Strategic Communications Specialist (3 Positions)
Strategic Communications Specialist (3 Positions)
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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 developmentsincluding 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.
We are seeking three (3) creative and detail-orientedStrategic Communications Specialiststo join our Strategic Communications team. This role is integral to supporting the universitys brand visibility and reputation through storytelling that spans digital print and multimedia platforms.
The Strategic Communications Specialist plays a key role in supporting strategic storytelling efforts across multiple platforms to elevate the brand and visibility of a diverse portfolio of departments across the University of Southern Maine. This position requires strong writing skills with an understanding of SEO best practices to ensure messaging continuity across digital print and multimedia channels.
Requires a skilled communicator with a strong foundation in writing content development and multimedia productionbeing as comfortable in visual storytelling in photography and short-form video styles as they are in writing to ensure consistency in voice and message across a diverse portfolio of departments with various goals. This role also offers the opportunity to connect USMs mission with the broader community through coverage of events and initiatives.
Pay and Benefits:This full-time position offers an annual salary of $56000 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.
Work Schedule and Location: Primarily based on thePortland campus with occasional travel to the Gorham and Lewiston campuses. Other in-state travel will be required.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelors degree in Media Multimedia Communications Marketing Journalism Public Policy Public Relations or a related field.
- Experience in strategic communications and/or multimedia content creation across various platforms.
- Strong writing editing and storytelling fluency across multiple formats (short- and long-form) dynamically across platforms such as web pages blog posts press releases.
- Working knowledge of web content management systems (CMS) and blogs crafting content dynamically across platforms with strong SEO optimization knowledge.
- Proficiency in taking photos and filming video using both a DSLR and phone depending on the platform and producing short-style video reels/shorts.
- Self-driven with excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience working in higher education or public sector communications.
- Familiarity with media relations and press release distribution.
- Graphic design or motion graphics experience.
Knowledge Skills and Abilities:
- Skilled in building collaborative relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
- Comfortable in attending events and engaging in networking when appropriate while also knowing when to take a low-profile role to capture photos or video discreetly depending on the situation.
- As a writer you know when to lean sophisticated and academic vs playful and catchy depending on the content you are creating. You have an eye for grammar SEO knowledge and an attention for detail when writing content or compiling information/content contributed by others.
- You bring a flexible mindset taking the lead as the primary content writer and multimedia creator in some areas of your portfolio while in others youll focus on storytelling and public affairs initiatives while collaborating with and giving guidance to departmental staff on content best practices.
- You enjoy the evolution of content based on stakeholder and team feedback - taking edits and feedback constructively and with good-will. And in return can constructively give helpful and clear feedback to those working within the university brand-standards that are not trained writers.
- Analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities to adjust content based on feedback and outcomes.
- You are agile and can balance multiple tasks at the same time and can make decisions in a fast-paced environment with evolving priorities working across multiple deadlines.
- You are a good communicator in a teamwork situation as task management system will be key to the teams collaborations.
- You are organized and deadline oriented. You are able to learn-on-the go and be self-taught take initiative and work autonomously in a strong team environment.
- You enjoy the world of academia and campus culture.
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 Maineis 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 10 2025. We will begin reviewing candidate packages immediately.
Appropriate background screening will be conducted for the successful candidate.
At this time the University of Southern Maine is 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:
Unclear Seniority
Employment Type
Full-Time
