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North Carolina State University

Associate Vice Chancellor, Integrated Strategic Communications

Posting Information

Posting Number

PG194684EP

Internal Recruitment

Working Title

Associate Vice Chancellor, Integrated Strategic Communications

Anticipated Hiring Range

Commensurate with Education and Experience

Work Schedule

Core Business Hours are Monday - Friday; 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Job Location

Raleigh, NC

Department

Chancellor's Office And Staff

About the Department

University Communications and Marketing is the central agency responsible for shaping and sharing the story of NC State University. As the stewards of the NC State brand, we drive the university’s reputation and visibility through integrated marketing, strategic communications, and digital engagement. We are a team of creators, strategists, and problem-solvers dedicated to the “Think and Do” spirit. We collaborate across the university to elevate NC State’s profile as a premier public research institution, supporting enrollment, research, alumni engagement, and institutional prestige.

What we do:

Increase awareness and preference of the university’s distinctive benefits
Create consistency in university wide messaging and the brand platform including visual identity
Provide support for public relations and communications efforts across the institution
Develop rapid, thoughtful engagement with emerging issues and crisis communications
Develop effective marketing, graphic design, communication and web strategy, creative services and professional counsel for campus partners
Support a strong and cohesive culture throughout the university

Wolfpack Perks and Benefits

As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

What we offer:

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
And so much more!

Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.

Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.

Essential Job Duties

We are seeking a collaborative leader with significant experience leading strategic communications, media relations, and reputation management within complex, high-visibility organizations. This executive role serves as a university’s spokesperson and primary reputation promoter and guardian, shaping how NC State engages with news media, navigates complex issues, and translates research and institutional impact into clear public understanding.

This is a role where steady judgment, sound decision-making, and clear communication in fast-moving, high-pressure environments are essential. As a leader in this position, you will build trust through transparency and consistency when circumstances are evolving and visibility is high. You will foster alignment across internal partners, media, and executive stakeholders, ensuring clarity in moments of complexity and providing confident direction that strengthens institutional credibility and response.

Through a responsive, relationship-driven approach, you will strengthen the university’s readiness and performance in high-stakes environments. You will build and sustain a robust network of media relationships at the local, national, and global level—securing credible earned coverage that positions NC State as a trusted source of expertise and innovation. Overseeing Public Relations, Strategic Communications and Media, and Research Communications, you ensure the university’s “Think and Do” impact is communicated with clarity, coherence, and purpose.

Key responsibilities fall within the five core functional areas outlined below.

Strategic Media Relations & Brand Visibility

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.

Issues Management & Crisis Communications

Lead crisis and issues management with clarity and composure in high-pressure situations.
Advise university leadership on emerging issues, reputational risk, and sensitive communications.

Research Communications & Impact Storytelling

Translate complex research into clear, compelling narratives that demonstrate public value.

Executive Communications & Thought Leadership

Shape leadership messaging, including speeches, op-eds, and institutional narratives.

Collaboration & Culture

Collaborate and partner closely with the AVC for Brand and Integrated Strategic Operations and the AVC for Integrated Content Strategy

If you are a communications leader who thrives in complex, high-visibility environments and is motivated by shaping how a major institution is understood, trusted, and represented in the public sphere, we encourage you to apply.

Other Responsibilities

In addition to the core responsibilities of this role, there will be opportunities to represent the division through engagement with a wide range of internal and external constituents, including university leadership, public officials, representatives from the UNC System and peer institutions, students, parents, alumni, faculty, staff, and members of the public. These opportunities will be assigned in collaboration with the Vice Chancellor of Communications and Marketing in support of evolving departmental and institutional priorities.

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience

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).

Other Required Qualifications

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 Qualifications

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.

Required License(s) or Certification(s)

N/A

Valid NC Driver's License required

Commercial Driver's License required

Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions

Job Open Date

05/27/2026

Anticipated Close Date

6/23/2026; if posting is active we are still accepting and reviewing applications.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please include a resume, cover letter, contact information for at least three professional references and a writing example as a part of your application materials.

Position Details

Position Number

00112065

Position Type

EPS/SAAO

Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week)

1.0

Appointment

12 Month Recurring

Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather

Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather

Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events

Non Mandatory - Emergency Event

Department ID

010101 - Chancellor's Office And Staff

EEO

NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

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