Public Relations Associate

Are you passionate about writing and developing communications that strengthen the reputation and desirability of a university for its various audiences? Do you work in journalism and wonder what it would be like to work at a University? Do you work in higher education communications and desire more opportunities to write and develop content that compellingly tells the story of a university’s impact?  Then read on — the University of Southern Maine (USM) seeks applicants for a full-time Public Relations Associate in the Office of Public Affairs.

 

USM’s Office of Public Affairs is responsible for telling the story of the University through strategic written and digital communications, the University’s social media presence, and via the traditional print and broadcast news media. By writing and developing content that illustrates the power of a USM education, the Public Affairs team informs and engages members of the University’s audiences, particularly prospective students and their families. By emphasizing the development of content on student success, the Office of Public Affairs supports the University’s Service Promise to be “student-focused every day.” We live the USM Service Promise and seek a team member who understands that promise and supports our values of Respect & Care, Integrity, Equity, and Responsiveness.

 

USM’s Public Relations Associate is responsible for identifying, seeking out, and writing news and promotional copy, social media content, and/or media releases that illustrate student and faculty success, demonstrate the impact of a USM education, and advance USM programs, activities, and events. Working under the direction of the Director of Strategic Messaging, the position cultivates and manages relationships with students, faculty, staff, and media professionals to tell the university’s story across all channels. The position requires continuous contact with both internal and external constituents. The Public Relations Associate is expected to maintain professional contact with media and public relations organizations related to the work of the Office and stay abreast of developments in the PR, promotions, and journalism fields. Continual development of modern communications skills will be expected and supported. 

 

We are the University of Everyone – committed to building a culturally diverse team of leaders, faculty and staff. We welcome applicants who are multi-lingual. Women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply.

 

For a complete job description, click here.

 

Required:

  • Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing or a field relevant to communications (or equivalent work and educational experience)
  • At least two full-time years’ experience in public relations, communications, journalism, events promotion, or related field
  • Proven excellent writing and editing skills in a variety of formats for various audiences
  • Demonstrated experience with successfully managing multiple projects under tight deadlines
  • Ability to photograph people and events effectively
  • Working knowledge of Photoshop or equivalent photo-editing software

 

Other Information:

 

Salary & Benefits: The annual salary for this position is in the low $40s. The University of Southern Maine provides a highly competitive benefits package that includes holidays, vacation, and sick time; health, dental, and vision insurance; life insurance; short and long term disability insurance; a tuition waiver program for employee and eligible dependents; a 403(b) retirement plan; and more.

 

Benefits Information Summary

 

Schedule: The schedule for this position is Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Occasional evening and weekend work will be required. This position will be based on our USM Portland Campus with travel in-state and to other USM campuses in Gorham and Lewiston-Auburn as necessary.

 

Want to know more about employment, benefits, and local resources? Our Employment webpage has additional information to help you become more familiar with developing a new career at USM as well as exploring everything the Greater Southern Maine area has to offer.

 

To Apply:

 

Apply online at https://usm.hiretouch.com/view-all-jobs. You will need to create an applicant profile and complete an application. You will also need to upload a cover letter and resume/curriculum vitae.

 

All required materials must be submitted by December 6, 2020. We are not able to consider applicants who require Visa sponsorship support.

 

Appropriate background screening will be conducted for the successful candidate.

 

The University of Southern Maine is an EEO/AA employer, and does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender expression, national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, genetic information or veteran’s status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. For inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies, please contact: Equal Opportunity Office, 101 North Stevens Hall, University of Maine, Orono, ME  04469-5754, 207.581.1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).