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How much do research communications jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for research communications in the United States is $67,006.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,500.00 and $71,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Research Communications, and why are they important?

To thrive in Research Communications, you need excellent written and verbal communication skills, a background in science or research, and often a degree in communications, journalism, or a related field. Familiarity with content management systems, publication tools, and data visualization software is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, adaptability, and the ability to translate complex information for diverse audiences set outstanding professionals apart. These skills are vital for effectively disseminating research findings, engaging stakeholders, and supporting an organization’s mission and credibility.

How does a Research Communications professional typically collaborate with researchers and other stakeholders to ensure accurate dissemination of findings?

Research Communications professionals work closely with researchers, subject matter experts, and institutional stakeholders to translate complex research findings into accessible content for diverse audiences. This involves frequent meetings to clarify scientific concepts, reviewing drafts for accuracy, and coordinating with communications teams to develop press releases, reports, or digital materials. Building strong working relationships is essential, as it fosters trust and ensures that all communications accurately reflect the research while aligning with organizational goals. Effective collaboration also helps anticipate potential misinterpretations and address them proactively.

What is research communications?

Research communications involves sharing scientific or academic research findings with various audiences, including the public, policymakers, stakeholders, and other researchers. Professionals in this field translate complex research concepts into clear and accessible messages using articles, reports, social media, presentations, and press releases. Their work helps bridge the gap between researchers and non-expert audiences, increasing the impact and visibility of research. Effective research communication can drive informed decision-making, shape public opinion, and foster collaboration across disciplines.

What is the difference between Research Communications vs Scientific Writer?

AspectResearch CommunicationsScientific Writer
Primary FocusCommunicating research findings to diverse audiences, including public, stakeholders, and mediaCreating detailed scientific documents, articles, and reports for academic or industry audiences
Work EnvironmentResearch institutions, universities, government agencies, or industryAcademic journals, publishing houses, biotech or pharma companies
Required CredentialsBackground in science or research, communication skills, often a degree in science or communicationsStrong scientific background, writing skills, often a degree in science, journalism, or communications

Research Communications and Scientific Writers both require a scientific background and strong communication skills. However, Research Communications focuses on translating complex research into accessible formats for various audiences, while Scientific Writers primarily produce detailed scientific documents and publications. Both roles are vital in disseminating scientific knowledge but serve different communication needs within the industry.

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Research Communications jobs near you
Associate Vice Chancellor, Integrated Strategic Communications

Associate Vice Chancellor, Integrated Strategic Communications

NCSU

Raleigh, NC • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

North Carolina State University rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 33 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

381st of 529 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Posting Information
Posting Number PG194684EP Internal Recruitment No Working Title Associate Vice Chancellor, Integrated Strategic Communications Anticipated Hiring Range Commensurate with Education and Experience Work Schedule Core Business Hours are Monday - Friday; 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Job Location Raleigh, NC Department Chancellor's Office And Staff About the Department
University Communications and Marketing is the central agency responsible for shaping and sharing the story of NC State University. As the stewards of the NC State brand, we drive the university's reputation and visibility through integrated marketing, strategic communications, and digital engagement. We are a team of creators, strategists, and problem-solvers dedicated to the "Think and Do" spirit. We collaborate across the university to elevate NC State's profile as a premier public research institution, supporting enrollment, research, alumni engagement, and institutional prestige.
What we do:
  • Increase awareness and preference of the university's distinctive benefits
  • Create consistency in university wide messaging and the brand platform including visual identity
  • Provide support for public relations and communications efforts across the institution
  • Develop rapid, thoughtful engagement with emerging issues and crisis communications
  • Develop effective marketing, graphic design, communication and web strategy, creative services and professional counsel for campus partners
  • Support a strong and cohesive culture throughout the university
Wolfpack Perks and Benefits
As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

What we offer:
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Retirement Programs
  • Disability Plans
  • Life Insurance
  • Accident Plan
  • Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
  • 12 Holidays Each Year
  • Tuition and Academic Assistance
  • And so much more!

Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.
Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.
Essential Job Duties
We are seeking a collaborative leader with significant experience leading strategic communications, media relations, and reputation management within complex, high-visibility organizations. This executive role serves as  a university's spokesperson and primary reputation promoter and guardian, shaping how NC State engages with news media, navigates complex issues, and translates research and institutional impact into clear public understanding.
This is a role where steady judgment, sound decision-making, and clear communication in fast-moving, high-pressure environments are essential. As a leader in this position, you will build trust through transparency and consistency when circumstances are evolving and visibility is high. You will foster alignment across internal partners, media, and executive stakeholders, ensuring clarity in moments of complexity and providing confident direction that strengthens institutional credibility and response.
Through a responsive, relationship-driven approach, you will strengthen the university's readiness and performance in high-stakes environments. You will build and sustain a robust network of media relationships at the local, national, and global level-securing credible earned coverage that positions NC State as a trusted source of expertise and innovation. Overseeing Public Relations, Strategic Communications and Media, and Research Communications, you ensure the university's "Think and Do" impact is communicated with clarity, coherence, and purpose.
Key responsibilities fall within the five core functional areas outlined below. 
Strategic Media Relations & Brand Visibility
  • Build and sustain relationships with local, national, and international media to elevate NC State expertise and research.
  • Lead proactive storytelling that highlights student success, faculty achievement, and institutional and research impact.
  • Oversee news operations, ensuring timely, accurate, and high-quality news content.
Issues Management & Crisis Communications
  • Lead crisis and issues management with clarity and composure in high-pressure situations.
  • Advise university leadership on emerging issues, reputational risk, and sensitive communications.
  • Coordinate cross-campus response to ensure aligned and consistent messaging during critical incidents.
Research Communications & Impact Storytelling
  • Translate complex research into clear, compelling narratives that demonstrate public value.
  • Partner with research leadership to increase visibility in prestige, trade, and industry media.
Executive Communications & Thought Leadership
  • Shape leadership messaging, including speeches, op-eds, and institutional narratives.
  • Align executive communications with broader reputation and media strategy to ensure consistency and trust.
Collaboration & Culture
  • Collaborate and partner closely with the AVC for Brand and Integrated Strategic Operations and the AVC for Integrated Content Strategy
  • Develops and mentors team, with a strong focus on division-wide culture
If you are a communications leader who thrives in complex, high-visibility environments and is motivated by shaping how a major institution is understood, trusted, and represented in the public sphere, we encourage you to apply.
Other Responsibilities
In addition to the core responsibilities of this role, there will be opportunities to represent the division through engagement with a wide range of internal and external constituents, including university leadership, public officials, representatives from the UNC System and peer institutions, students, parents, alumni, faculty, staff, and members of the public. These opportunities will be assigned in collaboration with the Vice Chancellor of Communications and Marketing in support of evolving departmental and institutional priorities.
Qualifications
Minimum Education and Experience
  • Post-baccalaureate degree in Journalism, Communications, Public Relations or a related field; or a Bachelor's degree with equivalent broad-based independent experience in executive-level strategic communications. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted for the advanced degree.

  • Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in communications, public relations, or related field, with at least 5 years in leadership role(s).
Other Required Qualifications
  • Demonstrated ability to synthesize complex information (such as scientific research or crisis scenarios) into clear, compelling narratives for varied audiences.
  • Proven mastery in managing high-stakes issues and crisis communications, with a track record of maintaining organizational trust and clarity under pressure.
  • Established history of cultivating trust-based relationships with media and influencers; ability to leverage these networks to secure high-impact earned media.
  • Demonstrated skill in providing candid, strategic counsel to C-suite executives or senior government officials regarding sensitive public relations matters.
  • Proven ability to lead and integrate varied teams (e.g., former journalists, science writers, crisis managers) toward shared strategic goals
  • Demonstrated experience leading or supporting organizational change in complex environments, including aligning teams, communicating transitions clearly, and sustaining performance during periods of strategic or operational shift.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience working within a Research 1 (R1) university or a science/technology-focused organization, with specific skill in communicating STEM topics to lay audiences.
  • Proficiency in integrating social media listening and digital engagement tools into crisis response and reputation management strategies.
  • Experience navigating the intersection of public relations, government affairs, and higher education policy.
Required License(s) or Certification(s)
N/A
Valid NC Driver's License required No Commercial Driver's License required No
Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions
Job Open Date 05/27/2026 Anticipated Close Date 6/19/2026; if posting is active we are still accepting and reviewing applications. Special Instructions to Applicants
Please include a resume, cover letter, contact information for at least three professional references and a writing example as a part of your application materials.
Position Details
Position Number 00112065 Position Type EPS/SAAO Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week) 1.0 Appointment 12 Month Recurring Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events Non Mandatory - Emergency Event Department ID 010101 - Chancellor's Office And Staff EEO
NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.
If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.
NC 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.

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About North Carolina State University

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North Carolina State University (NCSU), located in Raleigh, NC, US, is a leading educational institution with a strong emphasis on research, academics, and public service. Established in 1887, NCSU operates in the education industry and endeavors to foster student success, and promote economic development by providing high-quality, affordable education, and conducting groundbreaking research across a variety of disciplines. With more than 100 majors, its academic offerings range from undergraduates to postgraduates along with doctoral studies - in various fields like engineering, natural resources, humanities, and social sciences. NCSU is firmly anchored on the core values of respect, responsibility, integrity, and innovation. Its mission is to create economic, societal, and intellectual prosperity for the people of North Carolina and the nation.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Raleigh, NC, US

Year founded

1887

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