The University of New England’s Office of Communications and Marketing is seeking a skilled storyteller and media relations professional to tell its story through the news media. The communications specialist finds the stories that will resonate with the press and the public while communicating key messages that elevate UNE’s reputation and brand. This is an exciting opportunity to join a team of award-winning communications and marketing professionals and an organization that values their important work.
About the Office of Communications and Marketing
The Office of Communications and Marketing provides strategic and creative leadership and support for the University of New England across all media and communications platforms. Our mission is to raise awareness for UNE, enhance the University’s reputation, facilitate operations, and foster community in alignment with institutional goals.
About the University of New England
With roots dating to 1831, the University of New England (UNE) has evolved to become the largest private university in Maine. UNE has established itself as a leading comprehensive university with particular strengths in the health sciences and marine sciences and a wide range of academic programs offered both onsite and online to nearly 6,500 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. UNE is guided by the core values of student-centeredness, diversity, inclusion, relentless inquiry, interdisciplinary collaboration, learning everywhere, progressive change, and stewardship of our planet.
UNE offers a generous comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The package includes varied health and dental plans; a retirement plan that includes up to an 8% match; extensive paid leave including holidays, vacation, sick and personal time; and educational benefits. Please visit the Human Resources Benefits site (https://www.une.edu/hr/benefits) for additional information regarding UNE’s fantastic benefits package.
Responsibilities
- Develop strong, collaborative relationships and communicate regularly with key internal stakeholders such as faculty, administrators, and students to source stories.
- Develop media pitches and press releases to place stories about UNE in the local, regional, and national media.
- Field media inquiries and connect journalists with UNE subject matter experts.
- Write articles and produce content for the UNE News website section, as well as the UNE Magazine, social media, the UNE website, and other channels.
- Cultivate and maintain productive relationships with reporters and editors locally, regionally, and nationally.
- Monitor local, regional, national, and higher education news for stories involving the university or that may pertain to UNE and/or its programs.
- Provide media training to faculty, professional staff members, and students.
- Work collaboratively with members of the Communications team to advance team objectives and communications and marketing campaigns.
- Perform other communications duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in journalism, English, communications, marketing, or related field required
- Two or more years of demonstrated success in journalism, public relations, or communications
- This is an in-person role based on the Portland, Maine campus with opportunities for flexible/hybrid work. Candidate must have the ability to report to the Biddeford and Portland, Maine campuses most days during the week for meetings with internal stakeholders, media interviews, and team collaboration.
- Must follow and be familiar with local, regional, and national news and understand how to pitch and work with journalist to achieve optimum results.
- Excellent writing skills and experience writing for print and digital platforms
- Outstanding communication (written and oral) and interpersonal skills
- Ability to develop strong collaborative partnerships and earn trust within the organization
- Ability to successfully manage multiple projects simultaneously, to develop appropriate priorities, and meet strict deadlines
- Flexibility to work occasional nights and weekends
- Ability to effectively communicate university strategic decisions and messages to a variety of stakeholders
- Must be a self-starter, energetic, and a strategic thinker with a passion for innovation, collaboration and team work.
- High level of discretion is required.
- Must possess a strong understanding of digital technology including social media.