Maine's Public Universities
Director of Strategic Communications
Maine's Public Universities, Orono, ME, United States
Job Description
Under the supervision of the Executive Director, the Director of Strategic Communications (DSC) will further extend ASCC's reach into domestic and international media markets and ensure premiere, high-quality technical media products are produced on a consistent and frequent basis. The DSC will identify, cultivate and educate a broad range of constituencies and stakeholders. The DSC must demonstrate experience in technical communications, new and conventional media, and can create and communicate complex information to the public and other specific groups in simple and impactful ways. The DSC must gain and maintain deep, and up-to-date knowledge of cutting-edge research initiatives at the ASCC, their significance to society, and be able to converse on these topics clearly, fluently and accurately. The DSC will develop external and internal resources to support communications activities, and will design, implement and evaluate a comprehensive strategic communications plan for the ASCC in alignment with existing strategic goals set forth by the Center, University, State of Maine, and partners and customers. This position will assist the Executive Director in developing and implementing innovative branding and communications practices and maximize earned media exposure in top national and international media outlets. Typical hiring range for this soft-money funded position is $90,000 to $110,000 commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Complete Job Description
About the University:
The University of Maine is a community of more than 11,900 undergraduate and graduate students, and 2,500 employees located on the Orono campus, the regional campus in Machias, and throughout the state. UMaine is a land, sea and space grant university, and maintains a leadership role as the University of Maine System's flagship institution. UMaine is the state's public research university and a Carnegie R1 top-tier research institution, dedicated to providing excellent teaching, research and service for Maine, the nation and the world. More information about UMaine is at umaine.edu.
The University of Maine offers a wide range of benefits for employees including, but not limited to, tuition benefits (employee and dependent), comprehensive insurance coverage including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and short and long term disability as well as retirement plan options. As a former NSF ADVANCE institution, the University of Maine is committed to diversity in our workforce and to dual-career couples.
UMaine is located in beautiful Central Maine. Many employees report that a primary reason for choosing to come to UMaine is quality of life. Numerous cultural activities, excellent public schools, safe neighborhoods, high quality medical care, little traffic, and a reasonable cost of living make the greater Bangor area a wonderful place to live. Learn more about what the Bangor region has to offer here.
Qualifications:
Required:
Other Information:
To be considered for this position you will need to "Apply" and upload the documentation listed below:
1.) a cover letter which describes your experience, interests, and suitability for the position
2.) a resume/curriculum vitae
3.) Three relevant professional writing samples (such as press releases, website updates, fund raising solicitations or newsletters), and examples of recent graphic, print, or web products/campaigns created or produced by the applicant.
Candidates selected to proceed to the final stages of the search process will be requested to provide a list of names and contact information for references.
Incomplete application materials cannot be considered. Materials received after the initial review date will be reviewed at the discretion of the University.
For full consideration, materials must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. EST on February 3, 2025.
For questions about the search, please contact Kimberly Scribner, Workforce Coordinator - kimberly.scribner@maine.edu.
The successful applicant is subject to appropriate background screening.
In complying with the letter and spirit of applicable laws and pursuing its own goals of diversity, the University of Maine System does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability physical or mental, genetic information, or veterans or military status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Director of Equal Opportunity, 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5713, 207.581.1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System)
Clery Act
The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, or Clery Act, mandates that all Title IV institutions, such as the University, prepare, publish and distribute an Annual Security Report, (ASR) and provide notice of the availability of the ASR to all prospective employees. This report consists of two basic parts: disclosure of the University's crime statistics for the past three calendar years; and disclosures regarding the University's current campus security policies. You may view the University's Annual Security Report. If you wish to have a paper copy of the ASR or you need to have a copy of the ASR in an accessible format, the University will provide such a copy upon request. Please contact: UMaine Police Department, 81 Rangeley Rd., The University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5794, or call 207.581.4053.
Under the supervision of the Executive Director, the Director of Strategic Communications (DSC) will further extend ASCC's reach into domestic and international media markets and ensure premiere, high-quality technical media products are produced on a consistent and frequent basis. The DSC will identify, cultivate and educate a broad range of constituencies and stakeholders. The DSC must demonstrate experience in technical communications, new and conventional media, and can create and communicate complex information to the public and other specific groups in simple and impactful ways. The DSC must gain and maintain deep, and up-to-date knowledge of cutting-edge research initiatives at the ASCC, their significance to society, and be able to converse on these topics clearly, fluently and accurately. The DSC will develop external and internal resources to support communications activities, and will design, implement and evaluate a comprehensive strategic communications plan for the ASCC in alignment with existing strategic goals set forth by the Center, University, State of Maine, and partners and customers. This position will assist the Executive Director in developing and implementing innovative branding and communications practices and maximize earned media exposure in top national and international media outlets. Typical hiring range for this soft-money funded position is $90,000 to $110,000 commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Complete Job Description
About the University:
The University of Maine is a community of more than 11,900 undergraduate and graduate students, and 2,500 employees located on the Orono campus, the regional campus in Machias, and throughout the state. UMaine is a land, sea and space grant university, and maintains a leadership role as the University of Maine System's flagship institution. UMaine is the state's public research university and a Carnegie R1 top-tier research institution, dedicated to providing excellent teaching, research and service for Maine, the nation and the world. More information about UMaine is at umaine.edu.
The University of Maine offers a wide range of benefits for employees including, but not limited to, tuition benefits (employee and dependent), comprehensive insurance coverage including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and short and long term disability as well as retirement plan options. As a former NSF ADVANCE institution, the University of Maine is committed to diversity in our workforce and to dual-career couples.
UMaine is located in beautiful Central Maine. Many employees report that a primary reason for choosing to come to UMaine is quality of life. Numerous cultural activities, excellent public schools, safe neighborhoods, high quality medical care, little traffic, and a reasonable cost of living make the greater Bangor area a wonderful place to live. Learn more about what the Bangor region has to offer here.
Qualifications:
Required:
- Master's degree in the fields of communications with focus on technical communications, technical product Marketing, technology-based businesses, or another relevant field.
- Minimum of 12 years' experience in strategic communications, public relations, media, marketing, or related field, this must include experience leading a team in a dynamic working environment.
- Demonstrated experience in technical communications.
- Demonstrated experience in the successful development and implementation of strategic communications plans for highly technical/Research and Development organizations.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to build partnerships and collaboration across departments.
- Developed knowledge of emerging communications and branding strategies, methods and technologies.
- Experience leading teams of 5+ people.
- Demonstrated ability to handle multiple projects, short deadlines and changing priorities.
- Experience in proposal preparation and technical writing.
- Established media network locally, regionally, and nationally.
- Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office, MS Project, Adobe Creative Suite, social media, AI, and web.
- US Person - This position requires access to information regulated under U.S. Export Control regulations and therefore individuals must qualify as a U.S. Person under U.S. Export Control Regulations.
- Experience in collaboration and support within legislative teams and efforts.
- Experience within a University/higher education setting.
Other Information:
To be considered for this position you will need to "Apply" and upload the documentation listed below:
1.) a cover letter which describes your experience, interests, and suitability for the position
2.) a resume/curriculum vitae
3.) Three relevant professional writing samples (such as press releases, website updates, fund raising solicitations or newsletters), and examples of recent graphic, print, or web products/campaigns created or produced by the applicant.
Candidates selected to proceed to the final stages of the search process will be requested to provide a list of names and contact information for references.
Incomplete application materials cannot be considered. Materials received after the initial review date will be reviewed at the discretion of the University.
For full consideration, materials must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. EST on February 3, 2025.
For questions about the search, please contact Kimberly Scribner, Workforce Coordinator - kimberly.scribner@maine.edu.
The successful applicant is subject to appropriate background screening.
In complying with the letter and spirit of applicable laws and pursuing its own goals of diversity, the University of Maine System does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability physical or mental, genetic information, or veterans or military status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Director of Equal Opportunity, 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5713, 207.581.1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System)
Clery Act
The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, or Clery Act, mandates that all Title IV institutions, such as the University, prepare, publish and distribute an Annual Security Report, (ASR) and provide notice of the availability of the ASR to all prospective employees. This report consists of two basic parts: disclosure of the University's crime statistics for the past three calendar years; and disclosures regarding the University's current campus security policies. You may view the University's Annual Security Report. If you wish to have a paper copy of the ASR or you need to have a copy of the ASR in an accessible format, the University will provide such a copy upon request. Please contact: UMaine Police Department, 81 Rangeley Rd., The University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5794, or call 207.581.4053.