Digital Communications Specialist (Contingent II -- Grant Funded)

Maryland Connect•Patuxent Riding, MD

9d•$48,138 - $55,146

About The Position

The Digital Communications Specialist supports the Department of Information Technology’s Business Operations unit through digital content development, technology communications, project documentation, and administrative support for assigned initiatives. The position prepares clear, accessible communications and maintains organized materials supporting Title III Digital Transformation activities and other approved departmental projects. Under the direction of the Director of Business Operations and in collaboration with the Strategic Initiatives Project Coordinator, the Specialist completes assigned communication, documentation, tracking, and logistical tasks. The role drafts and updates technology announcements, newsletters, website content, FAQs, service notices, reports, presentations, and other approved materials. It translates information from technical and project leads into clear language for university audiences, maintains communications calendars and project records, supports meetings and events, and organizes documentation and evidence for Title III progress reporting and evaluation preparation. The Specialist also prepares approved technology-change communications and awareness content, coordinates distribution through university channels, and refers questions requiring grant or project decisions to the appropriate lead. This is a Non-Regular Fixed Term position. The listed salary range is $48,138–$55,146. Candidates may be subject to medical inquiries and/or examination to determine ability to perform the job. Visa and labor certification sponsorship will not be provided. The position is excluded from union representation and collective bargaining.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Communications, Public Relations, English, Journalism, Business Administration, Information Technology, or a related field.
2–4 years’ experience in communications, content development, technical writing, project support, program support, or a related area.
Strong writing, editing, and communication skills.
Experience with content tools such as Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, MS Publisher, or similar.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities and competing deadlines.
Knowledge of digital communications, content development, and basic technical writing practices.
Ability to translate technical information into clear, concise language for faculty, staff, students, and other audiences.
Ability to draft, edit, proofread, and format announcements, newsletters, website content, FAQs, reports, and presentations.
Knowledge of basic accessibility practices for digital content and documents.
Ability to maintain accurate trackers, meeting notes, action items, documentation checklists, and shared electronic records.
Ability to gather and organize information and supporting evidence for project updates, grant reporting, and evaluations.
Proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and SharePoint, or comparable tools.
Ability to use digital publishing, design, and collaboration tools to prepare professional communications and supporting materials.
Ability to support meeting and event logistics, participant communications, and feedback collection.
Ability to work independently on assigned responsibilities and collaboratively with the Strategic Initiatives Project Coordinator, technical staff, and university stakeholders.
Ability to follow established procedures, recognize incomplete information or delays, and refer issues requiring decisions to the appropriate supervisor or project lead.
Strong attention to detail, sound judgment, professionalism, and discretion when handling sensitive information.
Experience must demonstrate the ability to prepare written materials, maintain organized records, use office and collaboration applications, and complete assignments within established deadlines.

Nice To Haves

Experience in higher education or IT is preferred.
Higher education or public sector experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

Draft and update technology announcements, newsletters, website content, FAQs, service notices, and other approved communications.
Translate information from technical and project leads into clear language for faculty, staff, students, and other stakeholders.
Maintain a communications calendar for assigned projects, announcements, and departmental initiatives.
Review content for accuracy, readability, accessibility, and consistency with university standards before submission for approval.
Prepare meeting materials, document assigned meetings, and record decisions and action items in support of the Strategic Initiatives Project Coordinator.
Maintain assigned project trackers, contact lists, documentation checklists, and shared folders using information provided by project owners.
Request routine updates and missing materials as assigned, and notify the Coordinator of overdue responses or incomplete documentation.
Format project summaries, status reports, presentations, and closeout materials using approved content.
Collect and organize supporting documentation for assigned Title III activities, including approved progress updates, communications, event materials, and evidence of completed deliverables.
Maintain evidence folders and documentation checklists for progress reporting and evaluation preparation.
Prepare visual summaries and presentation materials communicating project accomplishments and benefits.
Refer questions about grant requirements, expenditures, or reporting decisions to the Activity Director or Project Coordinator.
Prepare approved communications about technology changes, service improvements, implementation milestones, and scheduled disruptions.
Develop awareness content promoting technology services, cybersecurity practices, and university technology initiatives.
Coordinate publication and distribution of approved messages through designated university channels.
Assist with communications, registration, materials, scheduling details, and participant reminders for assigned technology events and stakeholder meetings.
Compile attendance information and feedback summaries for review by the Project Coordinator.
Maintain reusable communication templates and event materials.