Associate Director for External Relations

Apply now Job no:522910
Work type:Staff Full Time
Location:UMass Amherst
Department: Dean - Isenberg School
Union: PSU
Categories:Public Relations, Marketing, Communications, Isenberg School of Management, PSU A

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 directly to the Executive Director of Berthiaume Center for Entrepreneurship, the Associate Director for External Relations provides strategic and operational support for the center. Working collaboratively with University and School marketing and communications teams, constituent relations, and the UMass Amherst Foundation, this position develops and implements strategic internal and external communications while managing and developing the Center’s brand. Additionally, the position serves as the Executive Director’s primary liaison for external Center operations - providing leadership and supervision for sensitive projects managing a wide range of Center issues, and tracking and advancing the Center’s external priority projects. 

Essential Functions

• Develop and implement an overall Center strategy for marketing, branding, publicity, and communications. Develop, produce, and disseminate marketing and promotional materials. Oversee the overall development and growth of the Center’s website and social media analytics and presence.
• Identity, develop, and execute external engagement plans, events, and development initiatives, ensuring that timely notifications of the events and visiting guests are sent to appropriate audiences. Responsible for the oversight of event logistics and execution.
• Engage alumni and constituents with the UMass Amherst Foundation for revenue-generating events and initiatives.
• Oversee the quality, on-time design, and production of all Center collateral materials and publications. Ensure projects provide consistent and positive images in compliance with University guidelines.
• Provide management of and day-to-day operational support of the externally focused operations of the Center. Work in close partnership with the Center staff to ensure follow-through on critical action items needed to achieve University and Center objectives.
• Initiate correspondence, including inquiries, tracking, and follow-through; strategically vetting and filtering requests.
• Contribute to the Executive Director's briefing materials for key meetings and events, particularly those focused on external audiences and constituents.
• Maintain the Center’s contact list and database, updating as necessary and appropriate.
• Oversee and create the bi-annual UMass State of Entrepreneurship Report for the Board of Trustees, President, Chancellor, and various constituencies.
• Keep abreast of current trends and developments in the field through publications, seminars, and conferences.

Other Functions

• Adhere to University procedures, rules, and regulations.
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

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

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• Four (4) years’ experience in higher education or applicable field.
• Ability to work collaboratively and respectfully with a variety of stakeholders with multiple interests and varying levels of authority to achieve organizational goals.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills and administration aptitude with the ability to manage several projects simultaneously.
• Ability to utilize independent judgment and manage sensitive and/or confidential information with discretion.
• Ability to independently set priorities, develop and execute multiple concurrent projects and complex tasks, and drive a high volume of work to completion.
• Ability to work with office productivity software applications, mass marketing and event management software, graphic design programs, and social media platforms.
• Strong skills in writing, editing, and creation of collateral materials.
• Administration experience.

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

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Typical office environment.
• Occasional travel required.

Work Schedule

• Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM.
• Required to work some nights and weekends.

Salary Information

Level 27

PSU Hiring Ranges

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume and cover letter. 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.

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.

Advertised:Apr 1 2024 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close:Jun 30 2024 Eastern Daylight Time