Director of Communications - apply by 4/22

UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND

COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES

UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND EXTENSION

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

Title: Director

Functional Title: Director of Communications

Position Number: 121741

Category Status: Exempt Regular

Unit: AGNR-College of Agriculture & Natural Resources

Position Summary/Purpose of Position:           

The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (AGNR) seeks a Director of Communications to manage the communications and public relations efforts. The Director of Communications is housed within the office of the Dean of AGNR in support of the academic, extension (1862 & 1890) and research missions of the college.

The Director of Communications will work with the College’s leadership to develop, implement and lead College-wide strategic communications that include key messaging, social media campaigns, and publications that promote the College and University mission within the state and nationwide. The role of the Director will also include helping agriculture and natural resources communities across Maryland and ultimately contribute to the health and economic success of Maryland citizens. Working directly with External Relations, Public Relations, Extension, University Communications, and other offices across campus, this position will ensure timely, consistent, and high-quality communications and publications from the College.

Responsibilities:

·       Achieve robust, integrated and strategic communications for the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources where teaching, research and outreach contribute to Maryland’s agricultural industry, global food security, resilient communities, environmental problem-solving and quality of life.

·       Solidify key messages reflecting the College’s work and its relevance; identify best people, practices, events and issues to illustrate those messages; create compelling stories and other content; convey this content using a variety of media platforms to reach key audiences for intended outcomes.

·       Create and manage content for platforms including: media releases, e-newsletters; social media; College website and publication; College magazine; recruitment materials; multimedia; constituent meetings; College development materials; speeches and presentations from College dean; and College events.

·       Develop and maintain strong working relationships with key national, regional, local and trade news media.

·       Work collaboratively with AGNR IT to ensure a timely, dynamic and engaging web presence to support and showcase key messages and program impacts/outcomes.

·       Coordinate, with the Dean, a branding strategy for the College along with the creation of a Dean’s Communications Advisory Group.

·       Collaborate closely and effectively with College leaders, including Dean, Associate Deans, Assistant Deans, and Department Heads, to fully understand and quickly respond to communication priorities with fully developed materials.

·       In cooperation with the University of Maryland (UMD) Department of Communications and other appropriate units, advise the Dean and other College leaders about responses to media and constituent inquiries, as needed.

·       Collaborate closely and effectively with the central University communications team to access institutional resources and ensure that college messaging matches university priorities and branding, and that messages at the University and College level are linked for maximum impact.

·       Coordinate communications and branding of University of Maryland Extension with the branding efforts of the College to create one unified message.

·       Spearhead improved internal communications so that messages and delivery methods are consistent and cohesive across the College.

·       Create and manage content and coordinate with design and photography team to produce the College magazine.

·       Manage projects in accordance with a strategic communication plan.

·       Serve as spokesperson for the college, when appropriate.

·       Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:       

Required –

·       A Bachelor’s degree is required. Emphasis in journalism, communications, public relations, or marketing is highly desired.

·       Eight years professional experience in any of the following: communications, journalism, science and technical writing, media relations and/or public relations.

·       At least two years’ experience developing and evaluating a broad-based, integrated strategic communications plan, with demonstrated effectiveness in news writing, public relations; web management, social media; and promotional publications.

·       Expert knowledge of writing, editing, proofreading, and tenets of journalism, including AP style.

·       Demonstrated experience in project management and working with creative teams.

·       Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines and to work independently.

·       Evidence of superior customer service and organizational skills.

·       Demonstrated ability to assess and respond to a variety of issues in a timely manner.

·       Ability to translate technical scientific information for a general audience.

Preferences –        

·       Master’s degree.

·       Knowledge of or experience in agriculture.

·       Professional experience within an academic institution preferred.

Salary and Benefits:

Commensurate with experience.  Salary will be commensurate with experience. The University of Maryland offers an extensive benefits package.

Applications:

All candidates must apply online at https://ejobs.umd.edu.   A complete application packet includes a letter of application, a current (signed) resume or Curriculum Vitae, copies of transcripts, and three (3) professional references, including name, mailing address, telephone number, and e-mail address.

Closing Date: For best consideration apply by April 22, 2016.  Position open until a suitable candidate is found.

The University of Maryland, College Park, actively subscribes to a policy of equal employment opportunity, and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, age, sex, color, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, religion, ancestry or national origin, marital status, genetic information, political affiliation, and gender identity or expression. Minorities and women are encouraged to apply.