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
The Events and Communications Coordinator is responsible for implementing special events and programming that are aligned with the school’s strategic mission associated with the Office of Academic Success and Career Planning. Ensures all events promote a positive image and reflect the brand, values, and culture of the school and university. Provides event planning expertise and oversees details and execution of multiple programs and events simultaneously in a fast-paced environment. Creates communications in line with the school’s strategic and marketing goals. The Events and Communications Coordinator reports to the Assistant Dean for Academic Success and Career Planning.
Essential Functions
- Implements plans for numerous events, including such complex, large-scale events as the school’s Career Fair, Destination Days, Come Home to Your College, Major’s Fair, new graduate student orientation, and Senior Recognition Celebration.
- Designs and produces event marketing materials such as posters, brochures, and communications.
- Coordinates multiple academic programs and events simultaneously, focusing on strategy, goals, timeline, impact, engagement, and follow-up. Makes recommendations to senior leadership to ensure the school and campus’s mission, goals and objectives are met including the creation of an intentionally inclusive atmosphere for all events.
- Uses all available data sources to develop and oversee event management best processes and implements procedural changes as needed to meet strategic goals.
- Works closely with vendors to ensure adherence to contractual agreements and proper event execution.
- Controls event scheduling, rehearsals, training, and briefings to volunteers, school leadership and event participants.
- Serves as a college resource on proper execution and details of event planning to ensure adherence to established protocols and practices. This includes information on venues, layouts, catering/vendor options. Monitors the condition of SPHHS meeting spaces and alerts the building coordinator when repairs are needed, or janitorial issues need to be addressed.
- Coordinates with campus IT, University Police, Amherst EMTs, UMass Parking Services, and Disability Services to obtain necessary permits and contracts.
- Utilizes independent judgment in problem solving related to event planning and implementation.
Other Functions
- Performs related duties as assigned or required to meet school or university goals and objectives.
- Contributes toward creating a positive and respectful workplace defined by personal and professional competence, integrity, and collaboration.
Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
- Bachelor’s degree.
- 1-2 years of professional experience.
- Proven ability to work cooperatively and effectively with senior management, staff and constituent groups across all levels of the organization and to maintain productive and professional relationships in complex, demanding environment.
- Ability to independently set priorities, plan, organize, coordinate and direct multiple, concurrent projects and complex tasks, coupled with the ability to develop and move strategic agendas forward and drive a high volume of work to completion.
- Ability to utilize independent judgment and manage sensitive and/or confidential information with discretion.
- Strong communications and interpersonal skills. Ability to work well in teams.
- Ability to remain calm during crisis and the high pressure of an event in progress. Problem solving skills to quickly resolve issues as they occur during events.
- Strong computer skills including at least intermediate expertise with: Outlook or Google calendar; Microsoft Word or Google Docs; Microsoft Excel; Canva.
Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
- 5 years of relevant experience in event planning, event marketing or project management.
- Experience working within a higher education or non-profit environment.
- Experience with marketing events. Including social media marketing.
Physical Demands/Working Conditions
Typical office environment.
Work Schedule
37.5 hours per week, Monday - Friday.
Salary Information
Level 26
PSU Hiring Ranges
Special Instructions to Applicants
Upload your resume along with your completed application. Our team will check references at the final stage of the interview process. Please be prepared to provide contact information for at least three (3) professional references. This position will remain open until filled or the advertised closing date, whichever occurs first. Early submissions are recommended.
UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination 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 UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.