Posting Information
Department Carolina Population Center-631100 Career Area Public Relations/Communications/Marketing Is this an internal only recruitment? No Posting Open Date 09/10/2025 Application Deadline 09/17/2025 Position Type Permanent Staff (SHRA) Position Title Public Comm Specialist - Journey Salary Grade Equivalent NC13 / GN10 Working Title Communications Specialist Position Number 20072986 Vacancy ID P020530 Full-time/Part-time Permanent/Time-Limited Part-Time Time-Limited If time-limited, estimated duration of appointment 3 years Hours per week 30 Work Schedule
20 hrs/week within 8am-5pm range and 10 hrs/week flexible.
Work Location CHAPEL HILL, NC Position Location North Carolina, US Hiring Range $42,700 - $52,167, prorated salary range for .75FTE/30hrs per week Pay Band Information
To learn more about the pay band for this branch and role, please see the Career Banding rates spreadsheet.
Position Summary Information
Be a Tar Heel!
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.
Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit
Since 1966, researchers at the Carolina Population Center have pioneered data collection and research techniques that move population science forward by emphasizing life course approaches, longitudinal surveys, the integration of biological measurement into social surveys, and attention to context and environment. We are also at the forefront of creating interdisciplinary training programs that integrate approaches from the social and biological sciences, building research capacity and training the next generation of scholars. Our faculty fellows address pressing research questions about population dynamics, fertility, health, mortality, migration, and the environment. Faculty come from multiple disciplines, benefitting from the cross-pollination of ideas. Our dedicated research and programming staff support fellows at every stage of project development, from conception through data collection or acquisition, analysis and dissemination, and project administration. https://www.cpc.unc.edu/about/
Position Summary
Since 1966, researchers at the Carolina Population Center (CPC) have pioneered data collection and research techniques that move population science forward by emphasizing life course approaches, longitudinal surveys, the integration of biological measurement into social surveys, and attention to context and environment. We are also at the forefront of creating interdisciplinary training programs that integrate approaches from the social and biological sciences, building research capacity and training the next generation of scholars. Our faculty fellows address pressing research questions about population dynamics, fertility, health, mortality, migration, and the environment. Faculty come from multiple disciplines, benefitting from the cross-pollination of ideas. Our dedicated research and programming staff support fellows at every stage of project development, from conception through data collection or acquisition, analysis and dissemination, and project administration. https://www.cpc.unc.edu/about/
Under the direction of the CPC Deputy Director for Research Services and the CPC Director, the Communications Specialist will be responsible for promoting the research of CPC Faculty Fellows within the Carolina and global research communities and to the general public. This position will also provide dedicated communications support to Carolina Demography, an applied demography unit that works with local and state agencies to help them better understand the implications of demographic change across North Carolina. This position is partially supported by funds from Center grants and contracts with non-UNC organizations. In particular, this position will directly support the communications cores included in NIH-funded Population Center Core (P2C) and Aging Center (P30) grants. This position will be responsible for managing multiple CPC and project websites and social media accounts and will coordinate and support CPC staff and Fellow participation in events such as UNC Research week and Demography Daze. The position is expected to proactively communicate with Faculty Fellows and project staff to develop research communication products such as press releases, op-eds, and news features.
Minimum Education And Experience Requirements
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.
Required Qualifications, Competencies, And Experience
Professional experience in communications, publications or journalism required.
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, And Experience
Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, strong interpersonal skills, ability to work well under pressure, and to handle multiple tasks effectively, prioritize, and set and achieve goals required.
Demonstrated outstanding, high-level substantive editing, copyediting, and proofreading skills required, including attention to detail, accuracy, and tone of writing. Ability to develop and edit content for disseminating research results to various audiences and tailor content to specific audiences.
Ability to work independently, track research outputs, and proactively reach out to faculty in order to develop research new stories and highlight research outcomes across the 80+ CPC faculty Fellows.
Demonstrated experience with database management, advanced communications media (including web-based media/tools), software, and file conversations. Advanced knowledge of MS Word and experience with graphics and desk-top publishing software required.
Requirements
Required Licenses/Certifications Special Physical/Mental Requirements
Must be able to work on location in the project’s Chapel Hill office in order to have frequent personal interactions with technical and editorial staff.
Campus Security Authority Responsibilities
Not Applicable.
Position/Schedule Requirements Evening work occasionally, Weekend work occasionally Special Instructions Quick Link https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/306467
Contact Information
Office of Human Resources Contact Information
If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (919) 843-2300 or send an email to [email protected]
Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
- Curriculum Vitae / Resume
- Cover Letter
- List of References
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
- * Please select the response below that best describes your experience/education for the Public Communications Specialist position.
- Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctorate in a related field
- Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctorate in an unrelated field and 4 years of related experience
- Associate's in a related and 2 years of related experience
- Combination of post-high school education and/or experience in a related field to equal at least 4 years (ex. 1 year towards a related degree and 3 years of related experience)
- Did not complete high school but have a combination of high school education and related experience to equal 8 years (ex. 1 year of high school and 7 years of related experience)
- None of the above