Director of Community Relations

Title: Director of Community Relations

Executive Area: University Relations

College/School/MBU: Community Rel & Univ Events

Department: Community Rel & Univ Events

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full time

Work Arrangement: Hybrid

Job Summary

The Director of Community Relations advances the campus' community relations strategy by developing and implementing initiatives, events, and programs that strengthen relationships with local neighborhoods, civic groups, municipal departments, and residents. The Director plays a lead role in addressing and mitigating quality of life concerns and fostering positive, collaborative relationships between the campus and surrounding communities.
In this role, the Director advises the Associate Vice Chancellor and Vice Chancellor for University Relations, the Chancellor and other members of the campus leadership on community relations matters and serves as a primary liaison to public officials and community representatives.

Essential Functions

Leads community relations initiatives, events and projects that advance the campus mission and foster positive relationship with local communities.

Serve as the primary liaison to residents, municipal leaders, landlords and public safety partners to proactively address concerns related to student behavior, construction, and neighborhood issues.

Advise campus leadership on public relations, messaging and communications strategies to enhance the University's community impact.

Represents the University at town meetings, community forums, panels, and advisory committees; cultivate relationships with public officials and community stakeholders.

Negotiate and manage agreements with municipalities, ensuring compliance and promoting mutually beneficial partnerships.

Oversee communications and outreach efforts, including newsletters, reports, social media and media relations to highlight the University's community engagement.

Provide leadership and oversight to UMACC and UMass Downtown, including mentoring staff, managing budgets, and expanding campus-community programs and engagement.

Track, evaluate, and promote campus-community partnerships, service initiatives and engagement programs.

Plan and host high-profile events involving donors, alumni, legislators and other stakeholders to strengthen University-community connections.

Other Functions

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree.

5-7 years management experience in government, public service or a related field.

Familiarity with the workings of municipal government.

Ability to interact frequently with executive level officials from a range of organizations.

Ability to speak in public and with the media.

Ability to work with diverse groups often in confrontational or sensitive settings.

Excellent organizational, communication and interpersonal abilities.

Excellent persuasive and negotiating skills.

Respect for confidential information and commitment to secure it.

Required to work nights and weekends as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

Familiarity with the role of higher education institutions in the area of outreach and public service.

Additional Details

About University Relations
University Relations tells the impressive story of UMass Amherst: its faculty and their global research, its students who are preparing to lead, the hundreds of thousands of alumni who make the world a better place every day. The broad portfolio of University Relations includes marketing and communications, media relations, government relations, community relations, event planning, economic development and regional partnerships, and New England Public Media (NEPM)-the region's premier public radio station. University Relations harnesses the resources and expertise of these distinct entities in a coordinated and strategic way to ensure that the powerful message of the University of Massachusetts Amherst reaches all its varied audiences, both internal and external.

Working Conditions

Work is primarily performed in an indoor university environment and involves lifting and transporting materials or equipment and general physical activity, including prolonged standing, walking, or assuming low postures.

Work Schedule and Work Arrangement

Monday - Friday, 40 hours/week, typical business hours with nights and weekends as needed.

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

Pay Grade: PSSAP Grade 30

Click here to view the Professional Staff Hiring Ranges

Special Instructions for 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.

This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.