Director of Community Relations

University of New England Career•Portland, ME

About The Position

The Director of Community Relations develops and leads UNE’s community relations and stakeholder engagement strategy in alignment with university priorities. The role builds and maintains relationships with business, civic, nonprofit, neighborhood, and community leaders throughout Biddeford, Portland, and surrounding communities, and advises senior university leaders on community perspectives, emerging issues, partnership opportunities, and external engagement strategies. The Director represents UNE at community meetings, public events, business forums, and civic gatherings and develops strategic partnerships that create shared value in education, health, workforce development, economic vitality, research, and public service. The role leads community engagement communications and event planning, including annual neighbor events in Biddeford and Portland, and manages UNE’s community sponsorship and investment strategy and budget. The position partners with Campus Planning and university leaders on community engagement related to facilities, construction, campus operations, and other initiatives with community impact. It also supports issues and crisis communications and proactively addresses concerns that may affect community relationships or UNE’s reputation.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, public affairs, business, nonprofit leadership, or a related field; equivalent education and experience may be considered.
At least seven years of progressively responsible experience in community relations, external affairs, public relations, government or public affairs, corporate relations, institutional advancement, or a related field.
Demonstrated experience building relationships with business, civic, nonprofit, and community leaders and representing an organization in high-visibility settings.
Excellent written, verbal, presentation, facilitation, and interpersonal communication skills.
Strong strategic thinking, judgment, discretion, and ability to navigate sensitive issues and competing interests.
Experience managing complex projects, budgets, partnerships, or community investments.
Ability and willingness to attend occasional evening and weekend events and travel locally as needed.

Nice To Haves

Established knowledge of and relationships within the Biddeford and Portland communities and Maine’s business, civic, and nonprofit landscape.
Experience in higher education, health care, or another complex, mission-driven organization.
Experience with community issues, public meetings, major capital projects, or crisis and issues communications.
Experience with digital communications, stakeholder databases, or engagement measurement tools.

Responsibilities

Develop and lead UNE’s community relations and stakeholder engagement strategy in alignment with university priorities.
Build and maintain strong relationships with business, civic, nonprofit, neighborhood, and community leaders throughout Biddeford, Portland, and surrounding communities.
Advise senior university leaders on community perspectives, emerging issues, partnership opportunities, and external engagement strategies.
Represent UNE at community meetings, public events, business forums, and civic gatherings.
Develop strategic partnerships that create shared value in education, health, workforce development, economic vitality, research, and public service.
Lead community engagement communications, including newsletters, stakeholder updates, website content, and project- or event-specific communications.
Lead planning for community events and engagement opportunities, including annual neighbor events in Biddeford and Portland.
Develop and manage UNE’s community sponsorship and investment strategy and budget.
Partner with Campus Planning and university leaders on community engagement related to facilities, construction, campus operations, and other initiatives with community impact.
Support issues and crisis communications and proactively address concerns that may affect community relationships or UNE’s reputation.