Program Specialist

Summary

Program Specialist

The Program Specialist in the Office of Public Affairs serves as a key member of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's Washington, D.C. Office, providing high-level administrative, operational, communications, and engagement support for the Office of Public Affairs. Based full time in Washington, D.C., this position will work closely with the Director and Assistant Director of Federal Affairs to support the daily operations of UNC-Chapel Hill's D.C. presence and help establish the office as a welcoming, professional, and highly effective resource for the University community.

As a new position in a growing office, this role will be instrumental in developing, maintaining, and updating office policies, procedures, systems, and best practices to ensure consistent and efficient operations. The position will serve as the primary point of contact for office visitors, events, and engagement activities, interacting regularly with a wide range of stakeholders, including campus administrators, faculty, students, alumni, members of Congress, congressional staff, federal agency representatives, national associations, peer institutions, and other external partners. The individual in this role must exercise sound judgment, professionalism, discretion, and a high degree of responsiveness in representing the University and the Office of Public Affairs.

In addition to office administration and event coordination, this position will manage and support communications for the Office of Federal Affairs. Working closely with the Director and Assistant Director, the Program Specialist will help expand the office's communications footprint through newsletters, stakeholder updates, event materials, briefing documents, web content, social media coordination, and new communications initiatives, including the development and launch of a monthly podcast. Experience or demonstrated interest in strategic communications, writing, digital content, and storytelling is strongly preferred.

Another critical component to this role is financial management of the DC office space. This includes handling of all supplies, building management issues, working closely with Public Affair unit's business manager to ensure all proper policies and procedures are followed when transacting business related to the DC office.

This role requires excellent organizational skills, strong written and verbal communication abilities, attention to detail, initiative, diplomacy, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced and highly visible environment. The position will handle sensitive and confidential information and must maintain the highest standards of professionalism and discretion.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements - Bachelor's degree and one year of experience related to the area of assignment; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Management Preferences - Experience providing administrative support for one or more senior executives. Prior experience in an administrative capacity in a higher education or government setting. Prior experience working in a Congressional office or within federal government. Demonstrated project management experience, including event and meeting planning. Experience with expense processing and account reconciliation.

Required Documents

1. Curriculum Vitae / Resume
2. Cover Letter

Job Description

Program Specialist

The Program Specialist in the Office of Public Affairs serves as a key member of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's Washington, D.C. Office, providing high-level administrative, operational, communications, and engagement support for the Office of Public Affairs. Based full time in Washington, D.C., this position will work closely with the Director and Assistant Director of Federal Affairs to support the daily operations of UNC-Chapel Hill's D.C. presence and help establish the office as a welcoming, professional, and highly effective resource for the University community.

As a new position in a growing office, this role will be instrumental in developing, maintaining, and updating office policies, procedures, systems, and best practices to ensure consistent and efficient operations. The position will serve as the primary point of contact for office visitors, events, and engagement activities, interacting regularly with a wide range of stakeholders, including campus administrators, faculty, students, alumni, members of Congress, congressional staff, federal agency representatives, national associations, peer institutions, and other external partners. The individual in this role must exercise sound judgment, professionalism, discretion, and a high degree of responsiveness in representing the University and the Office of Public Affairs.

In addition to office administration and event coordination, this position will manage and support communications for the Office of Federal Affairs. Working closely with the Director and Assistant Director, the Program Specialist will help expand the office's communications footprint through newsletters, stakeholder updates, event materials, briefing documents, web content, social media coordination, and new communications initiatives, including the development and launch of a monthly podcast. Experience or demonstrated interest in strategic communications, writing, digital content, and storytelling is strongly preferred.

Another critical component to this role is financial management of the DC office space. This includes handling of all supplies, building management issues, working closely with Public Affair unit's business manager to ensure all proper policies and procedures are followed when transacting business related to the DC office.

This role requires excellent organizational skills, strong written and verbal communication abilities, attention to detail, initiative, diplomacy, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced and highly visible environment. The position will handle sensitive and confidential information and must maintain the highest standards of professionalism and discretion.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements - Bachelor's degree and one year of experience related to the area of assignment; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Management Preferences - Experience providing administrative support for one or more senior executives. Prior experience in an administrative capacity in a higher education or government setting. Prior experience working in a Congressional office or within federal government. Demonstrated project management experience, including event and meeting planning. Experience with expense processing and account reconciliation.

Required Documents

1. Curriculum Vitae / Resume
2. Cover Letter