Assistant Director of Communications and Content Strategy, CHC

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 Assistant Director of Communications and Content Strategy provides leadership in managing the day-to-day operations of the Commonwealth Honors College (CHC) communications unit. This role is responsible for overseeing the development of dynamic content across multiple platforms, including print, web, advertising, video, and social media, to enhance CHC's visibility to both internal and external audiences. The Assistant Director's key focus areas include graphic design, videography, social media strategy, and promoting CHC activities and events. Additionally, this position plays a vital role in fostering a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and community, while also assisting with the overall oversight of the communications unit.

Essential Functions

• Works closely with the Director of Communications to develop, implement, and manage a content and messaging strategy for CHC and provides leadership capacity in collaboration with other units within the College.
• Develops and pitches ideas for feature stories and alumni and student profiles. Researches and writes stories and interviews subjects for use on the CHC website, on social media channels, in newsletters and in marketing campaigns and materials for the College.

• Writes, designs, edits, produces, and distributes electronic newsletters and other informational communication.

• In consultation with the Dean and Director of Communication, leads and directs the College's complete social media presence. Ensures that all posts on social media are engaging and accurate. Maintains a deep knowledge of current and evolving social media platforms, trends, and best practices. Monitors the reach and response of posts to ensure we are reaching our social media strategic goals.

• Provides graphic design support for marketing and promotional. Examples include graphics for newsletters and social media posts, event flyers, posters, banners and postcards, presentations and support for development activities and initiatives.

• Provides photography and videography leadership for CHC communication needs.

• Works closely with the Administrative Assistant for Communications, and directly supervises the Communications student staff by assigning them projects, tracking their progress, and planning for their training and professional development.

• Leads the CHC communications team when the Director is not available, and shares feedback with the Director about ongoing questions from student staff.

• Supports the student staff in effectively communicating undergraduate opportunities to students through content for social media and the Honors College website.

• Coordinates with printers, freelance writers, designers, and other vendors.

• Collaborates with the University's Office of News & Media Relations to develop media strategies and pitches for high-profile stories.

• Creates content calendars to maximize and leverage content in every area, to every audience including developing and prioritizing content for web, video, social, print collateral, email blasts, e-newsletter, and other vehicles. Maintains an electronic archive of text, photo, and video content.

• Provides insight and leadership regarding best practices and content strategies for groups within CHC including the offices of events and outreach, student success, academic advising, and the Massachusetts Undergraduate Research Conference (MassURC).

• Continually improves content using key communications metrics (e.g., media mentions, social media engagement, email open/click-through rates); generates periodic reports on metrics for presentation to college leadership.

• Assists in managing the Commonwealth Honors College website (umass.edu/honors) to improve audience engagement.

Other Functions

Performs other duties as required.

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

• Bachelor's Degree and four (4) years' relevant work experience in communications, advertising, or public relations OR Master's Degree and two (2) years' relevant work experience.

• Advanced knowledge and experience with digital content creation, including photography, videography, and editing software.

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interact effectively and create and maintain harmonious relationships with a diverse population of staff, faculty, students, and off-campus constituents. Ability and willingness to work empathetically with a diverse student population and contribute to their success.

• Knowledge of and experience in current media technology required, including web maintenance, social media, video/photography, and a willingness to learn new media technologies as they emerge.

• Demonstrated leadership and supervisory skills; ability to lead individuals and provide feedback to team members.

• Excellent time and task management skills with high-level attention to detail with the ability to multi-task, organize and prioritize while maintaining high standards of accuracy and quality.

• Strong initiative and the ability to organize and manage complex activities.

• Understanding of various publishing and distribution platforms and channels (i.e., email marketing, social media, magazine publishing, video, etc.).

• A commitment to strong client/customer service.

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

• Higher education experience.

• Graphic Design experience.

• Understanding of the potential of and best practices in new and existing technologies to advance goals of the position.

• Experience with website management, email newsletters, and/or Adobe Creative Suite.

• Experience with production and editing of photography and videography.

• Experience managing editorial calendars and content creation in a variety of formats.

• Proficiency in web content development methodology, software, and standards.

• Interest in engaging and marketing to Gen Z across multiple channels.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

Typical Office Environment.

Work Schedule

Monday through Friday 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, with some evening and weekend work required.

Salary Information

PSU Level 26

Exempt Hiring Ranges.

Special Instructions to Applicants

• Upload your cover letter, resume, and diversity statement (see below), 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.

• As part of a commitment to their own multicultural community, Commonwealth Honors College seeks an individual with a demonstrated commitment to diversity and one who will understand and embrace university initiatives and aspirations. Candidates will need to submit a Statement of Contribution to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (as stated above). The Diversity Statement should identify past experiences and future goals. These contributions may result from lived experiences, scholarship, and/or mentoring, teaching, and outreach activities https://www.umass.edu/diversity/resources.

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.