External Relations Coordinator

Unit: ENGR-Mechanical Engineering

Campus/College Information: Founded in 1856, the University of Maryland, College Park is the state’s flagship institution. Our 1,250-acre College Park campus is just minutes away from Washington, D.C., and the nexus of the nation’s legislative, executive, and judicial centers of power. This unique proximity to business and technology leaders, federal departments and agencies, and a myriad of research entities, embassies, think tanks, cultural centers, and non-profit organizations is simply unparalleled. Synergistic opportunities for our faculty and students abound and are virtually limitless in the nation’s capital and surrounding areas. The University is committed to attracting and retaining outstanding and diverse faculty and staff that will enhance our stature of preeminence in our three missions of teaching, scholarship, and full engagement in our community, the state of Maryland, and in the world.

Background Checks: Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify you from employment.

Position Summary/Purpose of Position:

The Department of Mechanical Engineering in the A. James Clark School of Engineering at the University of Maryland, College Park is seeking an External Relations Coordinator who is responsible for communications, event planning, donor prospecting, and donor stewardship activities related to department-wide alumni engagement and fundraising efforts. Competitive applicants are highly skilled in designing and crafting written communication and meticulous in managing complex events and activities. The position is a dedicated strategist for enhancing alumni awareness of and engagement with the department through digital channels.

The A. James Clark School of Engineering at the University of Maryland serves as the catalyst for high-quality research, innovation, and learning, preparing our students to create innovations that will 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, to accelerating entrepreneurship, and to transforming research and learning activities into new innovations that benefit millions.

Benefits Summary:

Top Benefits and Perks: Exempt Benefits Summary

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor’s degree. Additional years of work experience beyond the required 2-year minimum may be substituted for the education requirement on a year-for-year basis.

Experience: A minimum of 2 years of experience in communications, marketing, public relations, journalism, English, event management, fundraising environment, or relevant filed.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Proven experience as an event manager
• Ability to set priorities and handle multiple assignments and deadlines while maintaining a high level of attention to detail and accuracy.
• Possess enthusiasm and a positive approach to work, diplomatic in working with many different individuals with competing priorities.
• Ability to display tact and professionalism in all communications with university stakeholders.
• Comfortable in meeting settings and willingness to interact with guests at various events.
• Exceptional editorial written and grammatical skills, with high attention to detail.
• Creative thinking for the development and design of marketing materials, and experience writing marketing materials.
• Ability to collect and synthesize confidential prospect data on organizations and individuals.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (specifically Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).

Preferences:

• Experience in a donor relations and/or higher education setting is desired.
• Experience in a fast-paced professional office environment and/or administrative role preferred.
• Proficient in Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator a plus.
• Familiarity with photography, videography, and related editing software.
• Experience with flyer/invitation design, and social media strategy/execution are highly desired.
• Experience writing for the web using web editing platforms.

Additional Certifications:

Additional Information:

Job Risks:

Not Applicable to This Position

Physical Demands:

Mostly sedentary work performed in an office environment requiring the ability to operate standard office equipment and keyboards. Substantial movements of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers. Ability to review, prepare, and analyze data and figures, transcribe, and engage in extensive reading of materials and computer screens. Ability to traverse short/long distances on and off-campus to attend meetings and events. Position requires involvement in the set-up, break-down, and staging at meetings and special events. Availability to work evenings and weekends, as necessary, and for minimal travel.

Posting Date: 01/17/2024

Closing Date: Open Until Filled Yes

Best Consideration Date: 02/05/2024

Diversity Statement:

The University of Maryland, College Park, an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, creed, marital status, political affiliation, personal appearance, or on the basis of rights secured by the First Amendment, in all aspects of employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

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