Associate Dean for External Affairs

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 mission of the School of Social Work is to advance equity, transform systems, and improve lives. The School's curriculum supports the mission and recognizes the uniqueness of the region served, including concerns for disadvantaged, vulnerable, and oppressed individuals, families, and communities. Classes provide rigorous and evidence-based content, and give students the opportunity to explore theory, learn intervention skills and engage in challenging dialogue with colleagues. The School works to become the leading school of social work for impact - generating knowledge with powerful and positive consequences.

The School of Social Work offers M.S.W. and Ph.D. degrees. Dual degrees are offered in Law, Public Health, Public Administration, and Divinity (with Duke University). The faculty members of the School of Social Work have strong collaborative relationships with many campus units such as the Schools of Medicine, Public Health, Nursing, Law, Government, Education, and the Department of City and Regional Planning as well as University Centers and Institutes such as the Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research, the Carolina Population Center, the Center for Developmental Sciences, Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute, and the Institute on Aging. We also maintain dynamic relationships with community agencies, state and federal government, and research groups in the Research Triangle Park and across the U.S.

To learn more about the School of Social Work, please visit our website at https://ssw.unc.edu/.

The School of Social Work ( SSW) at the UNC-CH is one of the leading schools of social work for impact in the nation, tied second among public universities and fourth overall by the U.S. News and World Report. Our students, faculty, and staff are committed to understanding the etiology of social problems and to developing and implementing evidence-informed policies and practices that address those problems. This commitment calls us to serve vulnerable and marginalized populations in North Carolina and around the world. As such, our faculty and students embrace the scholarship of discovery and translation.

The Associate Dean for External Affairs ( ADEA) leads advocacy and representation for SSW, building valuable partnerships that contribute to the overall success and visibility of our academic community. The Associate Dean will promote the innovative research of the faculty, a national leader in research as the 11th top-ranked university for federal research in the U.S., with a $10 million research enterprise (with $30 million in research funded activities) that is driven by numerous research programs, labs, centers, and institutes. The School is ranked No. 2 among public universities and No. 4 overall by the U.S. News & World Report for best graduate school for social work in the nation.

The ADEA is the head of the External Affairs and Impact team of five permanent employees including marketing and public communication professionals, directly supervising the Director of Communications. This position reports directly to the Dean of the School of Social Work and will work closely with the Associate Dean of the Office of Community Engagement, the Chief Development Officer of Advancement, and the Dean's Office, along with internal and external partners across campus. The ADEA serves on the Dean's Executive Council and is an advisor to the Dean and is responsible for the operational management of the Office of External Affairs and Impact.

We are seeking a seasoned communications professional to strengthen SSW's external relationships and advance our mission of Advancing Equity, Transforming Systems, and Improving Lives through key partnerships and community engagement. The ADEA must function as a trusted leader and work closely with the Dean, campus and SSW leaders, faculty, alumni, government officials, and local and state organizations. This role requires a high-impact leader who plays a crucial role with the Dean and leadership team to drive the School's strategic vision forward.

This position is critical to the mission of the School in all initiatives related to external affairs, communications, and impact, and responsibilities include directing and implementing marketing campaigns for BSW, MSW, and PhD programs; directing and overseeing a branding refresh and related updates to websites; developing and implementing strategic external communications plans around the upcoming USN&WR and other ranking programs deemed vital to the School's reputation; overseeing external communications for the Social Work Coalition for N.C. Workforce Development and other future initiatives around social work theme; overseeing internal communications for the School's strategic planning strategies and tracking implementation of those strategies; working closely with the Dean of the School to respond to University and System requests for information and data relevant to marketing and communications; maintaining and building upon working relationships and partnerships across campus, System-wide, and with state-wide strategic partners; coordinating and managing media coverage of the School in partnership with UNC-CH Media Relations team; building communications best practices including crisis communications strategies; and working closely with the AD for OCEO to advise School labs, centers and institutes on branding, marketing and communications efforts that adhere to University guidelines.

Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree required (or foreign degree equivalent) with three years or greater of related professional experience in marketing, communications, journalism, public affairs, or a related field; 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.

Required qualifications include:

* Outstanding oral and written communication skills with an ability to speak to a variety of audiences, transforming ambiguity into clarity; excellent listening skills, and the capacity and willingness to engage in intellectual debate and discussion.
* Proven record of inspiring and leading teams, particularly in academic or high-stakes environments.
* Demonstrated ability to work alongside colleagues at all levels, respectfully and inclusively to foster a positive environment that promotes employee engagement and recognizes their contributions.
* Ability to model a commitment of personal growth and development and nurturing others' talents through strong mentoring, coaching, and team building.
* Demonstrated experience managing a communications and marketing enterprise with substantial web and social media presence is essential
* Demonstrated experience using and managing a variety of digital channels (e.g., website, blogs, social media) and monitoring and evaluating the impact of such channels to understand and influence organizational reputation
* Experienced in brand strategy and marketing
* Exceptional written, digital and oral communication skills
* Committed to supporting the values of the School and profession

Preferred qualifications include:
* An advanced degree in a relevant discipline.
* Experience working in higher education, ideally in a public institution, is strongly preferred with an understanding of academic structure or academic governance.
* Working familiarity of health sciences as a profession.
* 8 years or more experience in strategic planning, project management, or a related field.
* Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage complex, multidisciplinary workflows.
* Strong problem-solving abilities with a proactive approach to managing institutional challenges and opportunities.
* Impeccable judgment (sensitivity and discretion) in handling confidential materials and situations
* High degree of energy, initiative, and organization; self-confidence, creativity, and willingness to take risks and develop and evaluate new programs with knowledge of the best national practices, including the ability to use research, data, and assessment to guide decision-making.

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Please upload CV, cover letter, and a list of 3-4 references. Uploading a writing sample is optional.

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.