UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND LIBRARIES
POSITION DESCRIPTION

Date Prepared: October 2009
Division: Dean's Office
Title: Director of Communications
Category: Exempt, Full-Time

NATURE OF WORK: The director of communications serves as an advisor to the Dean of University Libraries and others in matters relating to internal and external communications. Creates, maintains, and implements a strategic communications plan and program for the UM Libraries, a campus-wide system of seven libraries that serves every academic discipline on campus. Provides communications counsel to leadership of the UM Libraries to advance institutional priorities among diverse and numerous audiences, including senior university administrators, members of the academic community, donors, and the community at large. Participates in and contributes to strategic planning, budget preparation, and presentations to key influencers. The director must develop strong relationships with external constituencies such as local and trade media and professional organizations.

The communications officer also heightens awareness, perception, and support of UM Libraries by participating with External Relations in managing donor communications through publications, news media, and special events.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Marketing

• Conceive, develop, and execute marketing communications materials to present the UM Libraries favorably to diverse external audiences, including broad management of the UM Libraries brand.
  
• Coordinate all aspects of publications in a variety of media. Serve as editor-in-chief to identify and develop appropriate themes and messages.
  
• Identify and direct designers, photographers, and printers to ensure high-quality materials are delivered on time and on budget.
  
• Manage numerous promotional publications, delivered through vehicles including print and electronic newsletters, website, annual reports, news media, and correspondence.
• Assist exhibit preparers, including graphics coordinator, in theme selection, presentation, organization and text.
  Strategic Planning
• Participate in and contribute to library management groups at strategic level to garner and maintain knowledge of library issues, actions, and plans.
• Work with library administrators to determine appropriate strategies for communicating priorities in campus community and beyond.
• Write position papers and case statements to build support for realizing institutional goals. Strategize and assist in managing crises in the event they emerge, providing perspective as it relates to external audiences.
  Communication
• Cultivate a marketing orientation within the staff to communicate messages to internal and/or academic audiences.
• Coordinate activities and foster relationships among librarians and library employees to ensure outreach and messages are consistent, timely, and effective.
• Maintain an awareness of all Libraries and library activities and accomplishments In order to provide effective publicity to appropriate audiences.
  Development
• Assist in developing effective solicitation and stewardship activities.
• Assist in planning, executing, and publicizing events that heighten the value of the UM Libraries to external audiences.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Work involves manual dexterity with the use of the computer, prolonged viewing of a computer screen, and sitting for extended periods of time.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Responsible for assigning and directing the duties is of the Graphics Coordinator (1 FTE exempt employee) and for conducting the annual performance evaluation of the staff member.

QUALIFICATIONS (Knowledge, skills, and abilities):

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated experience using MS office suite, publishing and graphics programs.
• Demonstrated ability to work under deadline pressure.
• Demonstrated ability to handle multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Demonstrated relationship-building skills.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to travel on a limited basis.

EDUCATION:

Required:
Bachelor’s degree in journalism, marketing/public relations, or communications.
Preferred:
Master’s degree or graduate coursework in one of the above fields

EXPERIENCE:

Required:

Minimum 7-10 years professional experience in higher education, in increasingly responsible jobs that includes strategic marketing and public relations

return to top