Director, Media and Public Relations

  The University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) School of Dentistry has an opportunity available for a Director of Media and Public Relations. This position works in the UMSOD Office of Communications overseeing the direction of marketing, public relations, news media relations, corporate relations, and special event planning for the School.

UMB offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to eligible employees. This position receives an annual leave package starting with 22 accrued vacation days, 14 floating and observed holidays, 15 sick days, and 3 personal days; comprehensive health insurance and retirement options; professional learning and development opportunities; flexible schedules and teleworking 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:

Directs the marketing, public relations, news media relations, corporate relations, and special event planning for the UM School of Dentistry. In consultation with the Dean, plans programs, communications, or events that provide positive image of the school, and generate knowledge and support of the institution, furthering its attainment of its mission. Directs the press releases and marketing information for media and communication distribution. Ensure school or University image is positively maintained. Direct and leads all aspects of the marketing and public relations functions to maintain their efficient operation. Manage marketing and 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. Provide leadership to and execute public relations and marketing strategies, programs, and communications to increase familiarity with and support for the school or University’s mission and programs. Confer with senior leadership to plan marketing and public relations strategy and objectives for the short and mid-term future.
Direct the planning and execution of work by providing objectives of communications, campaign, or special events. 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, System and/or state government that allows advancing the image, programs, and mission of the school/ institute. Confer with business partners and campus leadership on issues pertaining to the promotion and understanding of the school. 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. 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. Advanced degree in communications, marketing, graphics design or related degree is preferred

Experience: Seven (7) 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. 

Knowledge, Skills, and 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 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 Respect and Integrity, Well-being and Sustainability, Equity and Justice, and Innovation and Discovery.

Hiring Range: Approximately $98,000 - $117,000, 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.