Assistant Director of Research Communications

Responsibilities

• Identify, report and write news releases, feature stories and other content highlighting NC State research, discoveries and partnerships.
• Translate complex research into accurate, accessible stories that demonstrate its economic and societal impact in North Carolina and beyond.
• Collaborate with faculty, graduate students and research staff to identify timely, newsworthy findings, publications, grants and partnerships.
• Publish and promote research stories through university news platforms and other appropriate channels.
• Partner with UComm colleagues in marketing, video, photography, social media and web to extend research storytelling across platforms.
• Pitch research stories to local, regional, national and trade media while building relationships with reporters covering science, technology, health and agriculture.
• Respond to media inquiries, connect journalists with faculty experts, and coordinate research pitches, expert placements and reporter visits with university media relations leaders.
• Monitor and evaluate research media coverage to assess results and inform future outreach.
• Partner with the Director of Research Communications to develop strategies that elevate NC State’s research profile and advance university priorities.
• Serve as a primary contact for the Office of Research and Innovation and college and unit communicators, advising on research announcements, messaging, timing and distribution.

Requirements

• Post-baccalaureate degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field; or a Bachelor’s degree with equivalent broad-based independent experience in marketing or strategic communications.
• Minimum of five years of progressive experience.
• Background and success as a science writer with exceptional writing, editing and fact-checking skills, including the ability to explain complex research clearly and accurately on deadline.
• Understanding of faculty culture and the mission of a major public research university.
• Experience building and maintaining relationships with stakeholders at all levels of an organization.
• Sound judgment and discretion when handling sensitive or embargoed information.

Preferred

• Five to seven years of directly relevant professional experience, ideally in higher education or a research organization.
• Demonstrated success pitching research stories to news media and preparing faculty, leaders or staff for media interviews.
• Experience mentoring or supervising writers and developing storytelling strategies that advance institutional and brand goals.
• Experience producing or coordinating multimedia research content, including video, audio, podcasts, photography or data visualizations.
• Track record of setting measurable goals, evaluating results and managing multiple projects while adapting to shifting priorities.
• Strong writing and editing skills, including working knowledge of AP style.

Benefits

• Medical , Dental , and Vision
• Flexible Spending Account
• Retirement Programs
• Disability Plans
• Life Insurance
• Accident Plan
• Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
• 12 Holidays Each Year
• Tuition and Academic Assistance
• Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership , and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.