Assistant Director of Communications

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

Reporting to the Director of External Relations in the School of Public Health and Health Sciences (SPHHS), the Assistant Director is responsible for the development and implementation of dynamic and creative marketing and communication plans for the school and its affiliated departments and programs. The Assistant Director's assignments and duties focus primarily on student communications, social media strategies, the promotion of SPHHS activities and events, and to instill a strong sense of commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and community.

Essential Functions

• Manages and produces content, including video-based content such as Instagram reels and YouTube videos, for multiple social media channels. Creates social media campaigns and strategies and tracks channel engagement and analytics.
• Prepares newsletters and other student-focused communications and outreach using email marketing software. Writes, edits and curates weekly newsletter content, including stories/news, graphics and flyers, and photography and video.
• Develops and pitches ideas for feature stories and alumni and student profiles. Researches and writes stories and arranges interviews and testimonials for use on the SPHHS website, on social media channels, in newsletters and in marketing campaigns and materials for the School.
• Provides graphic design support for marketing and promotional materials. Examples include graphics for newsletters and social media posts, event flyers, posters, banners and postcards, presentations and support for development activities and initiatives.
• Provides photography and videography support for SPHHS communication needs.
• Maintains web content for the SPHHS and affiliated department/program websites.

Other Functions

Performs other related duties as assigned by supervisor showing adaptability and flexibility to accomplish goals.

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

• Bachelor's Degree in Marketing, Journalism, Communication, or related field.
• Two or more years' experience in communications and marketing or related field required.
• Excellent writing, editing, verbal and interpersonal skills, including the ability to quickly develop and sustain productive relationships with variety of internal and external constituents.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to construct compelling promotional copy as appropriate for the intended audiences.
• Strong initiative and an ability to multi-task, organize and prioritize while maintaining high standards of accuracy and quality.
• Experience producing, editing, and writing online and print publications, and with photography and video production. Proven ability to conduct research and interview subjects for writing assignments.
• Experience with digital marketing, social media content creation, and design and management of websites.
• Understanding of current media technology and software relevant to program marketing and communications. Understanding of the potential of new technologies to advance goals of the position.
• Experience working collaboratively and under short deadlines.
• Willingness to occasionally work nights and weekends.

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

• Familiarity with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and email marketing software.
• Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite, Canva and related software.
• Familiarity with the Drupal web platform.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

Typical office environment.

Work Schedule

• 37.5 hours per week.
• Required to work some nights and weekends.

Salary Information

• Level 25.
• PSU Hiring Ranges.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Submit a copy of your resume, cover letter, and three (3) references.

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, or genetic information 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 the UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.