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Director, Strategic Communications and Outreach

Employer
University of Maryland Libraries
Location
College Park, Maryland
Salary
Commensurate with experience.
Closing date
Nov 22, 2019

Title:                   Director, Strategic Communications and Outreach

Category:           Exempt, Regular

Department:      Dean’s Office

Benefits:            22 Days Annual Leave, 15 Days of Sick Leave, 3 Days Personal Leave, 15 Paid Holidays, Tuition Remission, Health, Dental, Vision, and Prescription

As the largest university library system in the Washington D.C.-Baltimore area, the University of Maryland Libraries serve more than 37,500 students and 4,200 faculty of the flagship College Park campus. The University of Maryland Libraries share the teaching, learning and research goals of the university. Its role as a key academic resource is evident in its service to the academic community and its actionable strategic plan. Recent membership in the Big Ten Academic Alliance is particularly meaningful to the University Libraries and will further propel the university’s ascendancy in academic excellence.

The Director of Strategic Communications and Outreach develops and executes comprehensive, user-centered communication strategies that align with the University’s priorities and the Libraries’ strategic plan. The Director works in close collaboration with the Libraries’ administrators, faculty and staff, and with institutional partners such as University Relations and the Office of Strategic Communications, to promote maximum effectiveness of the Libraries’ communication efforts, and to promote the visibility and use of library resources and programs.

Responsible for leading the daily operations of the Libraries’ Strategic Communications and Outreach Team (SCOT), the Director coordinates internal and external communication and outreach activities, and works with the SCOT to produce high-quality content and design work for library publications, digital displays, exhibits, and social media platforms. The Director incorporates institutional brand strategies and design standards into the Libraries’ efforts, and heightens awareness, perception, and support of the Libraries by working with Library Administration and University Relations to manage donor communications through publications, news media, and special events.

The Director is an innovative strategist, experienced project manager, and expert writer across traditional, web, and multi-media platforms, a leader who strives continually to improve existing processes, model effective ways of communicating in a variety of media, and understand library users’ needs. The Director contributes to the Libraries’ strategic planning, budget preparation, and presentations to key influencers, provides advice and work for the Libraries’ initiatives related to user interfaces and enhancing user experiences, and develops strong relationships with internal and external constituencies, including local media and professional organizations. This position reports to the Dean of Libraries and supervises 2.0 FTE communications and design professionals, a part-time contract employee, and student assistants.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in journalism, marketing/public relations, communications, or related field.

EXPERIENCE

3-6 years’ progressively responsible experience in communications, public relations or marketing, which includes experience creating a wide variety of professionally written communications (newsletters, press releases, marketing announcements, internal communications, web content, etc.), experience achieving positive, collaborative working relationships, as well as, leading work groups and teams, and experience working in a position that requires managing multiple projects and adhering to deadlines.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of the principles, practices, strategies and trends in communications, public relations or marketing.

• Knowledge of and experience with social networking, media, and multimedia communications systems and platforms.

• Advanced skills and experience leading, managing, or coordinating initiatives and projects in communications, public relations, or marketing.

• Advanced skills and experience using productivity, presentation, publishing, and/or graphics applications.

•Excellent writing and editing skills in English that demonstrate a command of language and grammar, clarity of thought, orderliness or presentation and the ability to write for a specific audience.

•Excellent verbal communication skills.

•Strong organizational and time management skills, with demonstrated ability to manage projects successfully and to work under deadline pressures.

•Demonstrated ability to collaborate with others across the organization and build effective teams.

•Ability to think strategically and creatively.

•Supervisory and managerial ability.

•Ability to travel on a limited basis.

For the full position description and preferred qualifications, please go to http://www.lib.umd.edu/hr/employment-opportunities/staff-faculty-positions.

APPLICATIONS: Electronic applications required. Please apply online at https://ejobs.umd.edu/postings/74410.  No relocation assistance will be provided.  You must be legally able to work in the United States; the University of Maryland Libraries will not sponsor individuals for employment.  An application consists of a cover letter which includes the source of advertisement, a resume, and names/e-mail addresses of three references. Additionally, please submit three samples of your work that demonstrate experience with a variety of strategic communications projects/campaigns for which you had primary responsibility. These should include at least one writing sample as well as multimedia such as websites, publications, social media, or video. You may submit these in pdf format with your resume and/or include links in your cover letter to work that is currently online.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received and accepted until November 13, 2019. The best consideration date is October 30, 2019.

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.

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