Careers

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

Under general supervision of the Associate Director of Education & Training, the Data, Communications and Outreach Coordinator is responsible for the Database Management for Disability Services (DS). Serves as the data steward for the department, coordinates all communications from Disability Services, and manages outreach and development efforts.  

Essential Functions

• Responsible for the conversion, integration, debut and management of the Department’s comprehensive management system/database that tracks all aspects of the services provided to the UMass Community.
• Serves as the data custodian for the department, collaborating with IT (Information Technology) to ensure the safe storage of information and easy accessibility by DS staff.
• Prepares and updates the new system to coincide with work processes.
• Maintains existing management system to ensure continuity of services during the transition.
• Manages the debut of the new system, including but not limited to providing training to faculty, staff and students utilizing the system.
• Works collaboratively with SATS/AFIT to address any IT-related challenges.
• Addresses and problem solve any unforeseen challenges with the system.
• Responsible for the coordination of DS communications.
• Manages outreach to key stakeholders and DS development efforts.
• Works in close coordination and collaboration with the SACL (Student Affairs and Campus Life) Director of Communications in the department’s outreach and communication efforts.
• Creates templates, promotional materials, and sends regular reminder and announcement emails to key stakeholders. 
• Manages the DS website, DS Canvas (LMS) and social media presence to support DS's priorities.
• Communicates with DS program areas to ensure that staff have current knowledge of policies, procedures, and developments, including messaging amongst discrete audiences for the DS office.
• Develops communications with the appropriate voice, cadence, and style, factoring in audience, intent, and occasion. Reviews/edits the work of others preparing materials to go out under the DS name, ensuring all communications have the proper tone, are factually correct and adhere to the university’s brand strategy.  
• Participates in discussions with DS leadership involving crisis communications and issue management. Develops key messages to support the appropriate campus partners and ensures accurate and timely distribution of information to the campus community.
• Works with DS leadership, and key stakeholders to establish, implement, regularly measure and adapt strategies and approaches to inform and engage the disability community.
• Assists with planning, publicizing, and implementing department events and professional development. 
• Coordinates educational training and provides representation at campus partner events including but not limited to Admissions, New Student & Family Programs, U Safe, Athletics, Residential Life and Alumni events, etc.
• Maintains a scholarship selection process for Class of 1943, Begin, Gavin and Parking scholarship fund selection and alumni relations.

Other Functions

• Performs related duties as assigned or required. Understands responsibilities with respect to Title IX, Clery and other compliance requirements.  
• Demonstrates capacity, skill, and willingness to engage students and contribute to student success.  
• Understands responsibilities with respect to conflicts of interest and behaves in ways consistent both with law and with university policy.  
• Contributes toward creating a positive and respectful workplace. Uses access to sensitive and/or not yet public university related information only in the performance of the responsibilities of position and exercises care to prevent unnecessary disclosure to others.  

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

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Two (2) years of experience in areas such as program coordination, project or data management, or communications.
• Strong oral and written communication skills and an ability to communicate information clearly and concisely to a broad range of readers. 
• Exhibits computer proficiency and demonstrated competence in rapidly researching and learning new applications.
• Maintains a working knowledge and ability to apply the legal compliance guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), ADA amendment Act of 2008, FERPA and all other legal guidelines relevant to the confidentiality of student records.
• Capacity to manage many complex assignments at the same time and still meet required deadlines.
• Ability to adapt to changes in the work environment, accept feedback, work independently and collaboratively.

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

• Experience in higher education. Knowledge of accommodations and universal design.
• Experience working and navigating content management systems, customer relationship management platforms, software knowledge including electronic calendars, data management, spreadsheets, word processing. 
• Experience working with students with disabilities.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Typical office environment.
• Requires the ability to regularly sit/stand for extended periods of time, while using the computer, scanner, or other equipment etc.
• Attend events and/or present publicly.
• Ability to carry supplies for events.

Work Schedule

• Monday – Friday; 8:30am – 5:00pm
• Some night and weekend activities or responsibilities required

Salary Information

Level 26

PSU Hiring Ranges

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume. 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.

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