Associate Director for Communications and Creative Content

University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, NC

Part-time,Full-time - Mid Level

Chapel Hill, NC

Educational Services

About the position

The Associate Director for Communications and Creative Content at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill will play a pivotal role in shaping the narrative and media presence of Carolina Volleyball, Softball, and an additional Olympic Sport. This position is designed for a creative individual who can effectively tell the stories of student-athletes, coaches, and the department through various media channels. The Associate Director will be responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive content strategy that includes the creation of digital content such as graphics, videos, and photos, as well as written materials like game notes, news releases, and feature stories. This content will be disseminated to news organizations and published on the university's official athletics website, goheels.com, and other platforms. In this role, the Associate Director will serve as the primary media contact for the assigned sports, ensuring that all communications are strategically aligned with the goals of North Carolina Athletics and the University. Collaboration is key, as this position will work closely with various External Relations Units, including Marketing, GoHeels Productions, Athletics Communications/Media Relations, and Creative Services. The Associate Director will manage the brand of the programs and the department, coordinating communications activities and maintaining a content calendar with weekly plans. The ideal candidate will not only cover games but will also proactively seek out and pitch compelling stories that highlight the achievements and experiences of Carolina's student-athletes and staff. This position requires a strong understanding of the dynamics of college athletics, particularly in the context of Division I sports, and the ability to adapt to a flexible work schedule that accommodates the demands of the sports season.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the lead storyteller and media contact for Carolina Volleyball, Softball, and one other Olympic Sport.
• Strategically promote assigned programs, North Carolina Athletics, and the University across multiple platforms.
• Plan and create digital content including graphics, videos, and photos, as well as written content such as game notes and news releases.
• Collaborate with External Relations Units to manage the brand of the programs and the department.
• Coordinate communications activities for assigned programs, including serving as the media relations liaison.
• Update a content calendar with weekly plans for communications activities.
• Cover games and pitch stories about Carolina student-athletes, coaches, and staff.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a discipline related to the area of assignment or equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Experience in generating creative content at the Division I level.
• Experience working with media and pitching stories.
• Proficiency in desktop publishing and creating content on deadline.
• Thorough knowledge of StatCrew/NCAA Live Stats statistical software for Volleyball and Softball.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite programs (Photoshop, After Effects, Lightroom, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, InDesign).
• Knowledge of social media best practices and emerging platforms.
• Demonstrated oral and written communication competencies, including writing game and feature stories.
• Experience designing/editing media guides and/or game programs in an intercollegiate sports information environment.

Nice-to-haves

• Bachelor's degree in communications/journalism preferred.
• Three years' experience in an athletic sports information environment preferred.
• Experience with InDesign preferred.
• Proficient with content management tools for the internet.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including health, life, and retirement plans.
• Paid leave and a variety of health programs.
• Professional training opportunities for career growth and skill development.
• Exclusive perks for retail, restaurant, and performing arts discounts.
• Savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events.