication and marketing services including strategic planning and guidance, content creation, graphic design, event planning, website administration, executive communications, and amplification of research news and events.

The Director of Communications serves as a senior communications leader for the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research ( OVCR ), reporting to the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Research and working closely with University Communications and Marketing ( UCM ) and the Vice Chancellor for Research ( VCR ) to advance a comprehensive communications strategy that elevates the visibility, impact, and reputation of the UNC Research enterprise.

The Director provides strategic oversight of the Office of Research Communications ( ORC ), leading a high performing team responsible for advancing the visibility, impact, reputation, and competitive standing of Carolina’s research enterprise. The Director also oversees internal and external communications efforts, working at the intersection of research strategy, federal policy, compliance communications, and institutional leadership, requiring scientific literacy, regulatory fluency, and a sophisticated understanding of the federal research funding landscape.

The Director serves as the primary communications partner to the VCR as a national voice on research policy across federal agencies, Congress, APLU and AAU leadership, and the broader higher education community.

The Director leads integrated communications strategy across ORC’s full portfolio: executive communications and thought leadership, research impact storytelling, compliance and policy communications to a…