About UMass Amherst
The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued—and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world.
Job Summary
The UMass Amherst Manning College of Information and Computer Sciences (CICS) communications team is dedicated to strengthening the college's reputation through engaging and inspirational storytelling about its accomplishments, research, events, and its people.
The Associate Director of Communications leads the implementation of the college’s internal and external communications and messaging strategy, ensuring the consistency of brand messaging, quality, and adherence to budgets.
This position offers the opportunity to direct and mentor a small team and work cross-functionally within the CICS marketing, communications, and events team on a wide range of print and digital communications projects that elevate the college’s brand and advance its revolutionary vision for computing education, research, and service—Computing for the Common Good.
Essential Functions
- Leads the execution of a comprehensive internal and external communications and messaging strategy for the UMass Amherst Manning College of Information and Computer Sciences.
- Oversees all communications projects to ensure consistency in brand messaging, quality, and adherence to budgets.
- Oversees the college-based ticketing and project management system; ensures that work is assigned and satisfactorily executed. Serves as primary point of contact for the college’s administrative units and research centers/institutes seeking assistance with communications projects.
- Leads the strategic planning, execution, and governance of content on the college’s website. Oversees website content updates and ensures search engine optimization (SEO), accessibility, and usability.
- Serves as managing editor for the college’s magazine for alumni and friends, Significant Bits; oversees the production of print and digital publications including brochures, fact sheets, and e-newsletters.
- Regularly reviews and analyzes engagement data on the CICS marcom data dashboard and makes recommendations for new content or enhancements to existing content.
- In collaboration with the Assistant Dean, contributes to the development and maintenance of the college’s communications strategy and annual planning processes.
- Coordinates with other members of the CICS marcom team, as well as with faculty and staff across CICS on projects to meet the college’s strategic goals.
- Directs and mentors a small team of professional communications staff and indirectly supervises student employees.
Other Functions
Performs other duties as assigned to meet College and University business needs.
Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
- Bachelor’s degree and five (5) years of experience in public relations, journalism, communications, or agency work, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. One (1) year of relevant experience may be substituted per one (1) year of required academia.
- Two (2) years of experience in a managerial or supervisory role.
- Demonstrated experience in developing communications for a range of media and working with creative professionals in design, photography, or video.
- Superior writing, editing, and oral communication skills. Ability to think analytically, articulate ideas, and craft clear, compelling messages for diverse audiences.
- Expert knowledge and understanding of all aspects of communications, including media, digital, and social channels.
- Exceptional project management, organization skills and ability to prioritize multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Resourceful and solution-oriented, willingness to learn and an openness to new ideas and their implementation.
- Knowledge of current and emerging technologies relevant to marketing and communications, including email marketing platforms, web content management systems, and social media management tools. Ability to react and adapt to changing circumstances and technologies appropriately.
- Independent initiative. Must have the ability to stay on task and work productively with a minimum amount of supervision or guidance.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interact effectively and create and maintain harmonious relationships within the college and across the university with a diverse population of staff, faculty, and students.
- Strong computer skills including at least intermediate expertise with:
- Email.
- Calendar systems such as Outlook or Google.
- Word processing software such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs.
- Spreadsheets such as Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets.
- Databases such as Microsoft Access or FileMaker.
Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
- Strong knowledge of computer science or another STEM discipline.
- Experience in higher education, nonprofits, public relations, or related field.
Physical Demands/Working Conditions
Typical office environment activity.
Work Schedule
- Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5pm.
- Required to work occasional nights and weekends.
- This position has the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule, which is defined by the University as an arrangement where an employee’s work is regularly performed at a location other than the campus workspace for a portion of the week. As this position falls within the Professional Staff Union, it is subject to the terms and conditions of the Professional Staff Union collective
bargaining agreement.
Salary Information
PSU Level 27.
Exempt Hiring Ranges.
Special Instructions to Applicants
Along with the application, please submit your resume and the names and contact information for three (3) professional references.
UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.