Communications Liaison, Schaefer Center, grant-funded

Job Description:

The Communications Liaison plays a pivotal role in advancing the mission and visibility of the Schaefer Center for Public Policy and its signature programs, including the Maryland Certified Public Manager® Program, NextGen Leaders for Public Service, professional development initiatives, and public policy research projects. This position is responsible for developing and executing comprehensive communications strategies that enhance program outreach, engagement, and impact.

The incumbent is responsible for both print and digital outreach, including designing and managing social media campaigns and websites, producing annual reports and newsletters, creating brochures and video content for digital platforms, and overseeing the contacts database. The Communications Liaison also ensures effective internal and external communications, supporting the Center’s events, recruitment efforts, and ongoing public policy work.

This role will initially be fully on campus, with up to two days of telework possible with supervisory approval.

This is a soft-funded regular position with benefits.

Position is open until filled, and applications received by April 30 will receive priority consideration.

Responsibilities:

Content Creation & Digital Engagement

• Write, schedule, and post engaging text and graphics for the Schaefer Center and its programs on social media, websites, newsletters, and more.
• Maintain and update content for two permanent websites and special project sites using WordPress.
• Develop content for new websites as needed.
• Monitor and analyze the performance of digital content and adjust campaigns as needed.

Program Marketing & Recruitment

• Develop and disseminate recruitment materials for the Maryland Certified Public Manager® Program and NextGen Leaders for Public Service program.
• Write program brochures and marketing support for events and activities.
• Respond to inquiries about Schaefer Center programs.
• Prepare and distribute two separate quarterly newsletters (Schaefer Center and Maryland Certified Public Manager® Alumni Association.)

Visual Storytelling & Design

• Design and write content for brochures, flyers, and reports for Center programs and research projects.
• Serve as event photographer as needed.
• Prepare video and electronic profiles of program participants and graduates from the Maryland Certified Public Manager® Program, the NextGen Leaders for Public Service program, and Schaefer Center staff and graduate fellows.

Media & Event Promotion

• Prepare press releases and announcements for the Schaefer Center, Maryland Certified Public Manager Program, the NextGen Leaders for Public Service program, and research projects. Promote signature events such as the Annual William Donald Schaefer Conference and Award Ceremony, Voices of Public Service, and program graduations.

Other communications and event support duties as needed.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing or related field.
• Three years of professional experience in communications, marketing or related field.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in communications, marketing or related field.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to craft clear, engaging, and persuasive content for diverse platforms and audiences.
• Demonstrated experience in social media marketing and analytics, including content creation, scheduling, and performance monitoring across platforms such as Facebook, Twitter/X, and LinkedIn.
• Creative and detail-oriented, with a proven ability to develop compelling messaging and adapt tone and style to suit different audiences and communication channels.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to prioritize, coordinate, and execute multiple projects and deadlines effectively.
• Proficiency in website content management, particularly with WordPress, including updating, maintaining, and developing new web pages.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and collaborate effectively with colleagues, program participants, and external partners.
• Self-motivated and adaptable, able to work independently with minimal supervision as well as collaboratively within a team environment.
• Strong skills with Microsoft Word and PowerPoint.

Desired skills:

• Publication design skills, with the ability to design brochures and reports for electronic and hard copy printing.
• Photography skills, with the ability to take and edit photos and video for social media, webpages, reports, and newsletters.

Some evening and weekend hours may be required to represent the Schaefer Center and its programs at various conferences and events.

We offer a competitive benefits package, including health, life, prescription, and dental plans, tuition remission benefits, paid leave (22 days of annual, 15 days of sick, 3 days of personal, and 14-15 holidays) and retirement plans with employer contributions. You can see more details on our benefits here.