The University of Maryland, Baltimore is currently recruiting for a Communications, Media & Public Relations Specialist

This position requires a versatile communications professional with strong writing, digital media, and public relations skills who can work across multiple communications platforms and adapt quickly to evolving media and technology environments. This position supports the Department’s communications strategy by developing compelling written and visual content, managing digital communications channels, and elevating the visibility of departmental research, programs, faculty, and events. The role will apply communications and storytelling skills to a wide range of assignments including media relations, digital and print communications, branding, web content, social media, event promotion, and multimedia storytelling.

The successful candidate will demonstrate initiative in identifying stories of interest for internal and external communications, translating research into accessible communications, and identifying opportunities to increase public engagement with departmental activities. The position operates with a moderate level of independence and collaborates regularly with faculty, researchers, administrative staff, and institutional communications offices to ensure accurate and effective dissemination of information.

Note: This position will report to the Program Director. This is a hybrid position with up to 2 telework days. Additional telework day will be considered after successful completion of probation.

Benefits: Exempt Regular

UMB offers a comprehensive benefits package that prioritizes wellness, work/life balance, and professional development, along with additional exciting perks that employees can take advantage of. This position participates in a retirement program that must be selected and is effective on your date of hire. Exempt regular staff receive a generous PAID leave package that includes over 4 weeks of vacation accrued each year, 15 paid holidays, 3 personal leave, unlimited accrual of sick time, and comprehensive health insurance; professional learning and development programs; tuition remission for employees and their dependents at any University System of Maryland school; and flexible work schedules and teleworking options (if applicable per job).

UMB is a public university and constituent institution of the University System of Maryland. All employees are expected to work primarily physically within the State of Maryland.

PRIMARY DUTIES:

• Design and produce digital and print communications materials to support departmental promotions, research dissemination, events, and public-facing initiatives.
• Develop, write, and edit press releases, media advisories, feature stories, newsletters, and other communications materials to promote departmental initiatives, faculty research, events, and accomplishments.
• Create and manage digital storytelling content including web articles, social media posts, short-form videos, and multimedia features designed to increase engagement with departmental audiences.
• Use website, newsletter, and social media analytics to evaluate audience engagement, optimize messaging strategies, and improve distribution of communications content across platforms.
• Identify and develop content highlighting faculty research, student achievements, grants, and departmental initiatives.
• Meet with colleagues and/or co-workers to determine needs, timeframe, develop design concepts, and review work from inception through delivery of finished product
• Coordinate logistics and manage technical aspects of virtual events including chat features, sharing screens, recording, etc.; troubleshoot issues that arise throughout the event; make recommendations proactively on lighting, sound and overall conditions
• Apply new media technologies and best practices for web, email, mobile and social media platforms.
• Use photography, video, and basic multimedia tools to capture and document departmental events and activities.
• Develop communications for publication in EPH Weekly, on EPH Website or other publications Generate interest and convey written messages using professional business language and leader’s voice for style and content; write, edit, craft, and contribute to publications, blogs, social media
• Serve as co-editor of EPH Weekly and biweekly funding bulletin, including identifying newsworthy content, writing and editing articles, coordinating submissions from faculty and staff, and managing email distribution through Constant Contact.
• Capture and document EPH events through photography, video, and written coverage, producing multimedia materials for web, newsletter, and social media distribution. (Position may require some evening, early mornings, and/or weekends.)
• Edit photos and short video clips for use in web, newsletter, and social media communications.
• Create and maintain web content including feature stories, announcements, event promotions, and multimedia materials to improve internal and external communications and visibility of departmental programs.
• Attend monthly faculty meetings; report on communications and looking for important material that we should promote (e.g., special announcements and news, events, awards, etc.)
• Assist with content planning and updates for departmental websites, coordinating with web developers as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in graphic design, graphic arts, visual arts, communications, media or related.

Experience: Two years of related communications, journalism, marketing, media relations, digital media, or public relations experience. Research experience in an academic setting preferred, basic knowledge of medical terminology highly desirable.

Other: Except for qualifications established by law, additional related experience and formal education in which one has gained the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for full performance of the work of the job class may be substituted for the education or experience requirement on a year-for-year basis with 30 undergraduate college credits being equivalent to one year of related experience. In instances where specific education and/or experience is required only directly related education and/or experience may be substituted.

Clery act designated job as campus security authority (CSA). CSA members will comply with Clery Act requirements

Three professional writing or multimedia communications samples are requested.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

• The ability to produce clear, accurate content on deadline.

• The ability to accept feedback gracefully, be personable, and maintain a professional attitude

• Ability to work cooperatively with others and independently

• Demonstrated ability to write clear, accurate, and engaging content for diverse audiences, including news-style writing, feature stories, newsletters, and digital communications; writing samples may be requested.

• Experience managing digital communications platforms including websites, email newsletters, and social media channels, and applying analytics to guide communications strategy.

• Working familiarity with graphic and multimedia editing tools such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Premiere Pro) or similar software.

• Create appealing visual content that meets specific goals.

• Demonstrated ability to use camera/equipment and to edit and incorporate post-production add-ons.

• Advanced skill using Zoom, WebEx and similar communications software

Salary Range: $61,000 - $68,000, Commensurate with education and experience.

UMB is committed to cultivating a diverse and inclusive workforce and is proud to be an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, ancestry or national origin, sex, pregnancy or related conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, physical or mental disability, marital status, protected veteran's status, or any other legally protected classification.

If you anticipate needing a reasonable accommodation for a disability under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), during any part of the employment process, please submit a UMB Job Applicant Accommodation Request. You may also contact leave_and_accom@umaryland.edu . Please note that only inquiries concerning an ADA request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.

The University of Maryland, Baltimore prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to the Title IX Coordinator. Read the UMB Notice of Non-Discrimination for more information.