Director

The University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB), University of Maryland SchooI of Medicine (UMSOM), Institute for Genome Sciences (IGS) has an excellent opportunity for a Director, Media & Public Relations. The successful candidate will be responsible for a number of functions, including social media, public relations, news media relations, positioning within international science community, communication outreach per grant deliverables, writing and content management for primary website and specific “microsites” as needed, and fostering growth of the Institute globally.

In consultation with the Institute Director and the Faculty, the Director, Media & Public Relations will plan programs, communications, content or events that generate knowledge and support of IGS. The role also requires integration with UMB and UMSOM media, marketing and public relations staff/groups to ensure smooth communication processes between campus units. The role will work with outside specialists, when needed, such as marketing specialists, graphic designers, photographers, and any specialized project service.

Benefits Information:

UMB offers a generous benefits package, which includes 22 vacation days, 14 floating and holidays, 15 sick days; comprehensive health insurance and retirement options; and tuition remission for employees and their dependents at any of the University System of Maryland schools.

UMB requires all faculty, staff, and students to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Exemptions for medical or religious reasons will be processed through Human Resources.

Primary Duties:

• Provide leadership to and execute public relations and media strategies, programs and communications to increase familiarity with and support for the Institute for Genome Sciences scientific and educational mission and programs. Confer with senior leadership to plan media and public relations strategies and objectives for the short and mid-term future.
• Directs the social media strategies and implementation, public relations, news media relations, corporate relations, and special event planning for the Institute for Genome Sciences. In consultation with the Institute Director and associated institutional leadership, plans programs, communications, or events that provide positive image of the Institute for Genome Sciences furthering its attainment of its scientific and educational mission.
• Specifically:
• Provide leadership and execution of all aspects of the media and public relations functions of the Institute to maintain their efficient operation. Create and direct the release of information to the media. Manage media and public relations situations to include writing and editing drafts of various technical scientific and general news publications, creating and maintaining a social media presence, drafting and executing press releases, planning special events, working with outside vendors to develop marketing materials, handling constituent requests to ensure communications goals and objectives are achieved.
• 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 Institute for Genome Sciences, the School of Medicine or University. Maintain and nurture relationships within the University, System and/or state government that allows advancing the image, programs, and mission of the Institute. Confer with business partners and campus leadership on issues pertaining to the promotion and understanding of the functions of the Institute.
• Represents the department through participation in campus meetings and special projects, as well as UMB on an external basis with USM headquarters and other system-wide units.
• 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. Advanced degree in communications, marketing, graphics design or related degree is preferred.

Experience: Seven (7) years of experience in public relations, communications, or media, public or client relations. Experience in higher education preferred. Scientific writing preferred.

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

Certification/Licensure: N/A

Other: Annual financial disclosure required by Maryland State law.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

Thorough knowledge of position requirements. Thorough knowledge of all applicable requirements, regulations, and laws. Skill in effective use of applicable technology/systems. Ability to effectively communicate both verbal and written thoughts, ideas, and facts. Ability to understand, write about and communicate biological concepts. Ability to support a mission and strategic vision. Instructional, training, and teambuilding skills to strengthen and cultivate relationships. Skill in consultation and change management. Ability to demonstrate, understand, apply, and adhere to the UMB Core Values of Accountability, Civility, Collaboration, Diversity, Excellence, Leadership, and Knowledge.

Hiring Range: Commensurate with education and experience

UMB is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law or policy. For assistance related to employment, please contact the Staffing department at HRJobs@umaryland.edu.  

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 HRDiversity@umaryland.edu. Please note that only inquiries concerning an ADA request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.