The Universities at Shady Grove’s (USG’s) ability to drive change in higher education toward a more equitable student-centered experience that supports students from the classroom to career, depends on our communications efforts. We seek a Director to play a vital role in leading strategic communications across USG and externally. In collaboration with USG leadership, staff, academic partners, employers and funders, the Director will develop and implement communications strategies to achieve our relational and advocacy goals to advance USG’s vision. The Director will create county and state-wide messages to build and sustain urgency for the model developed by USG — to drive student success as measured by college completion and meaningful employment following graduation. This work will require deep engagement with both partner academic institutions and partner employers.
The Director will oversee social media strategies and an overall digital strategy, and will be hands-on with media relations and placement, and determine support from external firms, as needed. The Director will also function in a lead capacity communicating on behalf of USG’s efforts to obtain legislative approval as a Community of Innovation in the University System of Maryland.
The ideal candidate has a proven ability to take initiative, to create cutting edge concepts and factually support ideas, to drive progress forward in rapidly changing and at times ambiguous situations. Will possess the ability to synthesize complex ideas and manage projects effectively, and the ability to learn quickly, think critically and analytically, and adapt approaches with optimism as priorities evolve.
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
Experience:
- 10 – 12 years’ experience developing and executing communications at a mission-driven nonprofit, communications firm, in a higher education institution or similar setting, to include experience cultivating and managing significant numbers of internal and external relationships and demonstrated success in building media relationships and earning media placement. Experience should also include: strategically disseminating information to build engagement and achieve social impact, experience working with researchers and data, experience with managing or executing multimedia including development and presentation of video content and social media.
- 4 years of direct supervisory experience.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Writing and editing abilities that result in high quality written products, publications, and presentation material.
- Entrepreneurial acumen.
- Ability to develop and advocate for ideas and identify opportunities to increase impact.
- Ability to convey passion and sustained optimism and enthusiasm for the mission and objectives of USG in supporting the student journey from classroom to meaningful employment/career.
- Masters degree.
- Experience in an institution of higher education.
JOB RISKS
Not applicable to This Position
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- A one-page cover letter. USG prefers cover letters that describe what motivates you and how you understand and relate to our mission, rather than a narrative version of your resume. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.
- Resume/CV.
- Two (2) writing samples (between 2 and 5 pages in length), you created, without editing from others.
- A list of references.
BENEFITS SUMMARY
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The University reserves the right to rescind offers of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.
Offers are contingent on providing proof of employment eligibility in the United States no more than 3 days after the initial start date. If this proof is not provided within this timeframe, the offer may be rescinded or employment terminated.
DIVERSITY STATEMENT
The University of Maryland, College Park, an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, creed, marital status, political affiliation, personal appearance, or on the basis of rights secured by the First Amendment, in all aspects of employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.
Women, minorities, LGBTQ+, veterans, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.