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

The Communications Manager for the Institute of Diversity Sciences (IDS) at the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a position that assists IDS to accomplish its goals through effective marketing and communication of programs, events, and institutional messages to help maintain existing relationships with internal and external stakeholders. The role includes content development, graphic design, writing, website management, and social media management. The Communications Manager reports to the Associate Director and works closely with members of the IDS team to ensure timely, effective, and consistent communications and digital marketing that reinforce IDS’s values.

Essential Functions

• Creates all communications materials to support initiatives, programs, presentations, events, and outreach for IDS through e-newsletters, brochures, social media content, posters, PowerPoint presentations, website content, and official announcements. Ensures consistency of tone, as well as adherence to pre-established visual guidelines.
• Manages selection of communication initiatives, such as internal media, social media, ad campaigns, and branding.
• Maintains the IDS website, keeping in mind University branding guidelines and IDS- specific tone and visuals.
• Analyzes web, email, and ad campaign analytics, and provides appropriate recommendations based on findings. Provides reports and analyses on a regular basis.
• Updates website content including writing IDS-specific stories.       
• Collaborates with University News Office, University Relations, and the College of Natural Sciences to amplify IDS’s stories.
• Coordinates with photographers, videographers and visual designers, to manage special projects.

Other Functions

• Works collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, diversity, equality and inclusiveness. 
• Works in partnership with colleagues within the CNS community and across the campus to support the Dean’s strategic priorities.
• Performs other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of the College of Natural Sciences.

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

• Bachelor's degree and one (1) year of relevant experience OR an Associate's degree with three (3) years of relevant experience.
• Knowledge of email marketing and social media best practices.
• Excellent graphic design skills and experience using tools such as Canva, Adobe Photoshop, and other Adobe Creative Suite.
• Effective communication skills; ability to work independently and as part a team.
• Strong time management skills; ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously and deliver products on time.
• Ability to think strategically and identify ways to improve communication efforts for IDS.
• Resourceful and the ability to take the initiative.

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

• 2+ years’ experience in a communication, marketing, or science writing role.
• Experience with Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, Marketing Cloud, or web design.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Typical office environment.

Work Schedule

• Monday - Friday, day-time hours.
• Part-time (18.75 hours per week).
• 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

Level 25

PSU Hiring Ranges

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume, cover letter, and an online portfolio demonstrating proven design ability. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references. Applications will be reviewed on a continuous basis until the position is filled. Early submissions are encouraged.

At UMass Amherst and in CNS, we strive to be a community where every individual feels a sense of belonging, where every individual is included, and where every individual is valued. You can find these values and goals here: https://www.umass.edu/strategicplan/strategic-plan.

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