Description

The University of Maryland School of Medicine's Institute of Human Virology (IHV) is currently recruiting for a Director of Public and Media Relations. This position will proactively communicate the Institute's expanding and exciting portfolio of biomedical and life sciences discoveries and clinical innovations.

This senior officer participates in working on day-to-day basis with a full range of print, on-line, and broadcast news media, and national media outlets in particular, this position is responsible for developing and implementing the IHV's plan for generating local/regional/national and international media coverage of medical and scientific research, programs and activities, including the IHV's active and innovative leadership in combating infectious diseases around the world. The position creates news releases, announcements, and other critical and complex communications - including translating scientific research articles -- for both internal and external distribution.

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 (pension or optional retirement plan/ORP) 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:

• Directs public relations, news media relations, corporate relations, and special event planning for IHV. Plan programs, communications, or events that provide positive image of school or University to generate knowledge and support and furthering its attainment of its mission.
• Direct the release of information to the media. Ensure the Institute's image is positively maintained.
• Direct and leads all aspects of the public relations functions in order to maintain their efficient operation. Manage public relations situations to include writing and editing various publications, planning special events, working with vendors, handling constituent requests to ensure communications goals and objectives are achieved.
• Partners with upper-level administrators and other directors on a regular basis in setting strategic goals and objectives and budgets and fostering improvements in policies or procedures for the school or University.
• Direct the work of staff by providing objectives of communications, campaign or special events being planned or executed.
• Oversee the project plans and tracking.
• Build and maintain partnership relationships with other campus offices or departments or with external organizations, corporations, or schools to advance the mission and programs of the school or University. Maintain and nurture relationships within the University, University System of Maryland (USM), and state government that allows advancing the image, programs, and mission of the school or University. Confer with business partners and campus leadership on issues pertaining to the promotion and understanding of the functions.
• Represents the department through participation in campus meetings and special projects, as well as University on an external basis with USM headquarters and other system-wide units.
• Ensure efficient recruitment and training functions to continually review strengths and weaknesses in maintaining a staff of well-trained, highly involved, and motivated employees.
• Stays current on changing technologies and news trends. Responsible for updating staff accordingly.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor's degree, such as English, fine arts, marketing, communications, etc. An advanced degree in communications, marketing, graphics design or related degree is preferred.

Experience: Eight (8) years of experience in marketing, public relations, communications, or media, public or client relations. Experience in higher education preferred.

Supervisory Experience: Three (3) years of experience at a management or leadership level.

Other: Annual financial disclosure required by Maryland State law.

Clery act designated job as campus security authorities (CSA) member and will comply with Clery Act requirements.

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.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

Possess subject matter expertise in a professional discipline. Achieves objectives through coordinated efforts of others, typically by managing recruitment, engagement, performance, and development of employees. Develops, implements, and manages goals and objectives. Participates in strategic planning. Enforces processes, practices, and/or policies. Manages operations, workflow, projects, and/or systems that have strategic impact. Accountable for operational and/or financial resources. Accountable for legal and policy compliance

Hiring Range: $120,000 - $135,000, 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 [email protected] . 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.