Director, University Communications

Statement of the Job:

Under the direction of the Chief Marketing & Communications Officer (CMCO), oversees the University of Maine’s institutional communications efforts with respect to media relations, public information, public affairs and news publication. Develops communication strategies consistent with university goals, objectives, and priorities, in consultation with CMCO, University leadership and other appropriate individuals and groups. Implements strategies at the institutional level and coordinates with various units on campus so that the institutional strategies are reflected in the communication programs and initiatives of operational units throughout the University. Typical hiring range is $90,000 to $100,000 commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

● Designs comprehensive institutional communications plans and programs, taking into consideration institutional image, message, positioning, mission, goals, priorities, and accomplishments of the University.

● Maintains a strategic communication plan and program for the University, through which a consistent and appropriate content-based image is conveyed to a variety of audiences and which allows for sufficient flexibility to accommodate the diverse needs and activities of the University.

● Plans and develops comprehensive communication programs, to include media, public affairs, and news publications, in close collaboration with other institutional communications and/or public relations activities.

● Serves as Public Information Officer for the University, Main Campus Emergency Operations Center and maintains communications within the University community.

● Maintains an institutional media relations program; represents the University to local, regional, and national media organizations/representatives.

● Produces executive-level written communications, as assigned, for internal and external agencies and constituencies.

● Supervises personnel, which typically includes recommendations for hiring, firing, performance evaluation, training, work allocation, and problem resolution.

● Coordinates surveys, evaluations, and assessments of external communications activities to determine the effectiveness of the university’s communications plans and programs.

● Assures quality and appropriateness of institutional communication programs and initiatives, whether internally or externally produced.

● Collaborates with the CMCO to establish and implement short- and long-range departmental goals, objectives, policies, operating procedures; monitors and evaluates program effectiveness; effects changes required for improvement.

● Supports CMCO in advising the President and members of the University cabinet on effective communication with the media and supports media awareness training for campus constituents.

● Monitors, prepares, and administers departmental budget.

● Serves as point of contact for a distributed network of university communicators for all news-related items.

● Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Knowledge & Skills Qualifications:

● Bachelor’s degree; at least 7 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified ( completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis ).

● Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.

● Media relations skills.

● Ability to provide effective advice and counsel on strategic and/or critical communication issues and to exercise effective judgment.

● Ability to write executive-level communications for internal and external audiences.

● Ability to effectively utilize content-based information regarding the university.

● Knowledge of federal and state laws, regulations, and standards for the management and disclosure of public information.

● Ability to develop, direct, manage and evaluate strategic communications plans, programs and activities applicable to a public university.

● Knowledge of strategic communication concepts, principles, methodology, and techniques.

● Knowledge of current and emerging communication issues and trends applicable to educational institutions.

● Knowledge of management principles and practices.

● Ability to develop, plan, and implement short- and long-range goals.

● Ability to supervise and train assigned staff including organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments.

● Employee development and performance management skills; knowledge of staff hiring procedures.

● Skill in examining and re-engineering operations and procedures, formulating policy, and developing and implementing new strategies and procedures.

● Ability to develop, implement, and evaluate public opinion surveys and related data collection vehicles.

● Ability to foster a cooperative environment and to work in a collegial fashion with peers in other organizational units.

Supervisory ResponsibilityWill supervise up to three professional employees (directly) and up to ten additional employees (indirectly).

Work Environment: Work is conducted in a fast-paced, in-person office environment and across campus. Some travel may be required.

Work Year: Full-time, fiscal-year appointment

Work Schedule: Normal University of Maine business hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Due to the nature of the position, work beyond regular hours (to include evenings and weekends) will be necessary to meet the requirements of the position. The employee shall establish regular office hours and in consultation with the supervisor, adjust the work schedule as appropriate.

Position Type: On-going, full-time, base budgeted.