Appalachian State University: Public Communication Specialist

Appalachian State University, in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, prepares students to lead purposeful lives as global citizens who understand and engage their responsibilities in creating a sustainable future for all. The transformational Appalachian experience promotes a spirit of inclusion that brings people together in inspiring ways to acquire and create knowledge, to grow holistically, to act with passion and determination, and embrace diversity and difference. As one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina system, Appalachian enrolls more than 20,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and graduate majors.

Bachelor’s degree in a discipline related to the area of assignment; or equivalent combination of training and experience. 
All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. 
Special Note: This is a generalized representation of positions in this class and is not intended to reflect essential functions per ADA. Examples of competencies are typical of the majority of positions, but may not be applicable to all positions.

The Public Communication Specialist is the primary spokesperson to the public including all forms of social media, website, radio, newspaper, newsletter, and NRLP signage. 

Duties may include:

The employee in this position will be responsible for coordinating communication with the public, as well as coordinating with Appalachian State University faculty and students with research projects and internships. 
Employee must maintain a professional and effective relationship with co-workers, the business community, residents and visitors to Boone, Appalachian State University, and NRLP’s service area. Work is performed under the supervision of the General Manager of NRLP.

The successful candidate will have graduated from an accredited four-year university with a degree in business administration, marketing, public administration, economics or some other applicable degree; a masters degree in business administration or public administration is a plus. 
Prefer a minimum of 3 years experience in marketing or similar field, experience with event planning and facility maintenance a plus.

Mon-Fri, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

This position may require sitting for long periods of time.

Communication-Verbal: Independently communicates program information of moderate complexity and impact to targeted audiences; assimilates and communicates information that requires greater understanding and has greater impact on the organization. Establishes and maintains a variety of working relationships.

Communication-Written: Independently assimilates and composes written materials to use in a variety of communication outlets; edits documents to ensure accuracy in content and form; drafts communications for final release.

Knowledge-Program: Applies thorough knowledge of the methods and techniques of planning, writing and editing and producing content. Edits and analyzes informational material or content prepared by others. Applies thorough knowledge of the techniques for disseminating information to the public and target groups.

Knowledge-Technical: Understands and uses communication, design and visual art concepts and practices pertinent to the area of responsibility. Determines, utilizes, and applies standard and specialized techniques and technology appropriately. Uses a variety of moderately complex processes, procedures and techniques. Uses and incorporates various hardware and software packages, as well as traditional design methods. Researches and identifies new technology and makes recommendations for use and purchase. Applies knowledge of organizational principles of design elements. Promotes subject matter in a wide variety of media. Trains others in use of new methods and technical tools.

Project Management: Consults with and determines client/customer needs and project parameters. Plans and manages multi-faceted and specialized projects. Conceptualizes and creates communications as they relate to the area of responsibility from creation through delivery.

Required documents to attach: Cover Letter and Resume.

List a minimum of 3 professional references in the application.

Individuals with disabilities may request accommodations in the application process by contacting Maranda Maxey, Director & ADA/504 Coordinator, at 828-262-3056 or maxeymr@appstate.edu.

Appalachian State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. The University does not discriminate in access to its educational programs and activities, or with respect to hiring or the terms and conditions of employment, on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity and expression, political affiliation, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information or sexual orientation.

Important Contacts:

Director of Human Resources/EEO Officer
Office of Human Resources
330 University Hall Dr.
Boone, NC 28608
(828) 262-3187
human-resources@appstate.edu

Office of Title IX Compliance
123 I.G. Greer Hall
Boone, NC 28608
(828) 262-2144
titleix@appstate.edu

ADA/504 Coordinator & Office of Disability Resources Director
Office of Disability Resources
224 Joyce Lawrence Lane/Suite 112 Anne Belk Hall
Boone, NC 28608
(828) 262-3056
odr@appstate.edu

We at Appalachian State University are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusive excellence both locally and globally.


We understand that the successful implementation of diversity, equity, and inclusive excellence is the responsibility of the entire university community, including alumni and official university governing bodies. A diverse campus community supports an influx of broad and distinct ideas that increase learning opportunities and strengthen the impact of our community as we work collectively to achieve a just experience for all.


We actively encourage, support, and promote a global mindset and an equitable environment where all will know that they belong and are safe to express their culture, identity, values, ideas, opinions, and creativity. We are committed to creating a culture of equity opportunity for all, one that has an expectation of fairness, justice, and equity-minded practice at all levels of the university community.

Any offer of employment to a successful candidate will be conditioned upon the University’s receipt of a satisfactory criminal background report.

Proper documentation of identity and eligibility for employment will be required before the hiring process can be completed.