Communications and Outreach Associate

Overview

The Communications and Outreach Associate will support the Communications Manager and the Maine Sea Grant Team in creating and distributing communications products for both general and targeted audiences. The position will work closely with the Communications Manager to develop and implement the Maine Sea Grant communications strategies. They will also support Maine Sea Grant extension staff, students, and researchers to develop and implement storytelling strategies for projects and programs that target diverse audiences in Maine and beyond.

Typical hiring salary for this soft-money funded position is up to $60,000 commensurate with qualifications and experience.

• Support the Communications Manager and Maine Sea Grant Team in creating and distributing communications products for general and targeted audiences.
• Collaborate to develop and implement Maine Sea Grant communications strategies.
• Support extension staff, students, and researchers to develop and implement storytelling strategies for projects and programs targeting diverse audiences in Maine and beyond.

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, business, journalism, or a related field.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal and public outreach and engagement skills.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to multitask while staying on deadline.
• Demonstrated proficiency in a diversity of communications skills including writing, copyediting, social media campaigns, graphic design, and website maintenance.
• Proficiency with Google Suite, social media management systems (e.g., Hootsuite), website content management systems (e.g., Wordpress), e-news platforms (e.g., Mailchimp), event management platforms (e.g., Eventbrite), and the Adobe Creative Suite.
• Proficiency with graphic design (InDesign, Canva), web content management systems (Drupal, Squarespace), and/or data visualization (ArcGIS, ESRI Story Maps).
• Experience managing social media accounts, particularly Instagram, Facebook, Twitter/X, You Tube, and Linked In.
• Experience interpreting and communicating complex information to diverse audiences.
• Ability to travel to meet with researchers and attend periodic meetings and events.

Preferred:

• Experience writing for a variety of print and digital media.
• Strong background or interest in marine-related topics.
• Professional experience with web and social media.
• Experience using analytics (e.g., Google Analytics, Facebook Insights, Twitter analytics) to evaluate communications project outcomes or reassess strategies.
• Ability to interview people and synthesize material into a print or digital story.
• Experience making web updates.
• Experience using photo editing software to process and resize photos.

To be considered, you will need to apply and upload the documentation listed below:

• A cover letter describing your experience, interests, and suitability for the position
• A résumé/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 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 February 13, 2026.

The successful applicant is subject to appropriate background screening.

The University of Maine System is an equal opportunity institution committed to fostering a nondiscriminatory environment and complying with all applicable nondiscrimination laws. Consistent with state and federal law, the System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or veteran or military status in education, programs, activities, or employment.

Reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. For discrimination or harassment concerns, contact the System Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services at 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Orono, ME , , or via TTY  more information about Title IX or to file a complaint, please contact the UMS Title IX Coordinator ne.edu/title-ix/ (text kept as plain text here).