The Public Communications Specialist develops and leads, with input from Odum Institute staff the following three areas of responsibility: 1) Communications; 2) Graphics, publications, and editorial services; and 3) Digital automation, data analytics, digital accessibility, and business development.

This position creates and leads an integrated, engaging, and effective approach to communications using a variety of messaging strategies and platforms to communicate the impact of ODUM's research and research support, including describing research findings and data, and developing strategies to disseminate the Institute's consulting and data management work to an increasingly diverse, multi-faceted, domestic, and international audience. The incumbent will work closely with members of the senior leadership team to develop the Institute's messaging strategy in accordance with emerging initiatives and core programs at this research institution. The position is the leader and architect for the Institute's social media accounts, print publications, and website. 

This position supervises one part-time position in Odum's communications, graphics, and publications unit, which is responsible for the following activities: preparing reports, presentations, publications, Institute and project branding, and web design. Services include working with researchers involved in original data collection to enhance respondent participation and facilitating the dissemination and interpretation of research findings. 

This position leads the Center's digital automation, data analytics, digital accessibility, and business development efforts. The incumbent will work with Odum staff to identify recurring processes to be automated and will carry out this work. In addition, the position will lead the effort to create data analytics reports to help inform business decisions and improve efficiencies, will help with digital accessibility issues, and will facilitate advancement and fundraising efforts through alternative funding streams beyond grants.

* Designs, deploys, and maintains websites and web applications for the unit, works closely with constituents to make sure website functionality and content is updated as needed and ensures any related technical issues are resolved quickly.
* Responsible for web and media design strategy and execution, including, but not limited to interactive web and digital media, web presence looks and feel, content creation, and web copy.
* Identifies and learns new web and media technologies to enhance web development services and improve Odum's research communications. 
* Provides expertise and proposes ideas to make the web site(s) more intuitive for clients and external audiences. 
* Creative design lead for planning and execution of comprehensive media strategy to support the core mission of the Odum Institute for Research in Social Science of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
* Provides consultation services to Principal Investigators, Program Managers, and project team members on the design of websites, appropriate use of applications, and database specifications.
* Provides supervision to the media assistant.
* Gathers and analyzes metrics (Google analytics, social media insights, and training data) in order to facilitate strategic decision-making and to strengthen the Odum brand.
* Other duties as assigned by management to meet business needs.

* Strong organizational, administrative and time-management skills, plus meticulous attention to detail and commitment to meeting deadlines.
* Initiative and judgment to independently problem solve and prioritize in a pressured environment.
* Ability to direct multiple tasks with competing priorities.
* Excellent management and leadership skills, with an ability to guide and mentor staff and contractors while delegating assignments as needed to meet critical deadlines.
* Demonstrated ability to gain consensus among multiple stakeholders in a decentralized environment.
* Demonstrated experience building effective communications plans.
* Experience in a college or university setting, non-profit service organization, or the private sector related to communications and public affairs.
* Thorough understanding of marketing permissions, copyright, and all aspects of intellectual property management for communications.
* Preferred knowledge of web and digital accessibility requirements.
* Experience leading digital automation projects, also a plus.
* Master's degree in a discipline related to the area of assignment, or equivalent combination of training and experience.
* The ability to work with diverse groups of students, faculty, and administrators at a research university; experience in strategic marketing planning and research communications strategy; experience developing and managing multiple forms of relevant media, including social media, e-newsletters, websites, and other digital media. 
* Strong social media content creation.
* Experience with creation of interactive web and digital platforms.
* Strong interpersonal, organizational, and writing skills.
* Strong skill set in web site design and implementation.
* Familiarity gathering and analyzing metrics (Google analytics, social media insights, and training data) in order to facilitate strategic decision-making. Event planning and coordination skills also preferred.