Assistant Director for Communications

The Assistant Director (AD) for Communications will report to the director of Maryland Sea Grant (MDSG) and serve as a member of the senior management team that reports to both the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science and the University of Maryland, College Park.

The AD will manage the communications team, including contractual workers and student interns. In collaboration with leadership, they will develop a communications strategy for MDSG. The AD will oversee communications products and programs, including acting as editor-in-chief for Chesapeake Quarterly, a print and digital magazine. They will develop strategies for earned media (TV, radio, news reporting) and owned media (website, social media, etc.).

We are looking for an individual with strong writing and editorial skills, leadership and team management experience, creativity, a passion for communicating science, and an enthusiasm for engaging with external partners. This person should work to make Maryland Sea Grant’s communications inclusive, positive, respectful, welcoming, and diverse.

The AD will work with internal and external partners, including industry groups, academic and research institutions, and others in the marine science and policy arena. They will also seek grant opportunities to support MDSG’s communication efforts.

This position provides a comprehensive benefits package that includes generous paid leave and health insurance and retirement plans. Paid leave will include 3 personal leave days per year, 22 annual leave days per year, and 15 sick leave days per year. The UMCES holiday schedule includes approximately 15-16 holiday days off per year. Health benefits options include comprehensive health, dental, prescription drug, vision, and life insurance plans.