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 Communications Manager for the Family Forest Research Center (FFRC) will be responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive communication and outreach strategies to engage various stakeholders and the wider community. The Communications Manager will aid in all stages of outreach and communication, with a focus on creating tools and resources for natural resource professionals, researchers, landowners, and other stakeholders.

Essential Functions

• Design and implement a strategic plan to effectively communicate the FFRC’s research, initiatives, and impact.
• Produce high-quality materials, including press releases, articles, web content, and outreach tools, to disseminate research findings and engage diverse audiences.
• Develop and maintain relationships with media outlets, journalists, landowner newsletters and magazines, and communications teams to increase the visibility of the FFRC and its research in relevant outlets.
• Strengthen and broaden partnerships with relevant stakeholders to ensure that the FFRC's research aligns with natural resource professional and landowner needs.
• Use digital platforms to enhance the FFRC's online presence, including website management, social media, and email/newsletter campaigns.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of communication strategies and implement improvements when needed.
• Maintain and update a publicly available, citations database.

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 

• Bachelor's degree (preferably in Communications, Public Relations, Environmental Science, or a related field) and three (3) years of experience in a related area OR an Associate's degree and five (5) years of experience in a related area OR a Master's degree (preferably in Communications, Public Relations, Environmental Science, or a related field) and one (1) year of experience in a related area.
• Experience in developing and implementing communication strategies in a research or environmental context.
• Writing and editing skills, with the ability to convey scientific information in a clear and engaging manner.
• Strong interpersonal and networking skills with the ability to build and maintain effective relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Familiarity with digital marketing tools and social media platforms, as well as website development and maintenance.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with a team.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Typical office environment.

Additional Details

• This is a 2 year, term-limited position that is contingent upon grant funding.

Work Schedule

• Part-time position, 18.75 hours/week.
• Schedule is flexible.

Salary Information

Level 26

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.

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.