Careers at the University of Massachusetts Lowell

General Summary of Position:

This being an internal opportunity, only current UML Employees, irrespective of Bargaining units are eligible to apply for this position.

Under the direction of the Associate Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation Acceleration, the Communications, Economic Impact, and Research Development Specialist will develop, coordinate, and manage initiatives that elevate UMass Lowell’s innovation and economic development efforts, particularly as they relate to the Lowell Innovation Network Corridor (LINC). This role will focus on creating communications and events that highlight UMass Lowell’s research and innovation activities, promote collaborative opportunities, engage community and industry partners, develop proposals to support LINC-associated activities, and attract investment and talent to LINC.

Essential Job Duties:

Strategic Communications for Innovation and Economic Development:

• Develop and manage a communications strategy tailored to UMass Lowell’s innovation and economic development goals, including those related to LINC and corporate partners. 
• Produce compelling content for digital and print media, including website updates, newsletters, and multimedia projects, to showcase LINC developments, partnerships and outcomes. 
• Collaborate with University Relations, University Advancement, and external partners to ensure aligned messaging and amplify UMass Lowell’s impact on local economic development.
• Develop and maintain materials that highlight LINC’s progress and the successes of LINC-associated companies and projects, including reports, presentations, and visual/multimedia content.
• Support outreach and engagement efforts to attract new companies, talent, and investment to the LINC.

Event Development and Management:

• Plan and execute high-visibility events related to LINC, such as innovation showcases, industry roundtables, and networking sessions, to connect academic, industry, and community stakeholders.
• Manage logistics for events focused on innovation, economic development, and community impact in the LINC corridor.
• Provide event consultation and support for UMass Lowell faculty, researchers, and partners looking to engage with the community through LINC.

Research Development Support for Economic and Innovation Initiatives:

• Assist in developing proposals and collaborative initiatives that drive research and innovation with an economic impact, such as interdisciplinary grants or public-private partnerships in the LINC.
• Support the pursue of funding opportunities to support workforce development and infrastructure improvements in support of UMass Lowell and the LINC initiative.
• Coordinate with the Office of Research Development to ensure alignment of resources and facilitate proposal processes for innovation and economic development-oriented research projects.

Minimum Qualifications (Required):

Education: 

• Bachelor’s degree required

Experience:

• Three or more years of experience with corporate or non-profit event planning, marketing and communications, or both
• Demonstrated excellence in written communications in a non-profit, corporate, or research setting
• Demonstrated ability to understand, interpret and work with the type of highly technical subject matter typical of academic research
• Demonstrated ability to make creative and appropriate use of social media platforms for marketing and public outreach
• Working knowledge of AP style.

Additional Considerations:

• Communications or events management experience in a higher education setting
• Exceptional project management skills, ability to manage multiple projects, timelines and stakeholder groups concurrently
• Strong diplomacy skills for managing high-profile events and guests
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with internal departments, faculty, senior leadership and external vendors
• Understanding of principles, processes and terms used in marketing, public relations, publications, editing, copy editing, web development and graphic design
• Video production experience
• Experience with Tridion (or similar content management system), Vizio (or similar event diagramming tool), and 25Live (or similar event management software)
• Experience making travel arrangements

Special Instructions to Applicants:

This being an internal opportunity, only current UML Employees, irrespective of Bargaining units are eligible to apply for this position.

This is an SEIU 888 Professional Union position, Grade P16.

Please include a resume and cover letter with your application. Names and contact information of three references will be required during the application process.