Program Manager, Communications & External Relations

umd; College Park (MD); Hybrid; USD 91,000 - 109,000; Full time

Job summary

The Institute for Systems Research (ISR) at the University of Maryland seeks an experienced Program Manager, Communications & External Relations on the ISR operations team. This role defines the Institute’s strategic communications objectives and serves as the primary architect and curator of ISR’s print and digital content.

You will oversee ISR’s digital outreach, produce high‑quality copy for publications, and collaborate with faculty and campus partners to expand ISR’s reach.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Three (3) years of professional communications or marketing experience.
• 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 of communications and marketing strategies.
• Knowledge of writing, editing, and proofreading.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in the use of Microsoft Office products.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize assignments.
• Ability to multitask while demonstrating a commitment to customer service.

Responsibilities

• Define ISR’s strategic communications objectives and serve as the primary architect of ISR’s content.
• Oversee ISR’s digital outreach (website, social media, newsletters) and produce high‑quality copy for university and media publications.
• Engage with ISR faculty to amplify the Institute’s work and collaborate with Clark School and campus partners to raise ISR’s profile.
• Provide high‑level communications support to the ISR Director.
• Oversee promotions for ISR events from inception through post‑event follow‑up.

Skills

Writing & proofreading

Multitasking

Communication skills

Microsoft Office

Copywriting

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Job Description Summary

The Institute for Systems Research (ISR) is seeking an experienced communicator to serve as Program Manager, Communications & External Relations on the ISR operations team. The Program Manager is responsible for defining the Institute’s strategic communications objectives and serves as the primary architect and curator of ISR’s print and digital content.

The position administers all components of ISR’s digital outreach, e.g., website, social media, newsletters, etc., and produces high-quality copy to be used in University and media publications. They enthusiastically engage with ISR faculty to amplify the Institute’s work and collaborate with Clark School and campus partners to enhance ISR’s profile. They provide the ISR Director with high-level communications support.

The Program Manager spearheads efforts to broaden ISR’s audience and develop new relationships with stakeholders across government, industry, and academia. They are responsible for overseeing the promotional aspects of ISR’s events from inception to post-event follow up.

The A. James Clark School of Engineering at the University of Maryland catalyzes high-quality research, innovation, and learning, preparing our students to create innovations that address the 21st-century Grand Challenges, e.g., energy, environment, security, and human health, and improve the human condition. The Clark School is dedicated to leading and transforming the engineering discipline and profession, accelerating entrepreneurship, and transforming research and learning activities into innovations that benefit millions.

Physical Demands: N/A

Licenses/ Certifications: N/A

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

Experience: Three (3) years of professional communications or marketing experience.

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 of communications and marketing strategies.
• Knowledge of writing, editing, and proofreading.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in the use of Microsoft Office products.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize assignments.
• Ability to multitask while demonstrating a commitment to customer service.

Additional Job Details

Preferences:

• Background in technical or science writing and/or experience in a higher-education environment is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of UMCP administration and contacts within the university is highly desirable
• Technical proficiency in web design and content management, graphic design, and photo manipulation
• Strong understanding of Associated Press Stylebook (or similar) and branding guides
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple communications channels and campaigns

Additional Information:

• This position is eligible for 1 telework day per week after successful completion of probation. Telework is not a guaranteed work arrangement.

Visa Sponsorship Information:

• ISR is unable to provide sponsorship or 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:

September 30th, 2026

Posting Close Date:

N/A

Open Until Filled: Yes

Job Risks

Not Applicable to This Position

Financial Disclosure Required

No

Department

ENGR-Institute for Systems Research

Worker Sub-Type

Staff Regular

Salary Range

$91,000 - $109,000

Benefits Summary

For more information on Regular Exempt benefits, select this link.

Background Checks

Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regardingdisclosablebackground checkinformation. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.

Employment Eligibility

The successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization. Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment.

EEO Statement

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.

Resources

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