Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit
Established in 1985 by Frank Hawkins Kenan, the Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise is a nonpartisan business policy think tank affiliated with the UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School. The nonprofit institute and its affiliated centers convene leaders from the private sector, academic community and government to build a greater understanding of how entrepreneurship, economic development and global commerce can work for the public good. The institute leverages best-in-class research to develop market-based solutions to today’s most complex economic challenges. In doing so, the institute aims to support businesses and policies that better the lives of people in North Carolina, across the country and around the world.
Position Summary
This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement that may include a partially remote work location, consistent with System Office policy. UNC Chapel Hill employees are generally required to reside within a reasonable commuting distance of their assigned duty station
The Technical Business Writer will be responsible for producing a wide variety of written content that feature the scholarly works of UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School faculty members, particularly in the subject matter of the Kenan Institute’s initiatives (including, but not limited to labor markets, economic policy, financial markets, economic development, emerging technology, and others). The person chosen for this position must be comfortable reading academic business research, identifying the pertinent information and findings, and translating those findings into digestible and short written pieces for a business or policy audience. The Technical Business Writer will be responsible for developing content pieces in various styles including the institute’s Kenan Insights series, white papers, policy briefs, data commentaries, and slide decks, among others.
This position will also provide writing support to the Institute’s American Growth Project initiative, and any partnerships derived from that initiative. The American Growth Project provides real-time economic data, analysis, and forecasting for towns, cities, and counties across the country. The Technical Business Writer will work closely with the Research Services team to produce reports, city profiles, case studies, and other written materials that showcase the work of the American Growth Project.
This position requires proficient data literacy skills, with the ability to interpret basic statistical models used in economic and business research and translate them into actionable written content accessible to a wide variety of audiences.
This position will report to the Director of Research Services, however, this position will work closely with a cross-functional team from both External Affairs and Research Services to develop and promote content to our target audiences. The Technical Business Writer will also cultivate relationships with institute staff, its affiliated centers, and UNC faculty to identify and translate academic business research.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
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.
Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
This job requires strong written and verbal communication skills. This position must be comfortable reading, understanding, and translating academic business research.
Must be team oriented, with the ability to work independently.
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
At least three years of related training or experience preferred; or equivalent combination of training and experience. Previous experience as a business writer/reporter for a news agency and/or association or trade publication would be beneficial but is not required.
Familiarity with AP writing style is a plus.
Strong data literacy skills, with the ability to interpret basic statistical models used in economic and business research. Both proficiency in Excel and other statistical software (e.g. Stata) a plus. Familiarity in working with data visualizations and infographics, particularly with business and economic data, is also a plus.
Previous project management experience is a plus, with the ability to consistently meet deadlines.
The power of education to improve lives is an enduring story. Our story began in 1919 when UNC’s leaders envisioned a role for business education at a liberal arts university. That vision ultimately became UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School.
Business has changed dramatically in the last century, as have we. But what first made us unique still remains — a tradition of innovation. From our earliest roots, UNC-Kenan Flagler has perpetually looked forward to develop the knowledge needed for the next generation of business.
We have changed the lives of thousands of people, directly and indirectly, since our founding in 1919, and seek to deepen and broaden our impact on people’s lives and the wider society. Join us on our journey to define what’s next. The best is yet to come.
We’re on a journey of change to ensure diversity, equity and inclusion in all we do. We’re having the tough conversations, doing the hard work. We share an urgency to make lasting changes at UNC Kenan-Flagler. Real change – nothing less.
Our mission is to build and inspire business leaders who make the world a better place. We are developing our students’ knowledge, understanding and skills so they graduate ready to be team members and leaders who understand the value of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).
Just as importantly, we recognize our responsibility to be an organization that models the behaviors we call for in others. DEI is a strategic priority for UNC Kenan-Flagler – it is critical to our success as individuals and as a business school. We want to represent the communities in which we live, work and serve, and we are working to build a diverse, inclusive community where we:
We are committed to being part of the change we all need to build a just world.