Strategic Communications Director, University Libraries

UMass Amherst; Amherst (MA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 121,000; Full time

Job summary

UMass Amherst University Libraries seeks an Assistant Dean of Communications to lead a comprehensive communications and marketing strategy that advances research, teaching, and learning through accessible collections and innovative services.

As chief communications strategist to the Dean and senior leadership, the role directs branding, media relations, digital presence, and storytelling across print, web, multimedia, and social channels to amplify the Libraries’ mission.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, Public Relations, or related field.
• 7+ years of progressively responsible experience in communications, marketing, PR, or related field.
• Experience developing and implementing strategic communications or marketing plans for a complex organization.
• Supervisory experience managing staff, contractors, or creative teams.
• Experience creating print, web, multimedia, and social media content.
• Experience with digital marketing, analytics tools, and web/social media technologies.
• Experience collaborating across departments or with external agencies.
• Strong branding, messaging, and audience engagement.
• Excellent writing, editing, and storytelling across formats.
• Ability to interpret analytics to guide strategy.

Responsibilities

• Develops and directs a comprehensive strategic communications and marketing plan.
• Advises Dean and senior leadership on branding and PR.
• Oversees the libraries communications unit and staff.
• Creates annual communications and marketing plans with metrics.
• Manages budgets to support strategies.
• Produces marketing materials for print, web, multimedia, and social media.
• Coordinates with UR to align with policies and brand.
• Leads events and initiatives to maintain high-quality experiences.
• Collaborates with University Relations and partners on campaigns.

Skills

Strategic communications

Supervisory experience

Content creation

Digital marketing

Branding & messaging

Writing & storytelling

Analytics interpretation

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Tools

Content management systems

Web analytics tools

Social media platforms

Job description

UMass Amherst University Libraries seeks an Assistant Dean of Communications to lead a comprehensive communications and marketing strategy that advances research, teaching, and learning through accessible collections and innovative services.

As chief communications strategist to the Dean and senior leadership, the role directs branding, media relations, digital presence, and storytelling across print, web, multimedia, and social channels to amplify the Libraries’ mission.