Director, Communications

Office of Communications

Exempt Regular, Full-Time

Location: HYBRID - Adelphi, MD

The Director, Communications serves as a key member of UMGC's Office of Communications, developing and executing integrated omnichannel communications to advance the strategic priorities of the nation's largest public online university. This role will direct operational and project workflows across a 17-person team (including public relations, internal communications, issues management, media relations, social media, and events functions); develop executive-level presentations, communications plans, and other content; and manage key cross-functional relationships with business units across the U.S., Europe, and Asia.

PRIMARY DUTIES:

• Global Public Relations - Develop and implement communication strategies and plans that effectively articulate and promote our organization, its products, and its people; build relationships with partners, change-makers, and other key stakeholders; and protect and strengthen the university's reputation and public image.

• Internal Communications - Create and execute communication strategies and plans to share our story with university leaders, faculty, and staff; promote a culture of communication and foster employee connection; counsel leaders and colleagues on effective communications; and enable change for enterprise projects and other transformation initiatives.

• Content Development and Storytelling - Write and distribute briefings, presentations, newsletters, and digital content that conveys our organization's key messages to internal and external audiences; coordinate with stakeholders to ensure consistent messaging across channels; manage communications projects and channels (such as the content strategies for the employee intranet and online newsroom); and monitor effectiveness and identify ways to improve.

• People Management - Manage, coach, and promote positive morale and career development for members of a high-performing team.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Journalism, English, Marketing, or a related field from an accredited institution of higher learning.
• 7 to 10 years of experience in journalism, communications, public relations, marketing, or a related field.
• Supervisory experience is required.
• The ideal candidate has demonstrated experience in developing, managing, and implementing internal and external communications strategies and plans for large companies or organizations; exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal skills; keen attention to detail; and a track record of building productive relationships with executives and cross-functional teams.

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Journalism, English, Marketing, or a related field from an accredited institution of higher learning.
• Previous experience in a public relations agency, corporate communications, a global organization, and/or a journalism newsroom environment, plus firsthand familiarity with issues management and/or crisis communications would be a plus.
• We also seek a candidate with a strong understanding of internal and external communications best practices; a sense for both reputational risk and opportunity; excellent project management and organization skills; strong presentation skills; experience working in a collaborative, cross-functional or matrixed environment; and a solutions-focused mindset.

All submissions should include a cover letter and resume.

The University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination. UMGC is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, ancestry, political affiliation or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

Workplace Accommodations:

The University of Maryland Global Campus Global Campus (UMGC) is committed to creating and maintaining a welcoming and inclusive working environment for people of all abilities. UMGC is dedicated to the principle that no qualified individual with a disability shall, based on disability, be excluded from participation in or be denied the benefits of the services, programs, or activities of the University, or be subjected to discrimination. For information about UMGC's Reasonable Workplace Accommodation Policy or to request an accommodation, applicants/candidates can contact Employee Accommodations via email at employee-accommodations@umgc.edu. 

Benefits Package Highlights:

• Generous Time Off: Enjoy 22 days of paid vacation, 15 days of sick leave, 3 personal days, and 15 paid holidays (16 during general election years). For part-time employees, time off rates will be prorated based on the number of hours worked.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access to health care, medical with vision, dental, and prescription plans for both individuals and families, effective from the 1st of the month following your hire date.
• Insurance Options: Term Life Insurance, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, and Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance. Part-time employees working less than 0.5 FTE are not eligible for LTD.
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Available for medical and dependent care expenses.
• Retirement Plans: Choose between the Optional Retirement Program (ORP) or the Maryland State Retirement and Pension System (MSRPS).
• Supplemental Retirement Plans: include 401(k), 403(b), 457(b), and various Roth options. The university does not provide matching funds.
• Tuition Remission: Immediate availability for Regular Exempt Staff. Spouses and dependent children are eligible for undergraduate tuition remission after two years of service. NOTE: For part-time employees (at least 50 percent of the time), tuition remission benefits are prorated.

Hiring Range: