Director of Strategic Communications
Director of Strategic Communications
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Job Description
The Office of Marketing and Strategic Communications at the University of Southern Maine (USM) is currently building a team with a focus on digitalization storytelling branding and data-driven approaches to our strategies. Additionally with recent campus developments i ncluding the McGoldrick Center for Career and Student Success and the upcoming Center for the Arts opening this fallit is an exciting time to join a university committed to its service promise: Student Focused Every Day.
The University of Southern Maine (USM) invites applications for our newDirector of Strategic Communications. We seek an experienced strategic and visionary leader to oversee and evolve USMs communications media relations public information and storytelling efforts. This role directs a team of content creators and communication specialists to develop and execute integrated strategies that elevate the universitys reputation and impact across local regional and national platforms.
The Director sets communication priorities aligned with institutional goals while serving as the universitysPublic Information Officer (PIO)responsible for media relations crisis communications and emergency messaging when needed. The ideal candidate combines high-level strategic thinking with hands-on content development strong media acumen and proven leadership to drive compelling storytelling and ensure message consistency across channels.
Pay and Benefits:This full-time position offers an annual salary up to $90000 along with acomprehensive benefits package including generous paid time off (13 holidays vacation and sick leave) health dental and vision insurance life and disability coverage tuition benefits for employees and eligible dependents and a 403(b) retirement plan with 10% employer contribution. See theBenefits Information Summaryfor details.
Location:Primarily based on thePortland campus with occasional travel to the Gorham and Lewiston campuses. Flexible and potential remote work arrangements (up to one day per week post-probation) are negotiable.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelors degree in Communications Journalism Marketing Public Relations or a related field.
- 710 years of progressive experience in communications media relations public affairs or related fields including staff supervision.
- Proven experience as a spokesperson or Public Information Officer including crisis communication and knowledge of crisis communication frameworks and emergency systems (e.g. Clery Act compliance).
- Expertise in media relations press release distribution and journalist engagement with a good understanding of the evolving press landscape.
- Exceptional writing editing and verbal communication skills across platforms and audiences including press releases website and blog content social media etc.
- Ability to balance strategic planning with hands-on content creation. Knowledge of Maines local and regional government landscape.
- Strong project management skills with attention to detail and deadlines.
- Ability to perform in high-pressure fast-paced environments with sensitive or critical messaging.
- Portfolio examples of past work required.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Familiarity with Maines media government and community environment.
- Experience in higher education government or public sector communications.
- Proficiency in task management and communication mapping tools
- Proficiency with content management systems and multimedia production tools.
Knowledge Skills and Abilities:
- Expertise in developing integrated communication and storytelling strategies. Confident change manager that can work with AVP and leadership to evolve the universitys communication strategy and build new strategy and implement plans.
- Demonstrated expertise in ability to represent the institution confidently and credibly in high-visibility situations including media interviews press conferences and crisis communications.
- Strong crisis communication skills including emergency response systems knowledge and an ability to make strong communication decisions and manage a team of communicators under pressure.
- You have an eye for grammar SEO knowledge and an attention for detail when reviewing content. Enjoy editing the work of and mentoring staff on content best practices while still being open to crafting high level content yourself or jump into support on writing tasks with the team where needed.
- Demonstrated leadership and team management capabilities.
- Ability to build collaborative relationships with diverse internal and external stakeholders including the Office of the President.
- You have strong project and organizational management skills with the ability to synthesize information from across a large institution translate communication needs into a cohesive plan visualize key elements and big picture plans using tools like Excel and seamlessly break down and assign tasks within a task management system.
- Digital fluency - you have an understanding of what various communication platforms can do and how to optimize them with skills at hand from within the team working content strategy across tools in an effective way for our audiences.
- Analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities to adjust strategies based on feedback and outcomes.
You must also share USMs commitment to our values ofRespect & Care Integrity Equity and Responsiveness and be passionate about serving students in a collaborative university environment.
About the University:
TheUniversity of Southern Maine is a vibrant academic community located in the greater Portland Maine area including campuses in Portland Gorham Lewiston and online. USM is part of the University of Maine System and offers a comprehensive array of undergraduate and graduate programs emphasizing hands-on learning community engagement and interdisciplinary collaboration. With a highly engaged student-centered learning environment USM is a steward of higher education helping drive the economic cultural and civic life in the communities where our campuses are located and beyond. USM is committed to providing expanded access to high-quality education that elevates economic opportunity and contributes significantly to the vitality of a diverse society. To learn more about USM visitAbout Our University.
The University of Southern Maine fosters a welcoming and supportive campus environment that respects and appreciates varied perspectives enhancing teaching learning personal growth and overall institutional achievement. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds who share our dedication to academic excellence and the enrichment of our community.
We are dedicated to our Service Promise Student Focused Every Day and seek a team member who embraces this commitment and upholds our core values of Respect & Care Integrity Equity and Responsiveness
To applyselect Apply Now button at the bottom of this page or atUSM Careersand submit the following materials:
- Cover Letter
- Resume/Curriculum Vitae
- Portfolio of past work samples
- Finalist candidates will be asked to provide a list of the names and contact information for references.
This position will remain open until August 3 2025. We will begin reviewing candidate packages immediately.
Appropriate background screening will be conducted for the successful candidate.
We are unable to consider applicants who require Visa sponsorship support.
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 Universitys crime statistics for the past three calendar years; and disclosures regarding the Universitys current campus security policies.View the Universitys Annual Security Report (PDF). If you wish to have a paper copy of the ASR or need to have a copy of the ASR in an accessible format the University will provide such a copy upon request. Please contact our Public Safety Office at 207.780.5211.
EEO Statement:
The University of Southern Maine is an EEO/AA employer and is committed to nondiscrimination. For inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies please contact the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services 5713 Chadbourne Hall Room 412 University of Maine Orono ME 04469-5713 . TTY 711 (Maine Relay System)
Required Experience:
Director
Employment Type
Full-Time
