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

Reporting to the Manning College of Information and Computer Sciences' (CICS) Associate Director of Communications, the Communications Manager is responsible for the conceptualization, creation, production, editing, and marketing of content for a variety of platforms. The Communications Manager will be part of a small team of communications professionals who support the college in the achievement of its vision, mission, and strategic goals, with an emphasis on raising the visibility of the college’s faculty and research activities and developing and sustaining an effective, unified message.

Essential Functions

• Coordinates with the Associate Director of Communications to write and edit content for a wide variety of college publications, including research-based feature articles, press releases, email marketing campaigns, annual reports, newsletters, social media posts, lecture posters, event listings, event programs, and videos.
• Collaborates with the Associate Director of Communications and the university's Office of News & Media Relations to identify relevant faculty and research-based news pitches for high-profile stories. Maintains lists of faculty media experts and targeted media outlets.
• Assumes project management and communications liaison duties for projects requiring digital and print collateral, working with internal clients across the college to set and meet established deadlines while delivering high-quality content that aligns with college goals.
• Assists in development of annual communications and marketing plan, as well as editorial and communications schedules.
• In consultation with the Associate Director of Communications, collaborates with the Associate Director of Marketing and Communications Infrastructure and Creative Services to maintain and create website content on cics.umass.edu and affiliated college websites.   
• Copy edits, rewrites, proofreads, and fact-checks to ensure that digital and print materials are of professional quality and reflect positively on the college.

Other Functions

Performs other duties as assigned.

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

• Bachelor's Degree (preferably in communications, journalism, technical writing, or a related field) and two (2) years of experience with professional communications work, preferably in a higher education setting. One year (1) of relevant experience may be substituted for every one year (1) of required academia.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to translate complex technical information for non-experts. Demonstrated experience conducting research and interviewing subjects for writing assignments.
• Strong interpersonal skills and experience working collaboratively and effectively with a varied constituency. 
• Excellent project management and facilitation skills with high-level attention to detail. Ability to work on many projects simultaneously, and to set and meet deadlines.
• Experience with social media content creation. 
• Ability/eagerness to learn new systems and technologies quickly.
• Independent initiative. Must have the ability to stay on task and work productively with a minimal amount of supervision or guidance.
• Willingness to take on a variety of tasks related to the successful operation of the Marketing and Communications team. The ability to adapt and work effectively as the college grows. 
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain confidentiality. The ability to think through problems, organize and seek out data/information, identify key factors and underlying causes, and generate solutions.
• 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.

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

• Experience with Drupal, Wordpress, or a similar content management system.
• Basic understanding of HTML, CSS, and web image formats.
• Experience using Adobe Creative Suite, especially Photoshop, Lightroom, InDesign, and Premiere Pro.
• Background in computer science or technology.
• Experience with photography and video/audio production.
• Experience with current media and marketing technologies.
• Experience with preprint production.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

Typical office environment.

Work Schedule

• Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5pm.
• May be 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 Salary Level 25.

Exempt Hiring Ranges

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please attach a resume, cover letter, and the names and contact information for three (3) professional references.

The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.