Communications Manager

Title: Communications Manager

Executive Area: Academic Affairs

College/School/MBU: College of Information and Computer Sciences'

Department: Computer Science

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full Time

Work Arrangement: Hybrid

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

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 OR Associate's Degree (preferably in communications, journalism, technical writing, or a related field) and four (4) years of experience with professional communications work, preferably in a higher education setting.

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

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.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a standard office or indoor university environment and involves minimal physical exertion.

Work Schedule and Work Arrangement

Monday - Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm

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

Pay Grade: PSSAP Grade 25

Click here to view the Professional Staff Hiring Ranges

Special Instructions for Applicants

Along with an online application, please submit a resume. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide the contact information for three (3) professional references.

This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.