Public Comm Specialist at InsideHigherEd

Department:Civic Life and Leadership - 312500Career Area :Public Relations/Communications/MarketingPosting Open Date:12/09/2025Application Deadline:12/22/2025Position Type:Temporary Staff (SHRA)Position Title :Public Comm SpecialistPosition Number:20073963Vacancy ID:S026522Full-time/Part-time:Part-Time TemporaryHours per week:20Position Location:North Carolina, USHiring Range:$30.00 - $35.00 per hourProposed Start Date:01/01/2026Estimated Duration of Appointment:2 months or lessBe 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 that include numerous retail and restaurant discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates for performing arts events.Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit:As the largest unit on campus, the College of Arts and Sciences is the academic heart of the Carolina experience. The College consists of 43 academic departments and curricula and numerous programs, centers and institutes. It is home to more than 18,000 undergraduate students, including all of the University’s first-year and second-year students. About 2,300 graduate students study and teach in the College.Endorsed by the Board of Trustees on January 30, 2020, Carolina Next: Innovations for the Public Good, the strategic plan for the University includes Initiative 5, ‘Promote Democracy.’ Objective 5.2 is to ‘work constructively across differences in society, starting by promoting respect and listening.’ Here several strategic opportunities are listed to support the goal of building the capacity to engage constructively across differences with evidence, intellectual humility, and respect’ – including to ‘develop the Communication Beyond Carolina capacity requirements in the IDEAs in Action General education Curriculum’ and ‘conceptualize and develop the UNC Program for Public Discourse, emphasizing respectful dialogue in classes and public events.’ Objective 5.3 calls for exploration of the relationship between ’humanity’s highest purposes’ and democratic life.In 2019, UNC-CH formed the Program for Public Discourse (PPD), recognizing that the complex nature of the pressing issues of our day require reasoned debate rooted in a strong foundation of basic knowledge and a spirit of open intellectual inquiry. In 2023, to fulfill the ‘democratic competencies’ goals of Carolina Next (5.2-3) and in light of increased pressures and challenges facing our democracy, the Board of Trustees identified the need for degree-oriented programs in the area of Civic Life and Leadership and resolved that the campus accelerate development of a School of Civic Life and Leadership. Subsequently an ad hoc faculty committee refined plans for an interdisciplinary, degree-granting unit within the College of Arts and Sciences. In September 2023, SCiLL was established by the Provost and an act of the North Carolina General Assembly. In October 2023, the inaugural faculty, representing Communication, English and Comparative Literature, History, Music, Philosophy, Physics and Astronomy, Political Science, and Psychology and Neuroscience Departments within the College, was appointed, and an interim Director and Dean named.Position Summary:The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is seeking a temporary Public Communications Specialist to support the launch of the new School of Civic Life and Leadership website. The Specialist will lead the design, development, and implementation of the school’s website, collaborating closely with the operations team and faculty to ensure the site is cohesive, engaging, and user-friendly. The ideal candidate will have experience in web design and content management systems, strong communication and organizational skills, and the ability to translate complex academic information into clear, accessible online content. Additional skills in digital accessibility, project coordination, and copy editing are preferred.Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:Bachelor’s degree in a discipline related to the area of assignment; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience:The ideal candidate will have experience in web design and content management systems, strong communication and organizational skills, and the ability to translate complex academic information into clear, accessible online content.Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience:Additional skills in digital accessibility, project coordination, and copy editing are preferred.Campus Security Authority Responsibilities:Not Applicable.