Operations Manager - News & Media Relations

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

Reporting to the Associate Vice Chancellor of News and Media Relations, the Operations Manager organizes, leads and executes priority projects and strategic initiatives for the Office of News and Media Relations.

The Operations Manager ensures all communications and projects further both department and university strategic goals. The position oversees daily department operations and financials to build a collaborative culture and meet organizational goals in a fast-paced environment.

Essential Functions

Establishes priorities and manages multiple projects which often contain confidential and sensitive information. Ensures deadlines are met on a daily basis.

Regularly engages with leadership and key stakeholders.

• Ensures appropriately timed release of news which includes maintaining confidentiality of information as required.
• Researches and prepares strategic presentations for senior leadership.
• Directs the earned media analytics program, creating media databases and producing reports.
• Develops public relations strategies in collaboration with the News Content Team.
• Plays a leading role in the timely dissemination of information thoughtfully considering when, how and to whom information is released.

Reviews final materials before they go live; conducts fact checking and proofreads.

• Distributes news releases, the weekly Inside Umass newsletter, website postings and the university communications' calendar to campus audiences and / or news media.
• Directs the Hometown News Program.
• Plans outreach and training programs with campus communicators, faculty, staff, student organizations and the student press.

Prepares and updates related materials.

• Supports the Executive Director as needed, including but not limited to managing their commitments, overseeing projects, coordinating with stakeholders, and drafting strategic communications.
• Plans high-profile media events to enhance the University visibility and reputation.
• Advises media in real-time, plans / coordinates press conferences which includes ensuring that appropriate university stakeholders and media members are in attendance.
• Organizes and manages a compendium of shared digital resources, including news content and template libraries, analytics data and emergency management plans.
• Executes all financial / accounting transactions for the office, which includes maintaining budgets, creating / processing purchase orders, issuing payments, credit card recordkeeping and processing payroll timesheets.
• Provides management and day-to-day operational and personnel related support which includes triaging incoming calls and providing front-line response during emergent situations.
• Hires and supervises student employees.

Other Functions

Performs other duties as assigned.

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

• Bachelor's degree.
• Five (5) years of experience of project / operational management in public relations or related field.
• Ability to manage sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Demonstrated ability to independently set priorities, plan, organize, coordinate and direct multiple, concurrent projects.
• Working knowledge of office programs such as Microsoft Outlook, CMS platforms such as Drupal and CRMs such as Marketing Cloud
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.

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

Experience in higher education, non-profit or public sectors.

Physical Demands / Working Conditions

Typical office environment activity.

Work Schedule

Monday - Friday, 8 : 30am - 5pm.

Salary Information

Level 26

Exempt 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 encourage.

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.