Director of Communications and Marketing Candidate Presentation: Layla Dowdy

The Gillings School has invited three finalist candidates for the position of director of communications and marketing to share their thoughts on how they would manage communication and marketing activities to most effectively further the Gillings School’s mission. Please join this presentation by candidate Layla Dowdy.

Layla Dowdy holds a Master of Business Administration degree from the Florida Institute of Technology, as well as a Master of Science in integrated marketing and management communication and a Bachelor of Science in public relations from Florida State University. Dowdy came to UNC-Chapel Hill in 2014, and has served as the director of the Office of Research Communications since that appointment.

In this position, she established the first branding program for UNC Research and her talent is “turning scientists into rock stars!” She develops strategies and tactics to promote the impact and value of Carolina’s $1 billion research enterprise to both external and internal audiences. Dowdy also is responsible for leading a team of writers, editors, web administrators, graphic designers and students, and she advocates for diversity and inclusion through series like Women in Science Wednesday.

Prior to coming to UNC, Dowdy worked for NASA for nine years. In this role, she honed her marketing and communication skills and found her passion for communicating about science. She provided creative ideas and innovative solutions in a time of transition after the conclusion of the Space Shuttle Program, resulting in a significant increase in guest attendance at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.