Communications Manager (Hybrid Opportunity)

Amherst, MA, United States

Communications Manager (Hybrid Opportunity)

Apply now (https://secure.dc4.pageuppeople.com/apply/822/gateway/default.aspx?c=apply&lJobID=522894&lJobSourceTypeID=801&sLanguage=en-us) Job no: 522894

Work type: Staff Part Time

Location: UMass Amherst

Department:Dean - Natural Sciences

Union:PSU

Categories: Public Relations, Marketing, Communications, College of Natural Sciences, PSU A

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Summary

The Communications Manager for the Institute of Diversity Sciences (IDS) at the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a part-time (18.75 hours per week), benefited position that assists IDS accomplish its goals through effective marketing and communication of programs, events, and institutional messages as also helps maintain existing relationships with internal and external stakeholders. The role includes content development, graphic design, writing, website management, and social media management. The Communication Manager reports to the Associate Director and will work closely with members of the IDS team to ensure timely, effective, and consistent communications and digital marketing that reinforce IDS’s values.

Essential Functions

Creates all communications materials to support initiatives, programs, presentations, events, and outreach for the IDS through e-newsletters, brochures, posters, PowerPoint presentations, website, and official announcements. Ensures consistency of tone, as well as adherence to pre-established visual guidelines.

Provides guidance on the selection of communications tools, such as internal media, social media, ad campaigns, and graphic design.

Maintains the IDS website, keeping in mind University branding guidelines and IDS specific tone and visuals.

Analyzes web, email, and ad campaign analytics, and provides appropriate recommendations based on findings. Provides reports and analyses on a regular basis.

Updates website content including writing IDS-specific stories.

Collaborates with University News Office, University Relations, and the College of Natural Sciences to amplify IDS’s stories.

Coordinates with photographers, videographers and graphic designers, to manage special projects.

Other Functions

Works collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, diversity, equality and inclusiveness.

Works in partnership with colleagues within the CNS community and across the campus to support the Dean’s strategic priorities.

Performs other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of the College of Natural Sciences.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

Bachelor's degree and one (1) year of relevant experience OR an Associate's degree with three (3) years of relevant experience.

Knowledge of communications, public relations, marketing, and social media best practices.

Excellent graphic design skills and experience using graphic design tools such as Canva, Adobe Photoshop, and other Adobe tools.

Excellent writing and storytelling skills including the ability to write engaging stories about research projects and programs with accuracy.

Effective communication skills; ability to work independently and as part a team.

Strong time management skills; ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously and deliver products on time.

Ability to think strategically and identify ways to improve communication efforts for IDS.

Resourceful and the ability to take the initiative.

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

Two plus (2+) years’ experience in a communication, marketing, or science writing role.

Knowledge of Adobe Photoshop, Canva, Drupal, Marketing Cloud.

Work Schedule

Monday - Friday, day-time hours.

Part-time, benefited position (18.75 hours per week).

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

Level 25

PSU Hiring Ranges (https://www.umass.edu/hr/documents/exempt-hiring-ranges)

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume. References will be checked at finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references. Applications will be reviewed on a continuous basis until the position is filled. Early submissions are encouraged.

As part of a commitment to their own multicultural community, CNS seeks an individual with a demonstrated commitment to diversity and one who will understand and embrace university initiatives and aspirations. ( https://www.umass.edu/natural-sciences/diversity-equity-and-inclusion/our-commitment-diversity )

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.

Advertised: Apr 3 2024 Eastern Daylight Time

Applications close: Jul 7 2024 Eastern Daylight Time