Work type: Staff Full Time
Location: UMass Amherst
Department: Communications
Union: PSU
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 Marketing & Communications (Marcom) group leads and coordinates strategic marketing efforts for the University of Massachusetts Amherst to raise the institution’s global visibility and reputation as one of the nation’s great public research universities. It tells the university’s stories across a wide array of platforms and builds strong relationships with important audiences through a variety of traditional and new marketing tactics. Additionally, the Marcom group provides leadership, consultation, partnership, and coordination for marketers and communicators across campus, collaborating with all colleges, schools, and units.
The Marcom Senior Writer will play a critical role in the Marketing and Communications team. This individual will create all forms of written content, including feature stories, campaign content, email communications, brochures, web content, and social posts, using skill to write content that achieves desired outcomes. UMass is a fast-paced environment that demands excellence and efficiency, while making room for autonomy, innovation, and creativity.
Essential Functions
- Oversees the operational and editorial direction of all forms of content ensuring the brand of the university is advanced through consistent messaging.
- Ensures that our storytelling is consistent across audience touch points, while nuanced to reach relevant audiences, identifying and developing appropriate multicultural and inclusive language, tone, voice, and message based on medium, target audience, and primary content subject.
- Develops missions, themes, and content for publications including multimedia and print.
- Operate as a brand and content expert, demonstrating ingenuity, creativity, leadership, and collaboration with multiple university stakeholders.
- Manages and maintains Editorial Style Guide.
- Receives, solicits, and evaluates ideas from campus colleagues.
- Provides creative and strategic direction to multimedia designers on the content layout and editorial process, ensuring overall consistency of voice.
- Identifies and prioritize assignments to ensure deadlines are met; reviews work for accuracy; determines staffing and consulting needs.
- Collaborates with campus partners, including Admissions, Advancement, and communicators in the schools and colleges, to identify interesting stories that fully reflect the UMass experience.
- Manages and mentors in-house copywriter and freelance writers/editors.
Other Functions
- Stays up to date on industry trends.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
- Bachelor’s degree.
- 5-7 years of experience writing in environments that require versatility, speed, high quality standards, and careful attention to detail.
- Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
- Must be able to communicate in the English language, writing with excellent storytelling capabilities and a demonstrated ability to achieve desired outcomes through content creation.
- Detail and deadline oriented, accurate and efficient, and must be able to manage multiple content responsibilities at once.
- Excellent editor and proofreader.
- Fluent in the Chicago Manual of Style.
- Must partner and collaborate well with various stakeholder groups and understand how to map content creation with the nuances of varied and unique audiences.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Word, and PowerPoint.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working in higher education.
- Experience managing staff.
Physical Demands/Working Conditions
Typical office environment.
Work Schedule
- 37.5 hours/ week.
- 8:30AM-5:00PM, Monday-Friday.
- 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 falls within the Professional Staff Union, it is subject to the terms and conditions of the Professional Staff Union collective bargaining agreement.
Salary Information
PSU Level 28
PSU Salary Ranges
Special Instructions to Applicants
Along with application, please submit a resume, cover letter and contact information for three (3) professional references. The search will remain open until filled.
UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, or genetic information 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 the UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.
Advertised: Sep 9 2022 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close:
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Related jobs:
DP/Camera Operator for Independent Short Film
Job Description
A Philadelphia-based short film is looking for a skilled DP or camera operator to join the crew for an upcoming indie shoot. The production is planned to begin in early July, with additional shoot days scheduled later in the summer and fall. This is a great opportunity for a cinematographer or camera operator with a passion for narrative storytelling and indie film collaboration.
Job Responsibilities
-
Operate camera and execute director’s visual style for scripted scenes
-
Collaborate closely with the director to plan and execute cinematic setups
-
Manage gear and maintain technical quality during the shoot
-
Work on multiple shoot days across summer and fall as needed
Requirements
-
Based in or able to work in the Philadelphia area
-
Experience working on short films or narrative projects
-
Strong understanding of camera operation and composition
-
Able to provide a reel showcasing previous work
-
Open to discussing pay or equipment rental coverage
Compensation
-
Rate negotiable based on experience and gear
-
Equipment rentals and on-set expenses may be covered
-
Additional shoot dates available for extended collaboration
Live Stream Crew for Upcoming Comedy Project
A new comedy series written by and starring Nate Bargatze is seeking experienced, creative talent to join the live stream crew for a multi-day shoot. This exciting production is casting for director-selected roles including producers, cameramen, and influencer/hip director types with strong personalities and on-camera style.
Job Responsibilities
-
Work as part of a live stream production crew during on-location shoots
-
Fulfill specific crew roles including producing, filming, or performing as an on-camera personality
-
Bring a confident, stylish, and media-savvy presence to the set
-
Support the comedic tone and dynamic energy of the project while working collaboratively
Requirements
-
Must have relevant experience in live streaming, production, or influencer-style content
-
Must be available for all four filming dates: May 27th, 28th, 29th and June 10th
-
Must be local to Fayetteville or willing to work as a local hire
Compensation
-
$182 for 12 hours per day
Live Stream Crew Needed for Upcoming Comedy Production
A new comedy project written by and starring Nate Bargatze is now seeking experienced crew members for a live stream production. This exciting opportunity is ideal for creative professionals with a strong background in production, digital media, or content creation. Selected roles will work directly under the director’s guidance during scheduled shoot dates.
Job Description
The production is assembling a talented live stream crew to support the filming of a major comedy series. Crew members will help capture behind-the-scenes content and live moments, enhancing audience engagement. This role requires technical know-how, a creative eye, and the ability to collaborate closely with the director.
Job Responsibilities
-
Operate live stream equipment during filming
-
Assist with behind-the-scenes content capture
-
Work directly with the director and creative team
-
Ensure smooth, high-quality streaming and content delivery
-
Represent the brand and production with professionalism
Requirements
-
Experience in live streaming or production-related roles
-
Open to producers, cameramen, and influencer/director-type creatives
-
Strong understanding of filming setups and social content trends
-
Must be available for a 4-day shoot in Fayetteville
-
Professional, creative, and adaptable under fast-paced conditions
Compensation
-
$182 for 12-hour production days
-
Director-selected opportunity for high visibility
-
Valuable credit on a high-profile comedy production
Junior Agent – Men’s Division
Job Description
A leading Los Angeles-based talent agency is hiring a Junior Agent to join its Men’s Division. This is a dynamic opportunity for an individual passionate about talent management, fashion, and entertainment. The position is perfect for someone eager to build a career in the talent representation industry and gain hands-on experience with model and talent development.
Job Responsibilities
-
Assist in day-to-day coordination and management of male talent
-
Communicate with clients, casting directors, and industry professionals
-
Support senior agents in booking, scouting, and talent strategy
-
Maintain schedules, digital portfolios, and internal databases
-
Provide administrative and organizational support across the division
Requirements
-
Must be based in Los Angeles
-
Strong interest in talent management, fashion, or entertainment
-
Excellent communication, organizational, and multitasking skills
-
Previous agency or entertainment experience is a plus, but not required
Compensation
-
Competitive pay based on experience
-
Career growth opportunity in a reputable talent agency
Job Description
A visionary psychological short film, Lost in Nightmares, is seeking a skilled 1st Assistant Camera (1st AC) to join its production team. This stylized horror piece follows a grief-stricken man unraveling through a dreamlike reality after discovering a mysterious video. The project demands visual precision, creative energy, and a team-first attitude. This is a non-paid role offering IMDb credit and portfolio material.
Job Responsibilities
-
Pull and maintain focus on moving subjects in high-tension, surreal sequences
-
Assist the Director of Photography with camera setups, lenses, and filters
-
Handle slating, equipment checks, and digital data hand-offs
-
Support the camera team in maintaining smooth, visually consistent footage
Requirements
-
Based in or able to travel to Miami, FL
-
Must be available August 8–10, 2025
-
Strong understanding of camera systems, lenses, and on-set workflow
-
Ability to work under pressure and adapt quickly in an indie production setting
-
Prior experience preferred; reel or references encouraged
Compensation
-
Unpaid role
-
IMDb credit
-
Meals provided during production
-
Access to final edited material for reels and portfolio use
Live Stream Crew for “Breadwinner” Starring Nate Barzgate
Job Description
A new production is now hiring skilled professionals to join the live stream crew for “Breadwinner,” starring Nate Barzgate. This four-day shoot will require an experienced team to manage camera operation, production coordination, and influencer-style on-camera presence. These roles are director-selected, and applicants should bring a creative, hip energy to support a dynamic and visually engaging live stream experience.
Job Responsibilities
-
Operate professional camera equipment during live event coverage
-
Assist with production setup and live stream coordination
-
Maintain technical quality and camera movement throughout broadcast
-
Appear on camera if selected as influencer/host-type talent
Requirements
-
Experience in live event filming or broadcast production
-
Ability to work in a fast-paced, on-set environment
-
Strong communication and multitasking skills
-
Professional demeanor and attention to detail
-
Must be available for all four shoot dates
Compensation
-
$182/12 per day
-
4-day call in Fayetteville
-
Roles are selected directly by the director
Crew Call for Line Producer, UPM, Production Manager, and 1st AD – SAG Indie Feature
Job Description
A character-driven, culturally rich romantic dramedy titled FUEGO is seeking experienced crew members for a SAG moderate budget feature currently in soft pre-production. Inspired by the emotional depth of Silver Linings Playbook and the energy of Shall We Dance?, this story centers on Gio, a bartender rediscovering his passion for dance while facing personal rivalries and unresolved grief. The production will shoot for 24 days in San Diego and is backed by a screenplay that won Best Screenplay at the International Puerto Rican Heritage Film Festival and was a finalist in the Urban World Film Festival.
Job Responsibilities
-
Oversee pre-production, scheduling, and budgeting as Line Producer or UPM
-
Manage daily operations on set and facilitate seamless coordination between departments
-
Lead production team logistics and ensure smooth execution during filming
-
Assist the director in planning and executing the vision with clarity and precision
Requirements
-
Proven experience in film production, especially on SAG moderate budget features
-
Strong organizational and leadership skills
-
Excellent communication and problem-solving abilities
-
Available for a 24-day shoot beginning in late July in San Diego
-
Passion for story-driven projects with a culturally grounded narrative
Compensation
-
Paid positions, commensurate with experience and scope
-
Work on a meaningful, award-winning, festival-recognized indie feature
-
Interviews conducted via Google Meet