Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive communications and marketing strategy that supports CNS’s academic and research priorities.
• Serve as the primary advisor to the Dean and senior leadership on all matters related to branding, messaging, public relations, and conflict management, coordinating with University Relations (UR) on media relations, social media, issues management and reputational matters to ensure alignment with the university’s brand and communications priorities.
• Lead the creation of annual marketing plans in collaboration with UR MarCom and oversee budget allocation to maximize impact and ROI for all CNS marketing & communications across the college.
• Prepare talking points, speeches, presentations for the Dean.
• Partner with HR to develop an employment engagement strategy.
• Build strong relationships with community partners, University Relations, and other university communications teams to amplify CNS’s visibility across departments and other colleges.
• Promote open communication, encourage creative problem-solving, and maintain university brand consistency while embracing innovative approaches and addressing differences.
• Collaborate with University of Massachusetts Amherst Foundation to design targeted campaigns for alumni and donor engagement.
• Ensure high-quality, consistent presentation of the university brand in CNS materials. Key constituents and external audiences include prospective students, alumni, and peer institutions.
• Through strong partnerships with the university’s News Office, which oversees and manages all media relations for the university, position CNS as a thought leader in science education and research.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in communications and marketing, preferably in higher education or a complex organization.
• Demonstrated success in developing and executing strategic communications plans.
• Strong Leadership Skills With Experience Managing Teams And Budgets.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proficiency in digital marketing, social media strategy, and analytics.
• Strong strategic thinking, leadership and team development, relationship building, creativity and innovation.
• Flexibility to work non-standard hours.

Preferred

• Master’s degree.
• Experience working in an academic or research environment.
• Knowledge of emerging trends in digital engagement and content strategy.