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 Communication Program Coordinator will coordinate the execution of comprehensive Library communication plans designed to engage user and foster a lasting connection between these constituents and the UMass Amherst Libraries.  Supply content for and oversee production of print and electronic signage communications, In addition, oversee design, ordering, and distribution of Library promotional materials. 

Essential Functions

• Design, co-edit, and produce magazines, newsletters, annual reports, brochures, programs, posters, flyers, postcards, electronic signage, award certificates, and other publications with Adobe InDesign and other programs. Coordinate ordering, production, and distribution of Library print publications to external constituents.  Supply print-ready artwork to vendors.  Prepare printing specifications, prepare artwork for production, and follow projects through completion.  Supervise printing and distribution of materials.  Write and edit copy to ensure consistent messaging and visuals. 
• Collaborate with the Strategic Communications and Marketing Specialist, Library Leadership Team, and Library staff to generate publication content.  Produce final products that are grammatically correct and of excellent quality. 
• Hire outside graphic designers and supply written and photographic content and graphic layouts, when necessary. Prepare designs and layouts in compliance with campus visual identity guidelines, as well as campus and USPS mailing policies and regulations.  
• Represent the Library to outside vendors. Procure, direct, help select, and oversee on-an off campus printers, graphic designers, photographers, vendors for promotional materials and others as needed. Report problems and resolve issues, solicit and compare quotes, request and submit purchase orders.
• Oversee design, ordering, production, and distribution of promotional materials.   Keep inventory, track supply, order materials, supervise vendors, supply artwork, request and compare quotes, review proofs, receive items, and arrange payment.  
• Coordinate photographic input and output for the Library. Take photographs for publications and other marketing efforts.  Use digital imaging software, e.g., Photoshop to edit phots and other graphics. Organize and maintain photographic digital library for use by on- and off- campus constituents, select photos for publications. 
• Collaborate with many colleagues across departments in the Libraries, on campus and off campus, oversee multiple projects, and juggle competing priorities. Use judgment and sensitivity when interacting with on and off campus groups, including faculty, staff, guest speakers, and others as needed.  Assist with event planning and staffing of events as needed.
• Train and supervise the work of student employees. Organize workload and prioritize to ensure that work is completed in a timely manner.
• Perform miscellaneous updating and editing to publications such as Bookmark Magazine, Library Annual report, Library Staff news.
• Contribute to the development of Library communication policies and schedules. Research, recommend, and implement cost effective initiatives to promote the Libraries.

Other Functions

• Performs other duties as assigned.

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

• Bachelor’s degree and two (2) years of communication, public/media relations or marketing experience or an Associate’s degree and four (4) years of communication, public/media relations or marketing experience.
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Superior writing and editing skills.
• Experience and skill in using Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel.
• Experience using graphic design and photo editing software.

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

• Experience working within a non-profit, library, or higher education setting.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Typical office environment.

Work Schedule

• Monday-Friday, daytime 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 25

PSU Hiring Ranges

Special Instructions to Applicants

Upload your cover letter and resume 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.

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.