Director for Issues Management (Hybrid) at University of Massachusetts Amherst in Amherst, Massachusetts

Job Description:

Job no: 525632

Work type: Staff Full Time

Location: UMass Amherst

Department: University Relations

Union: Non-Unit Exempt

Categories: Public Relations, Marketing, Communications

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 Director for Issues Management is a thought partner to the Associate Vice Chancellor (AVC) for Issues Management and plays a crucial role in identifying, analyzing, and addressing various challenges or crises that could impact the institution. This position is an expert in developing and deploying content, effective communications, and risk mitigation measures to support ongoing priorities related to sensitive matters impacting the University.  This position is a strategic thinker and brings a passion for working in crisis management, risk assessment, a coordinated approach to problem solving, and a strong ability to ensure that communication during crises is clear, accurate, and timely.

Essential Functions

Partners with the AVC in establishing, implementing, and assessing strategies and tactics related to issues management, with a particular emphasis on research, writing and content creation.

Receives assignments and prioritizes work as directly communicated by the AVC.

Performs duties on behalf of the AVC in their absence, or as requested to represent the University.

Administers operations for the campus Incident Response Team and horizon-scanning processes.

Develops communications including internal campus-wide messages, media statements, social media content, reports, talking points, fact sheets, and FAQs.  Ensures alignment of messaging with specific strategies tailored to audiences and that of the overall University.

Monitors, documents, and reports on data in several key areas.

Gathers relevant background information which may include relevant University history, policies, data, and communications. Creates and maintains a resource library of content relevant to current and past issues.

Tracks news coverage, social media, and other internal and external sources of intelligence to understand the context for issues and forecast what topics may be emerging that are important for the University to be prepared for.

Consults with communication partners across the campus community to identify emerging and ongoing projects.

Shares appropriate resources with campus community and ensures consistency of messaging and a unified response.

Ensures that key initiatives meet defined objectives and expectations utilizing project management skills. Documents and follows through on project timeframe and scope. Organizes meetings, agendas, minutes and tracks follow up for assigned tasks.

Stays abreast of the latest and emerging news and information relevant to the campus community that may inform messaging and strategy for key initiatives.

Edits inbound materials to be sent on behalf of the AVC and Issues Management unit. Ensures clear, concise communications with proper tone, checks facts, and adheres to University's brand strategy for internal and external communications.

Collaborates closely with the News and Media Relations team to help identify projects, develop strategy, plan social media postings and deliver and measure communications. 

Works closely with senior leadership and the Incident Response Team in absence of the AVC and as directed by the AVC.

Other Functions

Performs other related duties as assigned.

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

A Bachelor's Degree.

Seven (7) years of relevant experience.

Strong written and editing skills.

Experience writing on behalf of senior level leadership.

Ability to think quickly and work under pressure. Strong time-management abilities.

Works independently and effectively and manages multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Strong skills in building relationships/coalitions and working in a diverse, collaborative environment.

Social media-related reputation management experience.

Excellent interpersonal skills.

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

A Bachelor's Degree in English, Journalism, Communications, or related field.

Experience working on crisis communication and issues management in a deadline driven environment.

Experience in translating technical content for a general audience.

Experience working in higher education.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

Typical Office environment.

Work Schedule

M-F 8:30-5:00.

Ability to work after hours and on weekends to meet business needs when appropriate.

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 is non-unit, it is subject to the terms and conditions of the University of Massachusetts Board of Trustees Non-Unit (Professional/or Classified) Employee Personnel Policy.

Salary Information

Level 31

Exempt 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.

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: Nov 12 2024 Eastern Standard Time

Applications close: Feb 12 2025 Eastern Standard Time

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