"Alerted.org

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 developments—including the McGoldrick Center for Career and Student Success and the upcoming Center for the Arts opening this fall—it 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-oriented Strategic Communications Specialists (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Fhvje4A6rN3NlPfUohtmJQwTOIU7Frko/view?usp=sharing) to join our Strategic Communications team. This role is integral to supporting the university’s 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 production—being 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 USM’s mission with the broader community through coverage of events and initiatives.

Pay and Benefits: This full-time position offers an annual salary of $56,000, along with a comprehensive benefits package (https://usm.maine.edu/campus-human-resource-services/benefits-and-wellness/) , 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 the Benefits Information Summary (https://usm.maine.edu/campus-human-resource-services/wp-content/uploads/sites/235/2022/07/Single-Page-Benefits-UMPSA.pdf) for details.

Work Schedule and Location: Primarily based on the Portland campus, with occasional travel to the Gorham and Lewiston campuses. Other in-state travel will be required.

Required Qualifications:

+ Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, Political Science, 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/press releases, marketing, social media, and web content).

+ 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.

+ Ability to build positive relationships with internal stakeholders, media, government contacts, and community partners.

+ 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 of Maine’s local and regional government landscape.

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, you’ll 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 team’s 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 must also share USM’s commitment to our values of Respect & Care, Integrity, Equity, and Responsiveness, and be passionate about serving students in a collaborative university environment.

About the University:

The University of Southern Maine (https://usm.maine.edu/) is 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, visit About Our University. (https://usm.maine.edu/about-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 apply, select ‘Apply Now’ button at the bottom of this page or at USM Careers and 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 University’s crime statistics for the past three calendar years; and disclosures regarding the University’s current campus security policies. View the University’s Annual Security Report (PDF) (https://usm.maine.edu/public-safety/annual-security-and-fire-safety-report/) . 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, 207-581-1226. TTY 711 (Maine Relay System)