Associate Vice Chancellor, Integrated Strategic Communications

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

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
• 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
• Strengthen the university’s readiness and performance in high-stakes environments through a responsive, relationship-driven approach
• 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
• Oversee news operations, ensuring timely, accurate, and high-quality news content

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
• Coordinate cross-campus response to ensure aligned and consistent messaging during critical incidents

Research Communications & Impact Storytelling

• Translate complex research into clear, compelling narratives that demonstrate public value
• Partner with research leadership to increase visibility in prestige, trade, and industry media

Executive Communications & Thought Leadership

• Shape leadership messaging, including speeches, op-eds, and institutional narratives
• Align executive communications with broader reputation and media strategy to ensure consistency and trust

Collaboration & Culture

• Collaborate and partner closely with the AVC for Brand and Integrated Strategic Operations and the AVC for Integrated Content Strategy
• Develop and mentor team, with a strong focus on division-wide culture

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)

Valid NC Driver's License required

Wolfpack Perks and Benefits

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

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

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.

Work Schedule

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

Job Location

Raleigh, NC