Assistant Manager for UMass Downtown at University of Massachusetts Amherst in Amherst, Massachusetts

Job Description:

Job no: 525767

Work type: Staff Full Time

Location: UMass Amherst

Department: University Relations

Union: PSU

Categories: Public Relations, Marketing, Communications, 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.

Job Summary

UMass Downtown is a multi-purpose, multi-use location for campus-community engagement. The downtown center is a place to welcome prospective students and families, provide campus information to the community including residents, tourists and job seekers, and allow for easy ticket access for Fine Arts Center and Athletics events. It will also act as a boutique retail operation and a site for regular microevents, readings, and performances.

The Assistant Manager of UMass Downtown is responsible for assisting with the management of the newly established downtown Amherst storefront location as part of the institution's community relations strategic initiatives. The Assistant Manager will be a member of the Community Relations team serving in a public role as part of a highly visible project to create greater engagement between students and the local community. The position will be responsible for working in coordination with the Director, UMass Downtown and the Community Relations and University Events leadership and team to execute microevents on behalf of the campus at UMass Downtown. Reporting to the Director of UMass Downtown, the Assistant Manager excels at multitasking and is comfortable performing a variety of tasks needed to ensure exceptional events and stellar customer service.

Essential Functions

• Assists the Director with scheduling, planning and execution of high-end events and activities held at UMass Downtown. Coordinates event setup, speakers' presentations and entertainment. Ensures all events promote a positive image of the campus and reflect its brand, values, and culture.


• Conducts pre-event run-throughs in order to ensure that all events run smoothly and professionally including, but not limited to, checking that all audio-visual equipment and any other elements of the event are positioned as planned and working properly.


• Assists and/or serves as the on-site manager at assigned events or activities.


• Assumes leadership in the absence of Director, exercising judgement and assuming full responsibility for events and activities held at UMass Downtown.


• Effectively communicates, triages, and determines proper action. Rapidly exercises judgment and problem solving during challenging situations as needed including during protests, medical emergencies, security matters.


• Provides high quality customer service in a retail setting, is knowledgeable about product line and can assist customers with purchases and inquiries. Addresses and resolves customer complaints or issues promptly and courteously.


• Responsible for handling any unexpected situations or emergencies that may arise during events. Rapidly exercises judgment and problem solving during challenging situations as needed including during protests, medical emergencies, security matters.


• Accountable for opening and closing procedures to safely secure the building to provide a safe environment for clients and guests.


• Helps to manage and maintain UMass Downtown building related matters, including but not limited to day-to-day operations, technology, lighting, and updating content for the interactive digital wall displays.


• Stays up to date with on-campus events and services as a means of ensuring that visitors receive accurate information. Keeps staff well-informed about campus activities.


• Fosters relationships with on and off campus partners and communicates effectively with campus partners to ensure delivery of products and services on time and within event's specifications.


• Assesses and advises Director on UMass Downtown building related matters including, wear and tear, technology, and lighting.


• Schedules and manages student employees and supports UMass Store retail staff.


• Assists and supports the overall work of the CRUE office and assists with campus events as needed.


• Ensures that the campus's commitment to diversity and inclusion is represented in all university events.

Other Functions

Performs other duties as assigned.

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

• Bachelor's degree and five (5) years of related work experience -OR- Associates degree and seven years of related work experience.


• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and detail-oriented skills.


• Outgoing nature and willingness to assist guests and the public.


• Experience with event planning, project or program coordination.


• Ability to perform work in a fast paced, flexible, complex, and dynamic environment.


• Ability to independently set priorities, plan, organize, coordinate, and direct multiple, concurrent projects and complex tasks.


• Ability to utilize independent judgment and manage sensitive and/or confidential information with discretion.


• Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.


• Proficient technical skills and ability to work with different computer and software platforms.

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

• Experience developing promotional or marketing materials for events.


• Strong technical skills and ability to troubleshoot technical issues.


• Experience in a retail setting.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

Typical office environment activity. Some carrying, standing, bending, reaching, lifting may be required for inventory and event setup as business needs dictate.

Work Schedule

• UMass Downtown's operating hours are 10am-6pm Tuesday - Sunday.


• Schedule will be based on a 37.5 hour/week with the requirement of working nights and weekends as business needs dictate.

Salary Information

Level 27

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

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 22 2024 Eastern Standard Time

Applications close: Feb 28 2025 Eastern Standard Time