Communications Coordinator

The Do Good Institute (DGI) is looking for a Communications Coordinator to join our team. Housed in the School of Public Policy (SPP) at the University of Maryland, DGI operates across the entire campus and provides education, opportunities, and resources to develop the next generation of nonprofit leaders, social innovators and civic-minded students. Ultimately, the Do Good Institute exists to ensure Terps are known for being effective leaders, impactful individuals and pioneering social innovators who are fearlessly changing the world.

Position Description: the Communications Coordinator will coordinate and execute a variety of strategies and action plans that aim to advance the Institute’s goals, elevate its reputation in the field and grow brand awareness. The Communications Coordinator will drive awareness and recognition of the Institute and its associated thought leadership and research programs and initiatives through story curation and development; sector and peer research and analysis; writing and editing in a variety of styles; content creation and publishing; website management; media pitching; branding and messaging development; and more.

The Communications Coordinator should be entrepreneurial at their work, will join a growing, talented team, and will collaborate with a variety of internal and external constituencies in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. This position does not have direct staff reports but will have the opportunity to hire, train, and supervise temporary student workers or interns. This position requires occasional evening and weekend work.

Strategic Communications: Thought Leadership / Research (30%): In coordination with the Senior Communications Manager, develop and execute strategic communications efforts for the Institute and associated thought leadership and research programs and initiatives that elevate and advance the Institute’s reputation in the field and grow brand awareness. This includes developing communications-based initiatives, media relations strategies and promotional events to support DGI’s research and thought leadership initiatives. This position requires story curation, development, and research, writing and editing in a variety of styles.

Institute Branding and Messaging (30%): Execute the Institute’s refreshed brand, starting by implementing the new elements across our print and digital collateral, resources, and materials. Ensure graphic quality, creative execution, and consistency of materials across platforms. Ensuring that DGI’s communications are aligned with and further support the School of Public Policy and the University of Maryland’s brand and strategy.

Website Management (30%): Responsible for maintaining DGI’s website including regular copy, graphic and photo updates on all pages; new page development; other ongoing site maintenance and advancement.

Other duties as assigned (10%) The Communications Coordinator is part of a growing team, with ambitious goals over the next five years. The coordinator will partner with the Senior Communications Manager,  providing as needed implementation for other Institute efforts.

Minimum Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree communications, marketing, higher education, public policy, nonprofit management or related field
• At least five years of relevant professional experience

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Superb writing, editing and proofreading skills, as well as strong verbal communication skills (including public speaking and presentation skills)
• Demonstrated strategic thinking and excellent project management skills to build and manage cohesive and integrative programs and communications
• Proficient digital media management skills and track record, including website and social media management
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and set priorities, as well as cooperatively and strategically in a team environment
• Possess sound judgment, tact and diplomacy in working with a variety of personalities and constituencies internally, across UMD, and externally
• Commitment to expanding multicultural knowledge, awareness and skills as evidenced through demonstrating self-awareness; understanding and valuing others; demonstrating knowledge of social inequalities; interacting effectively with a diversity of people; fostering equity and inclusion.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience with project management and digital software and systems (such as Hootsuite, Asana, Drupal, Google Analytics)
• Knowledge of and experience using AP style
• Experience with email and contact management systems (such as MailChimp)
• Experience in graphic design software and systems (Canva, Adobe Creative Suites)
• Emerging or established knowledge and interest in theories and best practices related to philanthropy, nonprofit leadership, student leadership, service-learning, civic engagement, social impact or social innovation.