Associate Director of Communications

About the Opportunity
The Associate Director of Communications will report to the Director for Outreach and Communications and provide a wide range of professional communications and outreach functions on behalf of NCSEAA . The primary purpose of this Associate Director of Communications position is to plan and create materials that help build external awareness and knowledge of the contributions, impact, and value of SEAA. The Associate Director of Communications assists the director in developing and implementing communications strategies that deliver impact for NCSEAA and the various programs it administers, for both K-12 and higher education programs. This includes proactive dissemination of strategic messaging and campaigns through media relations, social media and content development. In collaboration with the director, the associate director will promote greater collaboration and strategic coordination with partner communications offices (e.g. CFI, the UNC System, the NC Community College System, NC Independent Colleges and Universities, the Department of Public Instruction, myFutureNC, GEAR UP, College Advising Corps and local community-based organizations).

This position is expected to work on-site at least three days per week and may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement, consistent with System Office policy. North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority (NCSEAA) employees are generally required to reside in North Carolina, within a 2-hour commuting distance of their assigned duty station.

About the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority

The North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority (NCSEAA), an agency of the State of North Carolina, is authorized by the General Assembly to plan, finance and administer student financial assistance programs of a statewide or inter-institutional nature. It serves students attending public and private two- and four-year colleges and universities in North Carolina, as well as families of students attending nonpublic K-12 schools.

About the Team
The North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority (NCSEAA) is the State agency that helps North Carolina plan, apply and pay for education. NCSEAA administers numerous postsecondary and nonpublic K12 scholarship programs, higher education loan programs, and the state's 529 college savings plans. NCSEAA also provides outreach services to education professionals, students, and families on how to plan and pay for college. In addition, is the State agency primarily responsible for informing students and families about the FAFSA and tracking FAFSA completions statewide. NCSEAA is also responsible for the centralized residency determination system (RDS) which implements residency law to determine a student's eligibility for in-State tuition. NCSEAA's non-profit partner, College Foundation, Inc. (CFI) administers many of these programs on behalf of NCSEAA.
The Outreach and Communications Division conducts outreach programs to educate and assist North Carolina students and families with paying for college and provides training programs for school counselors and college access organizations. The Division also oversees outreach campaigns to multiple target audiences, media relations, website content of the CFNC, NCSEAA, K-12 and RDS websites as well as agency communications. The office acts as a liaison between NCSEAA and the communications offices of key partner organizations. The Division also coordinates all public record requests

Minimum Education, Experience, and Skills
Bachelor's degree; master's or other advanced degree preferred and 3-5 years of related experience in strategic communications, journalism or public affairs.

Required Competencies
Fluent use of: - Microsoft Office products (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) - Virtual meeting platform (e.g. Teams, Zoom Meeting) Familiarity with: - Email communications platform (e.g. Constant Contact) - Webinar platform (e.g. Zoom webinar)

Preferred Education, Experience, and Skills
-Design tools (e.g. Canva, Adobe)
-Animated video tool (e.g. Vyond)
-Data visualization tool (e.g. Tableau)

• Classification: Associate Director
• Appointment Type: Permanent
• Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time
• Employment Type: EHRA
• EHRA Category: Exempt Professional Staff (EPS)
• Location: Raleigh, NC USA
• Position Number: 20067850
• Special instructions to applicants: The posting remains open until filled, but applications received by November 20, 2024 will receive priority consideration.

Equal Employment Opportunity and Other Information
The UNC System Office (includes PBS NC, NCSEAA, and NC Arboretum) is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.

The UNC System Office (includes PBS NC, NCSEAA, and NC Arboretum) is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

To claim veteran's preference, all eligible persons must indicate their eligibility as requested on the application. A DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, may be required later in the selection process.

The UNC System Office (includes PBS NC, NCSEAA, and NC Arboretum) participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

Human Resources Contact Information
Applicants needing assistance with the application process are asked to contact: recruiter@northcarolina.edu.