Director of Executive Engagement

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.

The Chancellor is vested with complete executive authority over the University, subject to the direction of the President of the UNC System. The Chancellor is responsible for carrying out policies of two governing boards: the UNC System's Board of Governors and the University's Board of Trustees. The Chancellor also makes recommendations to the president regarding academic program development, personnel matters (subject to policies of the Governors and Trustees), and budget development. The Chancellor maintains wide discretion in decision-making with regard to student affairs (subject to policies of the governing boards) and other aspects of the administration of the University, as provided under the General Statutes of North Carolina and the UNC Code.

The Director of Executive Engagement is a top aide to the Chancellor's Chief of Staff, with main duties including managing the Chancellor's public engagements, writing remarks and speeches, assisting with the coordination of the chancellor's leadership platform as it relates to communications and development work, organizing engagement events, and other ad-hoc projects as set by the Chief of Staff. This position reports to the Chief of Staff, working collaboratively with the Chancellor, Vice Chancellor for Communications, Vice Chancellor for Development and other senior University and campus leaders. The Director of Executive Engagement works to deliver a consistent message across all Chancellor engagements that advances UNC-Chapel Hill's values, mission and strategic goals and the priorities of the Chancellor.

Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree required (or foreign degree equivalent) with three years or greater of related professional experience; for candidates demonstrating comparable professional backgrounds, will accept a relevant Bachelor's degree (or foreign degree equivalent) and five years or greater of relevant experience in substitution.

* Exceptional speechwriting ability, including crafting narratives, persuasive messaging, and diverse speech types (keynotes, ceremonies, panel remarks).
* Superior editing, grammar, and storytelling skills, with a strong command of tone, voice, and rhetorical strategy.
* Proven ability to adapt writing style to reflect the Chancellor's voice authentically.
* Ability to synthesize complex academic, research, and policy topics into clear, engaging messages for varied audiences.
* Understanding of the higher education environment, including academic culture, shared governance, and university mission/values.
* Familiarity with topics relevant to a university's public image (e.g., student success, research impact, community engagement, DEI initiatives, fundraising, legislative issues).
* Ability to work collaboratively with the Chancellor, executive leadership, communications teams, and subject matter experts.
* Strong discretion, professionalism, and judgment, with experience handling confidential information.
* Excellent organizational and time management skills, able to meet tight deadlines and manage multiple simultaneous projects.

Prior experience at UNC-Chapel Hill and experience in communications and relationship building across a broad constituency is strongly preferred.

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.