Job Description

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit
Research and Innovation (R&I) is a functional area in the UNCW Division of Academic Affairs that encourages and supports research, scholarship, innovation, and economic development (collectively “research”) that enhances student learning, discovers new knowledge, forges knowledge leaders, and solves critical problems in the region, North Carolina, and around the globe. The Research and Innovation Service Team (RIST) provides strategic vision, efficient administrative services and training, and leadership to build crucial infrastructure, partnerships, and programs to achieve research excellence and impact. RIST is comprised of four administrative offices (Office of Sponsored Programs and Research Compliance, Research Integrity Office, Research Development Office, and Office of Innovation and Commercialization), as well as a cluster of centers, institutes, and programs (Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Insitute for Interdisciplinary Identity Studies, and Quality Enhancement for Non-Profit Organizations).

The Office of the Provost is the central administrative office responsible for the coordination and leadership of the Division of Academic Affairs. The Division of Academic Affairs houses the academic and administrative units charged with evolving, advancing, and operationalizing the core academic mission of the institution. Academic Affairs achieves this charge through a commitment to the principle of shared governance and collaboration with the other organizational divisions of UNCW: the Division of Business Affairs, the Division of Student Affairs, the Chancellor’s Division, and University Advancement. Academic Affairs is the primary division responsible for delivering the teaching, research and service mission. The division is comprised of five colleges, three major centers, and seven functional areas that provide support to faculty, staff and students.
College Academic Affairs - 300 College
College/School Information
University Information
The University of North Carolina Wilmington, the state’s coastal university, is dedicated to the integration of teaching, mentoring, research and service. Widely acknowledged for its world-class faculty and staff and continuously recognized at a national level for scholarly excellence and affordability, UNCW offers a powerful academic experience that stimulates creative inquiry and critical thinking and a community rich in diversity, inclusion and global perspectives.

A public institution with nearly 18,000 students, UNCW offers a full range of baccalaureate- and graduate-level programs, as well as doctoral degrees in educational leadership, marine biology, nursing practice and psychology; and many distance learning options, including clinical research, an accelerated RN-to-BSN program, an Executive M.B.A. program structured for working professionals, and the nation’s only bachelor’s degree program focused on coastal engineering.

The university’s efforts to advance research and scholarly activities have earned UNCW the elevated designation of “Doctoral Universities: High Research Activity” institution (R2 University) by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.

UNCW has been part of the University of North Carolina System since 1969.
Location of Workplace Main UNCW Campus
Brief Summary of Work for this Position
The Marketing and Communications Specialist provides leadership, coordination, and management for marketing and communications efforts in Research and Innovation (R&I), a functional area of the Office of the Provost. The Specialist reports to the Office of the Provost’s Director of Marketing and Communications, works closely with the Associate Provost for R&I and the Research Development Office, and serves as a member of the Research and Innovation Service Team. The Specialist works with the Associate Provost in the formulation, development and implementation of communication and marketing efforts for research to a variety of internal and external audiences. The Specialist provides coordination between Office of University Relations (OUR) and units within R&I to: ensure communications are collaborated appropriately; ensure alignment to the university brand manual; maximize effectiveness and impact. The Specialist provides leadership through the development of appropriate marketing strategy that serves to promote the research mission of the university, and supports faculty, staff, or unit research efforts. Additionally, the Specialist is charged with management and supervision of the development of R&I promotional materials, management of R&I social media platforms, and oversight of R&I website content management. Finally, the Specialist works with the Office of the Provost’s Director of Marketing and Communications to ensure that marketing and communication efforts across the functional area, across the division, across campus, and to external audiences are well coordinated and compliant with university process and standards. The Specialist serves as the R&I liaison to OUR.
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.
Preferred education, professional skills and experience
Experience with marketing and communications for research and innovation
Ability to develop marketing and promotional materials to help carry out the university’s research mission, including excellent written techniques to deliver information professionally and with direct impact that reflects the university’s mission
Proficient skills in Adobe Creative Suite, web content management systems (e.g. Cascade), and email marketing tools (e.g. iContact)
Experience in managing social media content and campaigns using a variety of platforms
Experience in news writing and familiarity with AP style
Ability to remain professional when dealing with internal and external stakeholders
Ability to professionally interact with a variety of stakeholders to collect the necessary information needed to complete tasks
Ability to manage and prioritize multiple assignments, and maintain accuracy and attention to detail when completing these assignments
Ability to be flexible in adapting to changes in priorities, assignments, and other interruptions, which may impact pre-established timelines and courses of action for completing projects and assignments
Ability to think creatively in order to ensure that materials are accessible, easy to use, and meet their functional purpose to a variety of audiences
Experience with the development and ongoing maintenance of an organizational brand.
Ability to manage, coordinate, and/or supervise employees
Master’s degree in appropriate field of study