Careers at UMass Amherst

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 Associate Vice Chancellor of News and Media Relations, the Operations Manager organizes, leads and executes priority projects and strategic initiatives for the Office of News and Media Relations.

The Operations Manager ensures all communications and projects further both department and university strategic goals. The position oversees daily department operations and financials to build a collaborative culture and meet organizational goals in a fast-paced environment.

Essential Functions

• Establishes priorities and manages multiple projects which often contain confidential and sensitive information. Ensures deadlines are met on a daily basis. Regularly engages with leadership and key stakeholders.
• Ensures appropriately timed release of news which includes maintaining confidentiality of information as required.
• Researches and prepares strategic presentations for senior leadership.
• Directs the earned media analytics program, creating media databases and producing reports.
• Develops public relations strategies in collaboration with the News Content Team.
• Plays a leading role in the timely dissemination of information thoughtfully considering when, how and to whom information is released. Reviews final materials before they go live; conducts fact checking and proofreads.
• Distributes news releases, the weekly Inside Umass newsletter, website postings and the university communications' calendar to campus audiences and/or news media.
• Directs the Hometown News Program.
• Plans outreach and training programs with campus communicators, faculty, staff, student organizations and the student press. Prepares and updates related materials.
• Supports the Executive Director as needed, including but not limited to managing their commitments, overseeing projects, coordinating with stakeholders, and drafting strategic communications.
• Plans high-profile media events to enhance the University visibility and reputation.
• Advises media in real-time, plans/coordinates press conferences which includes ensuring that appropriate university stakeholders and media members are in attendance.
• Organizes and manages a compendium of shared digital resources, including news content and template libraries, analytics data and emergency management plans.
• Executes all financial/accounting transactions for the office, which includes maintaining budgets, creating/processing purchase orders, issuing payments, credit card recordkeeping and processing payroll timesheets.
• Provides management and day-to-day operational and personnel related support which includes triaging incoming calls and providing front-line response during emergent situations.
• Hires and supervises student employees.

Other Functions

Performs other duties as assigned.

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

• Bachelor’s Degree
• 5 years of experience of project/operational management in public relations or related field.
• Ability to manage sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Demonstrated ability to independently set priorities, plan, organize, coordinate and direct multiple, concurrent projects.
• Working knowledge of office programs such as Microsoft Outlook, CMS platforms such as Drupal and CRMs such as Marketing Cloud
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.

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

Experience in higher education, non-profit or public sectors.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

Typical Office Environment Activity

Work Schedule

• M-F 8:30am - 5pm.
• This is a fully-onsite position, but there may be opportunities to occasionally work remote when work allows. 

Salary Information

Level 26

Exempt Hiring Ranges

Special Instructions to Applicants

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