What are the responsibilities and job description for the PFAS Communications Coordinator position at University of Maine?
The PFAS Communications Coordinator serves as a central communications hub for PFAS-related research, outreach, and initiatives across the University of Maine in addition to supporting the federal PFAS Center of Excellence located on campus. This role is responsible for improving internal coordination, increasing internal and external awareness of ongoing work, and supporting strategic communication planning across a complex network of faculty, research teams and external partners.
Although some traditional content production is expected in this role, this position emphasizes coordination, information management and strategic alignment. The coordinator will maintain a comprehensive understanding of PFAS-related activity across multiple colleges, Cooperative Extension, research groups, and funding streams, serving as a key point of contact for stakeholders seeking information or communication support.
The role requires proactive engagement with projects early in their lifecycle to support thoughtful, well-timed communication. The coordinator will help ensure that internal UMaine stakeholders are informed prior to external messaging, facilitate collaboration across units, and contribute to the development of clear, accurate and strategically aligned communications. This includes navigating complex and evolving communication constraints, particularly when working with external partners and regulated messaging environments. Typical hiring range for this position is $65,000 to $70,000 commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Please review the PFAS Communications Coordinator job description for more information.
About the University:
The University of Maine is a community of more than 11,900 undergraduate and graduate students, and 2,500 employees located on the Orono campus, the regional campus in Machias, and throughout the state. UMaine is a land, sea and space grant university, and maintains a leadership role as the University of Maine System's flagship institution. UMaine is the state's public research university and a Carnegie R1 top-tier research institution, dedicated to providing excellent teaching, research and service for Maine, the nation and the world. More information about UMaine is at umaine.edu .
The University of Maine offers a wide range of benefits for employees including, but not limited to, tuition benefits (employee and dependent), comprehensive insurance coverage including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and short and long term disability as well as retirement plan options.
UMaine is located in beautiful Central Maine. Many employees report that a primary reason for choosing to come to UMaine is quality of life. Numerous cultural activities, excellent public schools, safe neighborhoods, high quality medical care, little traffic, and a reasonable cost of living make the greater Bangor area a wonderful place to live. Visit the Maine Office of Tourism to learn more about what the Bangor region has to offer.
Qualifications:
Required
- Bachelor’s degree in communication, public relations, journalism, public health, environmental science or related field (or equivalent experience)
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Experience managing and maintaining websites (WordPress preferred)
- Experience in higher education, research or science communication
- Experience coordinating across multiple teams or stakeholders
- Strong organizational and project management skills
Preferred
- Familiarity with environmental or public health topics
- Experience working with government or regulated partners
- Experience in strategic communications
Other Information:
To be considered for this position you will need to “Apply” and upload the documentation listed below:
1.) a cover letter which describes your experience, interests, and suitability for the position
2.) a resume/curriculum vitae
Candidates selected to proceed to the final stages of the search process will be requested to provide a list of names and contact information for references.
Incomplete application materials cannot be considered. Materials received after the initial review date will be reviewed at the discretion of the University.
For full consideration, materials must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. EST on October 9, 2026.
The successful applicant is subject to appropriate background screening.
Benefits:
Vacation & Paid Time Off, Dental Insurance, Sick LeaveSalary : $65,000 - $70,000