Director of External Affairs
Chapel Hill, NC
Frank Hawkins Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise
Date Posted: 2/19/2025
Position Information
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Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit
Established in 1985 by Frank Hawkins Kenan, the Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise is a nonpartisan business policy think tank affiliated with the UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School. The nonprofit institute and its affiliated centers convene leaders from the private sector, academic community and government to build a greater understanding of how entrepreneurship, economic development and global commerce can work for the public good. The institute leverages best-in-class research to develop market-based solutions to today’s most complex economic challenges. In doing so, the institute aims to support businesses and policies that better the lives of people in North Carolina, across the country and around the world.
Position Summary
This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement that may include a partially remote work location, consistent with System Office policy. UNC Chapel Hill employees are generally required to reside within a reasonable commuting distance of their assigned duty station.
The Director of External Affairs is responsible for leading and creating the overall planning and implementing of a communications strategy to support the core mission of the Frank Hawkins Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise at the University of North Carolina Kenan-Flagler Business School. The primary goal of the External Affairs Director’s role will be to increase the visibility and impact of the Kenan Institute on the national level. The External Affairs Director will increase awareness of Institute work and will directly engage with high-level stakeholders in the private sector, academia and government. The position provides leadership and supervision to the Institute’s external affairs team overseeing organizational advancement efforts, including external affairs, communications, marketing, media relations, event management, and brand development. The External Affairs Director also proactively creates and refines the identity of the Institute through traditional and new media channels. A primary activity of this position will be to lead and coordinate, in collaboration with the institute’s operating units, the branding and dissemination of thought leadership for the Institute’s core initiatives to drive deeper engagement in the business, policy and academic sectors.
As the leader of a team of external affairs professionals, the Director of External Affairs will set broad team priorities, direct market research and trend analysis, develop a process for tracking metrics and key performance indicators, manage communications budgets and oversee the creation of public relations strategies. As a visible member of the institute’s leadership team, the External Affairs Director will also develop and cultivate cooperative relationships with business partners, journalists, public officials, government regulators and donors to develop and maintain the Institute’s brand of thought leadership while paving the way for future partnerships and opportunities.
The External Affairs Director will report to the Managing Director of the Kenan Institute. The External Affairs Director will also work collaboratively with the Kenan-Flagler’s Marketing/Communications teams and those of UNC Chapel Hill on media relations, social media, thought leadership about UNC Kenan-Flagler faculty’s research and disseminating content through School and university communication channels.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree required (or foreign degree equivalent); for candidates demonstrating comparable independent research productivity or comparable background in independent academic or instructional activities, will accept a relevant Bachelor’s degree (or foreign degree equivalent) and 3 or more years of relevant experience in substitution. This experience may be related to the direction/oversight of programs that focus the academic and research resources of a higher education institution towards community or regional issues.
Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
Candidates should have experience in the following areas:
Branding, marketing and strategic communication
Setting and executing brand strategy
Managing data-driven marketing campaigns related to website engagement, partners acquisition and cross-selling programs
People management, budget management and project management experience
Gathering and analyzing data to identify trends and make balanced, objective recommendations to achieve strategic objectives
Media including but not limited to video, print and social media.
Website design and understanding of modern, user-focused website design principles, including visual design, UX/UI, SEO and/or related principles
Press relations, including engaging/pitching national media outlets
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
Ideal candidates will have seven to ten years of related experience, including preferred qualifications:
Experience with a brand refresh and/or new brand launch
Familiarity and openness to new technologies and new marketing tools
Experience managing a budget in fiscally conservative, limited resource situations
Special Instructions
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.
Quick Link: https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/296647
Posting Contact Information
Department Contact Name and TitleMayra ReyesDepartment Contact Telephone or Emailmayra_reyes@kenan-flagler.unc.eduOffice of Human Resources Contact Information
If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (919) 843-2300 or send an email to employment@unc.edu
Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
Curriculum Vitae / Resume
Cover Letter
List of References
Optional Documents
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
Please select the response below that describes your level of education that best or mostly closely satisfies the education requirements for this position.
Bachelor’s degree in required discipline(s) listed or related field
Bachelor's degree in any field/discipline
Master's degree or Doctorate degree in required discipline(s) listed or related field
Master's degree or Doctorate degree in any field/discipline
None of the above
