Job no: 503299
Work type: Staff Full Time
Location: UMass Amherst
Department: Ext Relations & Univ Events
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 Assistant Director for Community Relations works with local and campus public safety officials and monitors and responds to incidents and complaints regarding off campus student behavior in the local communities and is required to intervene and mitigate potentially volatile situations. Serves as liaison to off campus students and neighbors during weekend patrols and assists campus partners with proactive student behavior educational campaigns and community service activities. Responsible for supporting the institution’s community relations program and for working closely with local government and public safety officials to advance the mission of the campus.

Essential Functions

• Proactively prevents community disturbances by meeting with off campus students at apartments and houses with a history of complaints. Organizes preemptive visits with students and neighbors in coordination with UMass Police, Community Relations and Student Affairs and Campus Life.
• Responds to complaints regarding off campus student behavior received from neighbors, UMass Amherst officials, and campus and town public safety officers. Utilizes conflict resolution skills in dealing with neighbors and students to enhance quality of life in local neighborhoods. Develops and implements protocols and procedures to ensure rapid response and safety during patrols. Proactively counsels students to defuse potential problems in residential neighborhoods.
• Identifies and documents off campus student incidences for follow up by the appropriate offices including the UMass Police, Amherst Police and Dean of Students office. Conducts analysis of interventions and disciplinary reports to identify trends in student behavior and problem houses/neighborhoods.
• Coordinates and actively participates in meetings and task forces regarding student behavior and represents the University in forums, town meetings, panels and conferences as needed or assigned. Interacts with and resolves conflicts with students, parents of students and neighborhood residence.
• Acts as a liaison between the University and local communities, including elected and appointed municipal officials, business executives and associations, and regional community organizations. Cultivates partnerships and manages relationships with civic leaders and regional organizations to advance the institution’s mission. (Primary focus is on public safety, but not limited to it).
• Works with campus constituencies to enhance the University’s image in local communities, advising on public relations issues and assisting with specific messaging and communications campaigns. Works collaboratively with Student Affairs and University Relations staff to develop educational campaigns to enhance town-gown relations.
• Advises the Executive Director for External Relations and University Events, senior campus administrators and off campus partners on specific proactive and preventative strategies to meet goals. Develops communication tools and strategies to cultivate relationships with appropriate local officials and agencies.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Bachelor's degree with seven years relevant experience, preferably in law enforcement or security training, or conflict resolution.
• Demonstrated ability to relate well with students, administrators, local officials, neighbors and property owners/managers.
• Ability to rapidly exercise judgment and to problem solve under undesirable conditions.
• Demonstrated negotiation and mediation skills.
• Demonstrated skills to collaborate and work with various departments and individuals on campus and local authorities in the community.
• Demonstrated understanding of the experiences of off campus students and neighbors in the community.
• Ability to work evening and weekends regularly.
• Valid Massachusetts Driver’s License.

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

Master’s degree preferred.

Work Schedule

Monday-Friday and regular weekend and evening work.

Salary Information

PSU Level: 27

Salary Chart

Special Instructions to Applicants

To apply, please submit a letter of interest, resume and the name and contact information of three professional references. The position 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: Oct 9 2019 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: