Communication and Outreach Director_

Description:This position serves as the Communication and Outreach Director for the Center for Regional and Rural Connected Communities (CR2C2) and its associated laboratories and projects. The person hired for this position is responsible for conducting and coordinating the communication and marketing, outreach events and activities, community engagement, data collection and management, and information analysis activities for CR2C2 and its associated laboratories. The person also contributes to the education activities. This person is also responsible for assisting the Center Director and program manager with coordinating business operations and activities of CR2C2 and its associate laboratories and projects as needed.Primary Function of Organizational Unit:North Carolina A & T is a public land grant high research activity university that enrolls over 13,300 students. The University is committed to dedicated teaching and learning, scholarly and creative research, and effective engagement and public service.The Center for Regional and Rural Connected Communities (CR2C2) was initially funded by U.S. Department of Transportation in 2023. CR2C2 will serve as the Region 4 University Transportation Center ( UTC ) charged with addressing transportation challenges within the southeastern region of the United States.+ Serves as the Communication and outreach director for the Center for Regional and Rural Connected Communities (CR2C2).+ Plans, develops, oversees, and implements the communication, outreach, community engagement, education and workforce development activities and events, for the CR2C2 and its associated laboratories, projects, and activities.+ Organizes the CR2C2’s and the associated laboratories’ workshops and seminars.+ Meets with the center director or program manager regularly to plan and organize the CR2C2 activities and events+ Prepares and reviews technical and financial reports, articles, presentations, newsletters, proposals, and grants.+ Communicates and follows up the businesses and activities of CR2C2 and its associated laboratories with all University units.+ Disseminates information about CR2C2 activities and its associated laboratories with all University departments and external entities.+ Assists with events and other programs as needed.+ Assists with coordinating business operations and activities of CR2C2 and its associate laboratories and projects.+ Prepares with the preparation of CR2C2 articles, proposals, reports, presentations, educational, and marketing materials.+ Work with staff to develop and implement a marketing & communications plan. Set goals and track performance.+ Listens and responds appropriately to others using the appropriate media (e.g., e-mail, presentations, etc.).+ Assists with planning and organizing the outreach/training/education programs including core training, specialized one-time training events, continuing education, outreach events, and related programs for the CR2C2 and its associated laboratories.+ Handles marketing and public relations and functions for the CR2C2 and its associated laboratories.+ Prepares training materials for the CR2C2 and its associated laboratories.+ Attends CR2C2 meetings to stay abreast of upcoming CR2C2 activities and to support as necessary to ensure compliance with NCA &T, federal, and grant policies.+ Travels and represents the CR2C2 as needed in meetings with stakeholders, including state and federal agencies, industrial partners, and other collaborators.+ Handles all marketing and communication aspects of the CR2C2 and its associated laboratories including the preparation of marketing and presentation materials and maintaining and updating websites, recording and documenting the events, and administering the social media accounts.+ Ensures mission relevant and cohesive branding/messaging across all outward communications.+ Manages and create event and program marketing content including press releases, e-blasts, monthly newsletters, community calendars, flyers, invitations, and social media, and other related marketing materials.+ Supports fundraising efforts as needed.+ Identifies outreach opportunities by maintaining active communication with other businesses and our community+ Creates, collects, and analyzes graphs, charts, and other data visualizations within prescribed timeframes for grant reports, proposals, and stakeholder meetings.+ Analyzes CR2C2 business operations and financial statements and makes recommendations for approval.+ Reviews, examines, and prepares program documents.+ Assists with data storage, organization, and management.+ Researches, collects, and analyzes data to help devise strategies for the best outreach and communications practices+ Collaborates with other departments and cross-analyze data for outreach outcome statistics+ Maintains and update a list of media contacts and foster relationships.+ Prepares and contributes to the reports, prepared for the center leadership, university administration, and the sponsoring agencies.Requirements:+ Master’s Degree in communication and marketing, management, relevant STEM discipline, or transportation related disciplines and 1 year of similar experience, or Bachelor’s Degree in these disciplines and 3 years of experience+ Possess a high level of initiative and the ability to multitask and address issues with decisiveness and patience.+ Possess good organizational skills; detail oriented.+ Able to prioritize tasks effectively.+ Demonstrated integrity, dependability, and competence.+ Able to work independently requiring minimal supervision.+ Proficient with MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.+ Able to make presentations utilizing excellent oral communication and facilitation skills.+ Strong critical thinking, analytical, writing, communication, and interpersonal skills.+ Ability to manage educational programs.+ Ability to plan and organize meetings and events.+ Ability to prepare and present materials, recommendations, reports, strategic plans.+ Strong work ethic.+ Able to handle multitask, meet deadlines and shift priorities as needed.+ Able to manage communications to successful outcomes.+ Establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals and groups, other employees, contractors, developers and the public.+ Ability to work independently as well as be an integral part of a team.Preferred:+ Work experience in digital communication and graphic design tools and software+ Demonstrated skills in communications, marketing, community outreach or related fields with three years experience.+ Experience curating content for social media and creating original online and printed marketing material/collateral.+ Experience running a marketing campaign.Special Instructions:You must complete and submit an electronic application for employment to be considered. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing an electronic application. Applicants seeking Veteran’s Preference must attach a DD 214 form. Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty with your application during the process of applying to the job posting. Final candidates are subject to criminal and sex offender background checks. North Carolina A&T 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. North Carolina A&T State University is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. No one who applies or seeks employment will be denied admission to or employment at North Carolina A&T State University on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, disabling condition, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or sexual orientation and sexual identity.Employee Benefits available to NC A & T permanent employees include the following and more;+ Accrued Vacation and Sick Leave for Eligible Employees+ Community Service Leave+ Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC – Health Benefits+ NCFlex – Vision, Dental, Flexible Spending Account, Life Insurance and more+ 12 Paid Holidays+ Teachers and State Employees Retirement System ( TSERS )+ Optional Supplemental Plans – 401k, 403b, 457b and 457+ Employee Assistance Program ( EAP )+ Campus Recreation Center Discount+ University Bookstore Discount+ and moreThis position may be eligible for a remote or hybrid work arrangement, consistent with university and state policies. N.C. A&T employees are generally required to reside in North Carolina, within a 2-hour commuting distance of their assigned duty station.