Associate Vice Chancellor for University Communications

Position Summary

Reporting to the Vice Chancellor for University Communications, the Associate Vice Chancellor leads the central communications staff and serves as the principal advisor on all communications-related matters and plans. The Associate Vice Chancellor implements and directs all aspects of communications strategy and messaging to build awareness, support and resources for the University, and to support and enhance the University’s reputation as a world-class public research university. In doing so, the Associate Vice Chancellor works closely with the Vice Chancellor, senior campus leaders, trustees, faculty, staff, alumni, students and communications professionals across the entire University community. In addition to the core communications staff, the Associate Vice Chancellor is also responsible for the department’s HR, Finance, IT and administrative support functions.

Principal Functions

• (20 %) Conceive and implement an overarching strategic plan for the University’s communications program that is innovative, progressive and proactive, including messaging and brand identity that extends across all media and communications channels in ways that appropriately support and reflect the goals and objectives of the University.
• (15 %) Provide supervisory leadership to the department’s staff; establish standards of work and performance expectations for senior-level subordinates; monitor individual and unit-level performance; take corrective action as appropriate to ensure Division goals and objectives are accomplished; ensure that the University's goals of equal opportunity, diversity, and inclusion are appropriately reflected in Division planning, strategy, and execution.
• (5 %) Ensure the Carolina brand is consistently implemented and brand standards are followed throughout the University and that message alignment is consistent across all University departments, units and communications channels.
• (15 %) Oversee a comprehensive media relations strategy and program at the local, state, national and global levels encompassing print, television, radio and social and digital media outlets.Actively engage with key media outlets, both proactively and reactively as required. Ensure media training is provided to university leaders and faculty, as required. Ensure emergency communications plans that align with the University’s emergency response plans and Alert Carolina notification system are in place and are reviewed and exercised on a regular basis.
• (10 %) Assess the University's public relations needs and lead the development of strategic public relations programs and initiatives that address those needs and enhance the perception and reputation of the University.
• (10 %) Provide strategic leadership for the University's internal communications program to drive transparency and ensure that internal constituencies (e.g., faculty, staff and students) are well informed of University affairs and to promote support of University-wide goals and objectives. Internal communications activities will leverage multiple approaches including print, web content, social media, and multimedia products and will ensure internal constituencies are equipped with thorough, consistent information.
• (5 %) Partner with the Vice Chancellor for Public Affairs to devise appropriate, consistent and strategic messaging to help further relationships and key policy outcomes with state and federal governmental bodies. Ensure tight coordination on strategy and messaging with the UNC General Administration on significant UNC-Chapel Hill issues impacting the UNC system.
• (10 %) Work closely with marketing and communication professionals in individual schools and divisions to ensure that media inquiries and outreach opportunities are appropriately coordinated at all levels of the University and effectively represent institutional interests. Actively build relationships across the University community with key stakeholders, including administrators, faculty members, students and board members. Engage with external constituents, as prudent, including citizens, governmental leaders, potential students, alumni, and parents.
• (10 %) Provide counsel and direction to the campus communicator community; ensure distributed communications activities function effectively and in keeping with established standards of practice; provide thought leadership to marketing and communications professionals across the campus in support of University-wide goals and objectives.

All applications must be submitted online at:  http://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/118436