Responsibilities

• Build and sustain relationships with local, national, and international media to elevate NC State expertise and research.
• Lead proactive storytelling that highlights student success, faculty achievement, and institutional and research impact.
• Oversee news operations, ensuring timely, accurate, and high-quality news content.
• Lead crisis and issues management with clarity and composure in high-pressure situations.
• Advise university leadership on emerging issues, reputational risk, and sensitive communications.
• Coordinate cross-campus response to ensure aligned and consistent messaging during critical incidents.
• Translate complex research into clear, compelling narratives that demonstrate public value.
• Partner with research leadership to increase visibility in prestige, trade, and industry media.
• Translate complex research into clear, compelling narratives that demonstrate public value.
• Shape leadership messaging, including speeches, op-eds, and institutional narratives.

Requirements

• Post-baccalaureate degree in Journalism, Communications, Public Relations or a related field; or a Bachelor’s degree with equivalent broad-based independent experience in executive-level strategic communications. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted for the advanced degree.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in communications, public relations, or related field, with at least 5 years in leadership role(s).
• Demonstrated ability to synthesize complex information (such as scientific research or crisis scenarios) into clear, compelling narratives for varied audiences.
• Proven mastery in managing high-stakes issues and crisis communications, with a track record of maintaining organizational trust and clarity under pressure.
• Established history of cultivating trust-based relationships with media and influencers; ability to leverage these networks to secure high-impact earned media.
• Demonstrated skill in providing candid, strategic counsel to C-suite executives or senior government officials regarding sensitive public relations matters.
• Proven ability to lead and integrate varied teams (e.g., former journalists, science writers, crisis managers) toward shared strategic goals.
• Demonstrated experience leading or supporting organizational change in complex environments, including aligning teams, communicating transitions clearly, and sustaining performance during periods of strategic or operational shift.

Preferred

• Experience working within a Research 1 (R1) university or a science/technology-focused organization, with specific skill in communicating STEM topics to lay audiences.
• Proficiency in integrating social media listening and digital engagement tools into crisis response and reputation management strategies.
• Experience navigating the intersection of public relations, government affairs, and higher education policy.

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.