Public Communications Specialist - 2689

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.

The Office of University Communications and Marketing ( UCM) at The University of North Carolina at Pembroke is responsible for marketing the university to prospective students, alumni, donors, and other constituents and for communications efforts as well as brand development. Additionally, UCM is charged with developing and communicating the university's message through positive media including social and digital channels, strategic communications efforts, and community relationships. UCM supports other university divisions through communications and marketing plans and implementation.

The Public Communications Specialist (Communications & Marketing Manager for Advancement) partners with colleagues in the Office of Advancement to understand communications needs and goals for fundraising, then develops messaging, storytelling, and strategies for success. also works with colleagues to develop communications with and for the university's alumni, donor and parent audiences, and develops strategies and tools to help the university enhance fundraising participation and nurture its relationships with those audiences.

The Communications & Marketing Manager for Advancement serves as the liaison between the Office of Advancement and the Office of Communications and Marketing ( UCM) to develop, manage and produce a variety of Advancement communications collateral. The Communications & Marketing Manager for Advancement serves as the lead writer for a range of Advancement communications, including print and digital content ; donor relations and stewardship; corporate and foundation relations; and major gift and campaign initiatives. The Communications & Marketing Manager for Advancement works closely with UCM to coordinate and schedule graphic design, printing, photography, videography and website support on Advancement projects as needed to ensure compliance with the university's branding standards.

Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
* Develop a communications strategy for the Office in Advancement as it pertains to philanthropic activities, including customized donor proposals, brochures, newsletters, stewardship reports, and materials for donors and potential donors.
Develop a comprehensive Advancement communications calendar that covers the range of communications for the division and identify areas to align the calendar with the larger UCM content plan and calendar for optimal engagement.
* Research and write stories regularly for various outlets that highlight donors, alumni, parents, friends and other university constituents. Meet with constituents by phone or in person to conduct interviews for stories.
* Play a leading role in the annual UNCP Today magazine, ensuring representation of donor and alumni stories and materials that support the larger themes of advancement.
*Oversee the design, content collection and distribution of the alumni newsletter in close collaboration with the Director of Alumni Engagement and ensure the content meets UCM standards.

* Oversee and manage content on the Advancement website, updating with current information as necessary. Write and develop new content when appropriate.
* Serve as lead for media relations on behalf of the Office of Advancement, including preparation of news releases, statements and other relevant materials. Where appropriate, field media inquiries related to Advancement news in accordance with UCM policies for media relations.
* Work with UCM and Advancement colleagues to develop a consistent, effective social media strategy for Alumni Engagement social media accounts as well as to incorporate advancement messaging into the university social media channels as appropriate.
*Provide strategic communications support to the Advancement team through the development of communications plans and project management, event run-of-show and speeches as well as white papers for larger thematic fundraising campaigns.
*Oversees and monitors the scheduling of projects to ensure timely completion of all creative assets while maintaining high quality standards.

* Collaborate with the Director of Alumni Engagement to identify alumni communication needs and develop strategies that help achieve the division's goals and objectives for strengthening alumni engagement with the university.

Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, English, public relations, or a related field.
Preference for candidates with higher education and/or philanthropic communications experience.

Required skills:

This position is subject to the successful completion of an employment background check. An employment background check includes a criminal background check, employment verification, reference checks, license verification (if applicable) and credit history check (if applicable). In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. New employees are paid only by direct deposit to the financial institution of their choice. Candidates claiming Veterans Preference must attach a copy of their DD-214 as a part of the online application process.

UNC Pembroke is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The University prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibits discrimination against all individuals based on their age, race, color, genetic information, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression and national origin. UNC Pembroke is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and seeks priority referrals of protected veterans for our openings.