Job Information
University of Massachusetts Amherst Director of Marketing, Design, & Communications (Hybrid Opportunity) in Amherst, Massachusetts
Director of Marketing, Design, & Communications (Hybrid Opportunity)
Apply now (https://secure.dc4.pageuppeople.com/apply/822/gateway/default.aspx?c=apply&lJobID=523716&lJobSourceTypeID=801&sLanguage=en-us) Job no: 523716
Work type: Staff Full Time
Location: UMass Amherst
Department:UMass Extension
Union:PSU
Categories: Public Relations, Marketing, Communications, Agriculture/Extension, 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.
Program Summary
The UMass Extension Nutrition Education Program (NEP) provides nutrition education for low-income families and individuals from offices in Boston, Lawrence, Raynham, Auburn, and Springfield, with administrative offices at UMass Amherst. NEP has two component programs, both federally-funded: the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed). SNAP-Ed is administered in Massachusetts by the Mass. Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA). UMass Extension is a statewide educational outreach program of UMass Amherst, part of the Center for Agriculture, Food, and the Environment (CAFE).
Job Summary
The Director of Marketing, Communications, and Design for the UMass Extension Nutrition Education Program (NEP) will manage and lead the planning, design, and strategic implementation of the program’s branding, marketing, and media communications. This role will modify and develop the graphic and artistic representation of the program’s educational materials, execute social marketing campaigns, and keep the NEP website up to date. The Director of Marketing, Communications, and Design will collaborate with regional project leaders, fiscal sponsors, CAFE, and state office staff to provide consistent messaging on behalf of the organization across media platforms that represents: program accomplishments and activities, evidence-based nutrition education, and other content related to nutrition and supporting the populations we serve.
Essential Functions
Marketing/Communications Planning and Strategy:
Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive marketing plan that engages program participants and creates visibility for the Nutrition Education Program at the local and state level. Evaluate and adapt the plan on a yearly basis.
Assist with planning, developing, and implementing evaluation efforts for social marketing related programmatic goals.
Manage NEP branding such that media and program materials have a consistent, representative, recognizable image for NEP (logo, style guide, etc.) that considers the requirements of NEP, CAFÉ, the University, as well as the audience we serve.
Work collaboratively with NEP team members, UMass and community partners, and fiscal sponsors to incorporate feedback, program participant needs, and current educational nutrition initiatives and resources, into media and communication content and strategy.
Visit programs in the field on a regular basis to document program activities using photography or video that can be used in educational and program report materials, or posted online. Mange process and documentation for photo/video releases as needed.
Make recommendations to the Program Director and Finance and Personnel Director on what marketing components should be created by an outside vendor or independent contractor.
Develop, implement, and monitor collaborative systems and procedures necessary to the smooth coordination of NEP communications.
Advise the team on best practices for communications and public relations.
Social Media & Website
Collaborate with CAFE and NEP state office staff in updating and maintaining the NEP website, including using Drupal or other platforms for website editing and integrating social media messages with the website.
Curate and compose content for social media sites, including, but not limited to posts for Facebook, Instagram, blog posts, and scripts for videos for social media use.
Use platform analytics to report social media and web-based activities and to document and evaluate the reach and impacts of these efforts.
Hire and supervise student interns to support content development efforts as needed.
Design & Materials
Support the Materials, Evaluation, and Training Manager by ensuring that all program publication materials are formatted and visually appropriate. Using digital media programs such as Adobe, revise and update graphics and artwork on all publication materials as needed.
Draft an annual marketing and publications budget that includes materials and initiatives reflective of state-wide program needs and goals.
Work in partnership with the State Office Clerk to place orders, manage publication inventory, and procure quotes for services and materials as needed.
Compose and distribute a monthly internal newsletter for NEP staff.
At the guidance of the regional Project Leaders, determine and facilitate which publications need to be translated and reproduced in different languages by the UMass Translation Center.
Other Functions
Work collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, diversity, equality and inclusiveness.
Work 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 (preferably in Marketing, Graphic Design, Public Relations, Communications, or related field) and over three (3) years of experience in marketing, communications, digital media management, or related experience.
A minimum of one (1) year of experience working with any of the following: community-based education programs, public assistance programs, nutrition or food systems, low income populations, or immigrant communities.
Demonstrated skills, knowledge, and experience with marketing strategy; including social/digital media strategies for recruitment, retention, education, and/or engagement of participants in educational programs.
Strong project management and communication skills.
Demonstrated experience with website management and development platforms; and digital publishing and design software such as Adobe Photoshop and Canva.
Proven ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively to accomplish objectives.
Ability to take photographs and video as needed on a provided smartphone, digital camera, or other small handheld device.
Experience posting professionally on social media platforms including but not limited to Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Ability to maintain a diverse schedule of local, regional, and statewide activities which is not restricted by access to public or private transportation.
Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
Experience developing educational materials, particularly for children and/or low literacy audiences.
Experience working in a publicly funded agency, government workplace, or within the parameters of federally funded/sponsored programs.
Experience with Cooperative Extension, EFNEP, SNAP-Ed or other health related program delivery and management.
Bi/multi-lingual or experience working with non-English dominant speakers.
Physical Demands/Working Conditions
- Occasional travel, usually in-state. May transport (lift, pull) education materials or electronic equipment (typically less than 20 lbs.).
Work Schedule
Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm.
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 27
PSU Salary Schedule (https://www.umass.edu/hr/benefits-and-pay/classification-and-compensation/pay-policies/exempt-salary-ranges)
Special Instructions to Applicants
Along with the application, please submit a resume and cover letter which should include a diversity statement (see below). 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.
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. In addition to application materials above, candidates will need to submit a Statement of Contribution to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. The Diversity Statement should identify past experiences and future goals. These contributions may result from lived experiences, scholarships, and/or mentoring, teaching, and outreach activities. (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: Jun 5 2024 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Sep 8 2024 Eastern Daylight Time