Job Description

General Summary: 

The Senior Communications Specialist is responsible for developing and executing communications projects, media and public relations efforts, and other public information activities to enhance the university’s visibility, reputation, and engagement with key stakeholders. The incumbent will consult on a regular basis with faculty, staff, and students who are involved in newsworthy activities and will plan, assign, and/or write stories, edit, and produce compelling content for print, web, and other platforms. In association with the director and assistant director of communications, the senior communications specialist will assist with media efforts, including developing news releases for print, broadcast, and electronic media.

The incumbent will participate in strategy and message development for both internal and external communications priorities for the Chancellor’s Office and the university, and will also be responsible for highlighting coverage of the university to internal and external audiences via reports to the board of trustees, a campus newsletter, news clips, postings to the website, and other platforms. The incumbent will monitor the use of social media to supplement the university’s news operations. The senior communications specialist will assist in the execution of the university’s communications plans and will assist the communications director with research and other communications activities.

The successful candidate will also assist with public information efforts, helping to shape and disseminate campus emergency communications and respond to media during crisis events. The incumbent may also share on-call responsibilities during non-business hours. The incumbent will manage at least one direct report (full-time employee) as well as student interns throughout the year/semesters.

Examples of Duties: 

• Assist the director of communications in developing and implementing communication strategies to promote the university’s programs, initiatives, and achievements;
• Plan, edit, and produce high-quality content for the university, including print, web, broadcast emails, press releases, newsletters, reports, and other communication channels; develop and manage special communications projects, as needed;
• Research campus events, activities, and accomplishments and collaborate with academic departments, administrative units, leadership, and students to identify and highlight newsworthy stories for the university’s website, publications and/or the media; assist in researching news outlets and developing media outreach lists for particular events and news pitches, as needed;
• Supervise the use of social media to supplement the university’s emergency communications operations regarding campus closures, weather issues, safety concerns, and other issues of imminent importance;
• Serve as senior editor for the Office of Communications, copy editing and reviewing staff work product and provide feedback;
• Serve as part of the university’s public information team and regularly participate in campus-wide emergency communications and trainings;
• Communicate news about the university to external and internal audiences through public relations activities, web postings, and publications; assist in the development of website content and provide editorial oversight as needed;
• Participate in strategy and message development on both internal campus and external civic priorities for the Chancellor’s Office;
• Oversee the distribution of weekly electronic news clips featuring news about UMass Boston and its faculty, staff and students;
• As needed, respond to media inquiries for additional information about the university; connect the media with faculty experts on campus, develop media expert profiles and promote their availability;
• Staff events at the university to assist with press needs and inquiries; help develop media plans for major university events;
• Work with campus event photographer to secure photos for press materials, website, and other needs;
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications: 

Bachelor’s degree, preferably in English, journalism, communications, or public relations, and a minimum of five (5-7) years of experience in communications, public relations or journalism. The incumbent may be required to work occasional evenings and/or weekends, and on occasion be on-call during non-business hours.

• Proficiency in the use of technology, such as desktop publishing and e-newsletter software;
• Proficiency in the use of social media as a marketing and recruitment tool;
• Ability to execute communication plans and activities with minimal direction and supervision;
• Ability to handle confidential material;
• Ability to work cooperatively with a broad range of constituents;
• Demonstrated strong writing and oral communications skills;
• Strong interpersonal skills, including capacity to respond to criticism, problem solving, and good judgment;
• Strong editing and news management skills, with a proven record of editing publications;
• Strong commitment to customer service.

For Professional Unit Positions:

• Is this job required to be on-call? Yes.

Application Instructions: 

Please apply online with your resume, cover letter and list of three professional references.

Review of candidates will begin following the application closing date. 

Only Internal candidates in the Professional Staff Bargaining Unit will be considered during the first 10 business days of the posting.  All other candidates will be considered after that period. 

Salary Ranges for the appropriate Pay Grade can be found at the following link: 

Grade: 32             

This is an exempt union position.

All official salary offers must be approved by Human Resources.

UMass Boston is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, we will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations for the hiring process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact HRDirect@umb.eduor 617-287-5150.

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