Communications Lead

Communications Lead

This position is available within the University of Maryland's Division of Information Technology (DIT).

Join our Elevate team to be part of the transformation to the next generation of student services computing at the University of Maryland (UMD). We are seeking an experienced communicator to serve as a Communications Lead for the Elevate team.

The Communications Lead, supervising the Communications Specialist, distills functional, technical, and project-related information into messaging that will be consumed by the broader University community. The position is responsible for managing the communications plan to ensure efficient and effective development, approval, and delivery. Additionally this role monitors and evaluates the effectiveness of the communications efforts. The communications team also coordinates with communication liaisons at each school or college to develop templates and ready content to ensure information is distributed in a timely fashion and is culturally aligned to intended recipients.

The Communications Lead receives direct supervision from the Director but is expected to work across the Elevate team as necessary.

This position is considered essential and may be required to work at the normal work location or an alternative location during a major catastrophic event, weather emergency, or other operational emergency to help maintain the continuity of University services.

May be required to work evenings, nights, weekends, or different shifts for extended periods.

Normal office environment – Sedentary work. Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negotiable amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Ability to travel around campus for meetings and to attend to duties.

Preferences:

• Prior experience working within a higher‑education environment (institutional, consulting, or system implementation) is strongly preferred.
• Strong writing, storytelling, and strategic communication skills, with demonstrated ability to produce clear, audience‑specific content for complex initiatives.
• Skilled at translating technical or process‑heavy information into accessible communications for broad stakeholder groups.
• Experience overseeing communication planning, messaging frameworks, and digital content management for major technology or transformation initiatives.
• Collaborative and detail‑oriented, able to partner with project team members and campus stakeholders in fast‑moving environments.

Please note that all positions within the Division of Information Technology (DIT) have an in person component with expected time in our College Park, MD location per week. Telework is not a guaranteed work arrangement.

Visa Sponsorship Information:

• DIT will not sponsor the successful candidate for work authorization in the United States now or in the future.
• F1 STEM OPT support is not available for this position.

Required Application Materials:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• List of three References

Best Consideration Date: July 28, 2026

Posting Close Date: Open until Filled

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Experience: Three (3) years of professional communications or marketing experience. One (1) year of experience leading or supervising professional staff. Other: Additional work experience as defined above may be substituted on a year for year basis for up to four (4) years of the required education.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES: Knowledge of writing, editing, and proofreading. Skill in oral and written communication. Skill in the use of Microsoft Office and Google Workspace products. Ability to prioritize assignments. Ability to multitask while demonstrating a commitment to customer service.

Salary Range: $93,720 - $112,464

The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University's Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy.