Communications Associate

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

This is an Exempt Professional Staff (EPS) position. The application must be completed in full detail (including work history) for your qualifications to be considered. Failure to complete the application process as required by state regulations will result in your application being rejected for the vacancy, and you will not be considered for the position. The UNCSA participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. Final candidates are subject to criminal background checks.

The University of North Carolina School of the Arts provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination, harassment, or retaliation based on race, religion, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, political affiliation, National Guard or veteran status, genetic information, or disability.

EEO Contact Information
Applicants needing assistance with the application process are asked to contact: [email protected]

Posting Details

Position Information

Classification Title

Public Communication Specialist I

Working Title

Communications Associate

Position Type

EPS

Position Number

008115

Full/Part Time

Full-time

School/Department Information

The Division of Strategic Communications bears primary responsibility for maintaining and safeguarding the university’s public image through strategic marketing, public relations, media relations, news services, publications, executive messaging, digital communications and social media, and crisis and emergency communications. The division establishes standards for articulating the university’s mission, vision, core values, strategic goals, and visual identity; promotes UNCSA performances, events, philanthropic opportunities, and the accomplishments of its students, alumni, faculty, and staff; and maintains the university’s principal external communications channels, including the website and institutional social media. Strategic Communications also provides communications counsel, insight, and planning support to the Chancellor and other senior leaders.

Primary Description of Work

The Communications Associate provides communications and administrative support for the Division of Strategic Communications and helps execute initiatives that advance the visibility and reputation of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA). Reporting to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Strategic Communications, this position coordinates the distribution of communications across multiple platforms; maintains communications databases, digital assets and media-monitoring systems; and supports content development and public relations efforts across the department. The Communications Associate works closely with the Media Relations Manager to support day-to-day public relations activities, including media monitoring, press distribution, media research, writing and editing communications content, story development and media outreach.

The ideal candidate is a highly organized communicator with exceptional writing and editing skills, experience supporting public relations and communications initiatives, and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines while maintaining strong attention to detail.

Work Schedule and hours

Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.; occasional evening or weekend work is required for content coverage, events, campaigns, or urgent communications

Description of Responsibilities and Duties

Communications Operations: 50%

• Build, schedule and distribute press releases and media advisories adhering to daily/weekly deadlines (using Cision and website CMS)
• Monitor media coverage and compile and distribute weekly media report newsletter (“In The News”); keep team apprised of key media coverage on a daily basis in consistent format.
• Build and distribute campus email communications through MailChimp (including Institutional Messages, Weekly Campus Updates email, “The Scene” monthly newsletter).
• Maintain and update media (Cision) and campus databases (MailChimp).
• Coordinate with the Creative Services Director to route/approve selects for media use in Canto.
• Submit performance event/listings to Facebook, Cruncho, and other public event listings
• Contribute to analytics for PR measurement/KPIs (Month in Review report)

Content and Public Relations Support: 50%

• Assist with writing and editing press releases, feature stories and other communications materials.
• Support media relations efforts by researching contacts, preparing materials, and assisting with outreach activities.
• Identify and develop newsworthy story opportunities that highlight the achievements and expertise of UNCSA students, faculty, staff, alumni, and programs.
• Collaborate with Strategic Communications team members on identifying story ideas, editorial planning and special projects.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a discipline related to the area of assignment; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in higher education, performing arts or arts-focused nonprofit organizations.
• Demonstrated interest in and knowledge of the performing arts.
• Experience with website CMS (i.e. Modern Campus) and CRM software (i.e. MailChimp).
• Knowledge of media monitoring and analytics tools such as Cision.
• Experience with project management and communications, and editing workflows.
• Experience with photography and videography including basic editing and production.
• Experience with graphic design programs such as Canva or Adobe Creative Suite.

Terms of Employment

P1 PrsnlLv EHRA 17.33 12 Month

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong news judgment and storytelling ability.
• Sound judgment in handling sensitive and confidential information.
• Commitment to accuracy, quality, and strategic thinking.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to multitask and meet deadlines.
• Ability to identify newsworthy stories and translate complex information into compelling content for diverse audiences.
• Awareness of general cultural trends and media outlets.

Special Conditions for Eligibility

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number

Open Date

09/17/2026

Close Date

Open Until Filled

Yes

Salary Range

Commensurate with Education and Experience

Recruitment Range, if applicable

Special Instructions to Applicants

This is an Exempt Professional Staff (EPS) position. The application must be completed in full detail (including work history) for your qualifications to be considered. Failure to complete the application process as required by state regulations will result in your application being rejected for the vacancy, and you will not be considered for the position. The UNCSA participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. Final candidates are subject to criminal background checks.

The University of North Carolina School of the Arts provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination, harassment, or retaliation based on race, religion, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, political affiliation, National Guard or veteran status, genetic information, or disability.

EEO Contact Information
Applicants needing assistance with the application process are asked to contact: [email protected]