PARK SCHOLARSHIPS

NC State’s Park Scholarships program was established in 1996 with the support of the Park Foundation of Ithaca, NY. The Park Scholarships program brings exceptional students to NC State University based on outstanding accomplishments and potential in scholarship, leadership, service, and character. The program develops and supports Park Scholars in these areas, preparing them for lifelong contributions to the university, state, nation, and world. The scholarship includes tuition and fees, room and board, enrichment activities, and additional expenses. About 40 Park Scholars are selected annually. The department reports directly to the chancellor of the university.

In 2013, the Park Foundation announced a $50 million gift to begin an endowment for the Park Scholarships at NC State. As the Park Scholarships program builds on this generous gift, the Assistant Director, Communications will play a key role in growing this endowment and the overall work to advance the mission of the program.


DESCRIPTION
The Temporary Assistant Director, Communications reports to the Director of the Park Scholarships program. This person will carry out the implementation of a comprehensive marketing and communications plan that supports the Park Scholarships mission. The Assistant Director, Communications needs to be energetic, collaborative, innovative, responsive to input, and dedicated to excellence in all print and digital communications, media, and public relations.

The position implements a brand strategy to strengthen the program and enhance the program’s visibility and recognition. The position works collaboratively with the Assistant Director for Development to grow philanthropic support, with the Assistant Director for Recruiting and Selection to communicate with prospective students, the Associate Director for Enrichment to promote program activities, and with all Park Scholarships staff to lead the production of communications program-wide. The Assistant Director, Communications serves as the point of contact for outside media, University Communications and Marketing, and university faculty and staff for all communications. The individual practices the highest ethical standards, team spirit, and openness to critical conversations.

Manage creation of all print and online Park Scholarships content
Articles about noteworthy scholar, alumni, giving stories and program accomplishments
Annual Report: continue the development of ~30 pages of content, work with external designers and printers to produce a high-quality print and digital product to be published and mailed in August 2025
Support the Assistant Director, Recruitment and Selection with recruiting presentations, brochures, and other printed materials when needed
Website (park.ncsu.edu)
Social media profiles (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn)
Bi-monthly e-newsletter
Email campaigns promoting program events, activities, and other initiatives
Write communications on behalf of the Director, including correspondence, presentations, speeches, etc.
This will be particularly important, as we are celebrating the 30th year of the Park Scholarships
Work with the Assistant Director, Engagement, to communicate with the incoming Class of 2029
Create presentations, videos, and graphics (or work with a campus partner)
Design, create, and edit stewardship materials and other communications that recognize donors and encourage their continued support, broaden prospect pool, and cultivate prospect relationships
Partner with the Assistant Director, Engagement on Day of Giving (March 26, 2024)
Copyedit and provide feedback on materials as needed by Park Scholarships staff
Manage communications with Park Scholars and staff/faculty via Google Groups, including the creation and distribution of a weekly internal newsletter
Support Park Alumni Society communications
Maintain the Park Scholarships community intranet

Extensive experience in executive communication needs writing remarks, speeches, developing presentations, drafting scripts, emails, etc.

The Assistant Director, Communications must:
Work well with diverse volunteers, students, and colleagues as part of a team in a large, complex research university; understand how to communicate with diverse constituents
Demonstrate the ability to create and lead a strategic communications plan
Manage web, digital, and print media and adapt information to a variety of target audiences
Independently write and produce strong content that clearly communicates a variety of messages
Possess a strong design aesthetic, including the ability to originate concepts and communicate them by combining powerful images, text, and design
Demonstrate the ability to edit, proofread, and provide constructive feedback to other writers
Be able to quickly adopt the concepts of NC State’s brand, such as strategy, voice, tone, and visual identity, and the voice and tone of the Park Scholarships Director
Effectively use social media to advance a brand
Effectively use and collaborate with Google tools available in G Suite including Drive, Gmail, Calendar, Docs, Slides, Sheets, and Groups
Create presentations using Google Slides
Have the ability to take and edit high-quality photographs for use across publications
Implement strategies to enhance content accessibility and improve SEO
Attend to details well
Work proactively and independently
Handle ambiguity and be flexible
Manage multiple and competing priorities, projects, and deadlines
Demonstrate superior judgment
Demonstrate exceptional organizational skills
Build effective internal and external relationships
Minimum qualifications include a bachelor’s degree in communications, English, marketing, public relations, or a related field, and progressively responsible and successful experience in communications or a related field.

Content Management Systems (CMS) (preferably WordPress) and email marketing software (e.g. Mailchimp)
Core applications of Adobe Creative Cloud
Canva (or a similar design system)
Project management

none

NC State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process, please call 919-515-3148.

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. If highest degree is from an institution outside of the U.S., final candidates are required to have their degree equivalency verified at www.wes.org or equivalent service. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

NC State University 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.