The Brand & Design Specialist leads the NC Collaboratory's visual identity, ensuring complex research is translated into engaging, accessible, and high-impact materials across print, digital, video, and web platforms.
Through graphic design, video production, editorial judgment, and strategic communication, the position strengthens stakeholder engagement and communicates research impact to policymakers, academic partners, and the public. Reporting to the Director of External Impact & Strategic Communications, the Specialist collaborates with Communications, Research, and Leadership teams to maintain a cohesive and professional visual presence.
Deliverables include branded reports, digital collateral, video projects, website updates, and the quarterly newsletter, with an emphasis on consistency, accessibility, and audience alignment.
Established by the North Carolina General Assembly in 2016, the Collaboratory connects UNC System research expertise with the practical needs of policymakers and communities. It conducts both directed and discretionary research across areas such as natural resource management, environmental quality, and public health, managing more than 250 active projects supported by over $250 million in appropriations. The Brand & Design Specialist produces strategic visual and video content that supports these research priorities and upholds consistent, high-quality branding across all communications.
Branding & Graphic Design
Develop the Collaboratory's visual branding by creating high impact digital and print materials that support research priorities, elevate leadership visibility, and ensure consistency across all public facing assets. Combine strategic design thinking with hands on creative execution, managing collaborative design projects, producing print and digital assets, creating editorial aligned graphics, and overseeing brand and asset management.
Video Production
Lead the Collaboratory's video storytelling by producing dynamic content that communicates research, leadership, and organizational impact. Apply creative direction and technical execution across formats to translate complex research into clear, compelling, and accessible stories. Duties include concept development, storyboarding, filming and editing video content, creating motion graphics and other enhancements to produce videos ranging from short clips to long form features.
Website Development & Content Management
Manage and optimize the Collaboratory's website to keep content current, accurate, and aligned with strategic goals. The position integrates technical updates, content management, and user experience enhancements to maintain a dynamic, research driven web presence. Responsibilities include content publishing and optimization, coordinating technical updates with IT, reviewing and refreshing site pages, improving navigation and user experience, and integrating regular research updates.
