What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director for Issues Management (Hybrid) position at The University of Massachusetts Amherst?
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For a complete understanding of this opportunity, and what will be required to be a successful applicant, read on.
Work type : Staff Full Time
Location : UMass Amherst
Department : University Relations
Union : Non-Unit Exempt
Categories : Public Relations, Marketing, Communications
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
The Director for Issues Management is a thought partner to the Associate Vice Chancellor (AVC) for Issues Management and plays a crucial role in identifying, analyzing, and addressing various challenges or crises that could impact the institution. This position is an expert in developing and deploying content, effective communications, and risk mitigation measures to support ongoing priorities related to sensitive matters impacting the University. This position is a strategic thinker and brings a passion for working in crisis management, risk assessment, a coordinated approach to problem solving, and a strong ability to ensure that communication during crises is clear, accurate, and timely.
Essential Functions
- Partners with the AVC in establishing, implementing, and assessing strategies and tactics related to issues management, with a particular emphasis on research, writing and content creation.
- Receives assignments and prioritizes work as directly communicated by the AVC.
- Performs duties on behalf of the AVC in their absence, or as requested to represent the University.
- Administers operations for the campus Incident Response Team and horizon-scanning processes.
- Develops communications including internal campus-wide messages, media statements, social media content, reports, talking points, fact sheets, and FAQs. Ensures alignment of messaging with specific strategies tailored to audiences and that of the overall University.
- Monitors, documents, and reports on data in several key areas.
- Gathers relevant background information which may include relevant University history, policies, data, and communications. Creates and maintains a resource library of content relevant to current and past issues.
- Tracks news coverage, social media, and other internal and external sources of intelligence to understand the context for issues and forecast what topics may be emerging that are important for the University to be prepared for.
- Consults with communication partners across the campus community to identify emerging and ongoing projects.
- Shares appropriate resources with campus community and ensures consistency of messaging and a unified response.
- Ensures that key initiatives meet defined objectives and expectations utilizing project management skills. Documents and follows through on project timeframe and scope. Organizes meetings, agendas, minutes and tracks follow up for assigned tasks.
- Stays abreast of the latest and emerging news and information relevant to the campus community that may inform messaging and strategy for key initiatives.
- Edits inbound materials to be sent on behalf of the AVC and Issues Management unit. Ensures clear, concise communications with proper tone, checks facts, and adheres to University's brand strategy for internal and external communications.
- Collaborates closely with the News and Media Relations team to help identify projects, develop strategy, plan social media postings and deliver and measure communications.
- Works closely with senior leadership and the Incident Response Team in absence of the AVC and as directed by the AVC.
Other Functions
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
Physical Demands / Working Conditions
Typical Office environment.
Work Schedule
Along with the application, please submit a resume. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.
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.
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Remote working / work at home options are available for this role.