Strategic Communications Manager

Best Consideration Date for Applications: Friday, August 29, 2025

PURPOSE OF POSITION:

The University System of Maryland’s Office of Communications and Marketing is looking for a Strategic Communications Manager to serve in a critical role that helps position the System as a leader and advocate for higher education. We are seeking a strategic communicator to join a nimble team that manages the System’s brand and proactively tells the story of our impact in Maryland and beyond.

The Strategic Communications Manager will report to the Vice Chancellor for Communications and Marketing and contribute to the development of system-wide communications strategies that support the mission, vision, and brand positioning of the System and its partners. The incumbent will work proactively with stakeholders across the system to identify engaging story ideas and craft creative content for multiple audiences across the system’s channels, including: websites, social media, press releases, speeches, legislative testimony, newsletter content, and other forms of content. The incumbent must be a sharp and creative writer who is equally comfortable drafting stories and pitching ideas to advance our messages.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Content Development:

• Proactively identifies and develops content opportunities that align with USM’s strategic goals and brand positioning.
• Creates compelling written content for websites, social media, press releases, newsletters, video scripts, speeches, legislative testimony, and other platforms.
• Supports the development of executive communications for the Chancellor, Board of Regents, and System leadership.
• Ensures consistency of voice, messaging, and branding across all communication materials.

Media Relations:

• Serves as the primary contact for media inquiries and public information requests.
• Leads the planning and execution of proactive media strategies to raise the profile of USM and its institutions.
• Collaborates with System leaders to develop and pitch story ideas that highlight USM’s impact, innovations, and priorities.
• Provides guidance on crisis communication and support issue management efforts in coordination with the Vice Chancellor and executive leadership.

Media Monitoring:

• Manages media monitoring tools to track coverage and identify relevant news and trends.
• Produces a daily Media Scan for internal stakeholders, highlighting key coverage of USM and relevant higher education issues.
• Analyzes media trends to inform communication strategies and measure the effectiveness of media outreach efforts.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Education Level/Certifications:

Bachelor’s degree in communications, Journalism, Public Relations, English, or a related field.

Required Experience:

Five years of progressively responsible experience in communications or media relations, with at least three years of experience focused on writing and supporting media outreach.

Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills across multiple formats and audiences.
• Strong verbal communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to translate complex topics into accessible messages for stakeholders including leadership, policymakers, media, and the public.
• Strategic thinking and sound judgment in fast-paced, high-stakes environments.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects independently, meet deadlines, and balance competing priorities.
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to build trusted relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to analyze media coverage and policy trends to inform strategy.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and familiarity with digital content tools.
• Creativity, adaptability, and initiative in developing communications solutions.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Preferred Education Level/Certifications:

Master’s Degree in Mass Communication, Public Relations, Journalism or other related field.

Preferred Experience:

Experience in higher education, government, or public-sector communications.

Preferred Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Knowledge of the Maryland media landscape and public policy environment.
• Familiarity with content management systems and media monitoring tools.
• Experience supporting senior executives with speeches, testimony, or high-level communications.

ANNUAL SALARY:

$95,000-$125,000

• Paid Leave: 22 days of annual leave, 15 days of sick & safe leave, 15 holidays, 3 personal leave days, 12 weeks paid parental leave.

• Health Benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with flexible spending accounts.
• Retirement Plans: Mandatory and supplemental options with major providers like Fidelity and TIAA.
• Life Insurance: Optional term life and AD&D benefits through MetLife.
• Tuition Benefits: Tuition remission for employees and their families.
• Training & Development: Free professional development conferences and unlimited LinkedIn Learning access.
• Credit Union Access: Membership eligibility for SECU, Maryland’s largest credit union.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Free counseling, legal, financial, and work-life support services.

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