Director of External Affairs

Posting Information

Department Kenan Institute of Private Ent-331600

Career Area Public Relations/Communications/Marketing

Posting Open Date 02/11/2025

Application Deadline 03/04/2025

Open Until Filled No

Position Type Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)

Working Title Director of External Affairs

Appointment Type EHRA Non-Faculty

Position Number 20020332

Vacancy ID NF0008918

Full Time/Part Time Full-Time Permanent

FTE 1

Hours per week 40

Position Location North Carolina, US

Proposed Start Date 03/31/2025

Position Information

Be a Tar Heel!

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit

Established in 1985 by Frank Hawkins Kenan, the Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise is a nonpartisan business policy think tank affiliated with the UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School. The nonprofit institute and its affiliated centers convene leaders from the private sector, academic community and government to build a greater understanding of how entrepreneurship, economic development and global commerce can work for the public good. The institute leverages best-in-class research to develop market-based solutions to today’s most complex economic challenges. In doing so, the institute aims to support businesses and policies that better the lives of people in North Carolina, across the country and around the world.

This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement that may include a partially remote work location, consistent with System Office policy. UNC Chapel Hill employees are generally required to reside within a reasonable commuting distance of their assigned duty station.

Position Summary

The Director of External Affairs is responsible for leading and creating the overall planning and implementing of a communications strategy to support the core mission of the Frank Hawkins Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise at the University of North Carolina Kenan-Flagler Business School. The primary goal of the External Affairs Director’s role will be to increase the visibility and impact of the Kenan Institute on the national level. The External Affairs Director will increase awareness of Institute work and will directly engage with high-level stakeholders in the private sector, academia and government. The position provides leadership and supervision to the Institute’s external affairs team overseeing organizational advancement efforts, including external affairs, communications, marketing, media relations, event management, and brand development. The External Affairs Director also proactively creates and refines the identity of the Institute through traditional and new media channels. A primary activity of this position will be to lead and coordinate, in collaboration with the institute’s operating units, the branding and dissemination of thought leadership for the Institute’s core initiatives to drive deeper engagement in the business, policy and academic sectors.

As the leader of a team of external affairs professionals, the Director of External Affairs will set broad team priorities, direct market research and trend analysis, develop a process for tracking metrics and key performance indicators, manage communications budgets and oversee the creation of public relations strategies. As a visible member of the institute’s leadership team, the External Affairs Director will also develop and cultivate cooperative relationships with business partners, journalists, public officials, government regulators and donors to develop and maintain the Institute’s brand of thought leadership while paving the way for future partnerships and opportunities.

The External Affairs Director will report to the Managing Director of the Kenan Institute. The External Affairs Director will also work collaboratively with the Kenan-Flagler’s Marketing/Communications teams and those of UNC Chapel Hill on media relations, social media, thought leadership about UNC Kenan-Flagler faculty’s research and disseminating content through School and university communication channels.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree required (or foreign degree equivalent); for candidates demonstrating comparable independent research productivity or comparable background in independent academic or instructional activities, will accept a relevant Bachelor’s degree (or foreign degree equivalent) and 3 or more years of relevant experience in substitution. This experience may be related to the direction/oversight of programs that focus the academic and research resources of a higher education institution towards community or regional issues.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

Candidates should have experience in the following areas:

• Branding, marketing and strategic communication
• Setting and executing brand strategy
• Managing data-driven marketing campaigns related to website engagement, partners acquisition and cross-selling programs
• People management, budget management and project management experience
• Gathering and analyzing data to identify trends and make balanced, objective recommendations to achieve strategic objectives
• Media including but not limited to video, print and social media
• Website design and understanding of modern, user-focused website design principles, including visual design, UX/UI, SEO and/or related principles
• Press relations, including engaging/pitching national media outlets

Ideal candidates will have seven to ten years of related experience, including preferred qualifications:

• Experience with a brand refresh and/or new brand launch
• Familiarity and openness to new technologies and new marketing tools
• Experience managing a budget in fiscally conservative, limited resource situations

Quick Link https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/296673

Office of Human Resources Contact Information

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (919) 843-2300 or send an email to employment@unc.edu

Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.