University of Massachusetts Amherst Hiring for Communications & Outreach Manager – International Program Office for Climate & the Cryosphere ( at UMass Amherst Full Time

Job no: 520140
Work type: Staff Part Time
Location: UMass Amherst
Department: Geosciences
Union: PSU
Categories: Public Relations, Marketing, Communications, College of Natural Sciences, 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

Climate and Cryosphere (CliC) is a core project of the World Climate Research Program that promotes research into the cryosphere and its interactions with the global climate system. It highlights emerging issues, encourages communication between researchers with common interests in cryospheric and climate science, promotes international cooperation, and highlights the importance of this field to policy makers, funding agencies, and the general public. The International Project Office (IPO) provides administrative support for the CliC Scientific Steering Group (SSG) in their tasks and liaises with the CliC community through regional and national programs, working groups, and expert panels, in the coordination and implementation of the CliC science strategy. The IPO is the major communication channel and the primary point of contact for those wishing to participate in, contribute to, or learn more about CliC activities.

The responsibilities of the Communications and Outreach Manager are to organize print, web-based, and social media outreach in-line with the mission of the CliC Project Office. This position will work with a wide variety of scientists at both UMass Amherst and around the world.

Essential Functions

• In collaboration with project team leaders, creates, implements, and evaluates communication plans for the CliC IPO.
• Serves as project manager for communications and web development projects; tracks and confirms project milestones; coordinates project resources and internal and external project team members.
• Utilizes the content management system to organize and manage the CliC IPO Web site.
• Identifies communication vehicles that meet project objectives and are appropriate to target audiences.
• In collaboration with project team leaders, identifies content needs, researches, writes, and proofreads copy and content for electronic and print materials, including brochures, emails, web content, and press releases.
• Uses web analytics and other evaluation tools to assess the effectiveness of the CliC IPO communications efforts.
• Coordinates with IT’s network systems and services staff to provide mission critical access to the CliC web site, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.
• Anticipates changes in technology and plans for the orderly evolution of the CliC web presence and other communications vehicles.
• Stays up to date with evolving web design and project management technology tools.

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.
• Perform 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.
• One to three (1-3) years of experience in publishing, marketing, public relations, communications or a related field.
• Experience using a variety of communication channels to advance organizational goals. Demonstrated ability to create and execute communication plans successfully.
• Experience designing and delivering effective presentations.
• Demonstrated experience leading collaborative projects.
• Experience translating complex technical information into a written format easily understood by a non­-technical audience.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills. Excellent use of grammar and style.
• Knowledge of digital and traditional marketing best practices – including email marketing, social media, and working with brand standards.
• Working knowledge of XHTML, CSS, JavaScript, or other web programming languages. Familiarity with web content management systems (e.g., Drupal, WordPress). Experience working in cross-platform environments.
• Knowledge of Adobe Acrobat, InDesign, Illustrator, or other desktop publishing software.
• Knowledge of web usability and accessibility, especially in higher education.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple projects/assignments simultaneously.

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

• Masters degree, with training in some aspect of earth and environmental science.
• Experience working with information technology products and services.
• Experience creating functional specifications and Web or paper-based prototypes.
• Familiarity with Adobe Captivate, Camtasia, or other screen casting software.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Typical office environment.

Additional Details

• This is a temporary, four (4) year appointment, with reappointment contingent on availability of funding.

Work Schedule

• Monday-Friday, 18.75 hours/week, flexible hours.
• 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 26

PSU Hiring Ranges

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a letter of application, resume, and contact information for three (3) professional references. The search will remain open until filled.

As part of a commitment to their own multicultural community, CNS seeks an individual with a demonstrated commitment to diversity and one who will understand and embrace university initiatives and aspirations. (https://www.cns.umass.edu/diversity-equity-inclusion)

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: Aug 3 2023 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: