Assistant Dean of Communications and Marketing - Information and Computer Sciences

Title: Assistant Dean of Communications and Marketing - Information and Computer Sciences

Executive Area: Academic Affairs

College/School/MBU: College of Information & Computer Sciences

Department: Computer Science

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full Time

Work Arrangement: Hybrid

The Assistant Dean of Communications & Marketing serves as the strategic leader for all communications and marketing initiatives within the Manning College of Information and Computer Sciences (CICS). Reporting directly to the Dean, this role develops and executes a comprehensive college‑wide communications strategy that elevates the college’s reputation and engages diverse audiences including students, faculty, alumni, and external stakeholders. This role ensures that college‑level communications and marketing activities are aligned with university priorities in collaboration with University Relations.

As a key member of the senior leadership team, the CCM provides counsel on strategic messaging and marketing priorities and represents the college in university‑wide communication efforts. The position manages a budget and leads a high‑performing team dedicated to delivering day‑to‑day high‑impact marketing and communications support through innovative campaigns across digital, print, and experiential platforms.

Develop and implement a comprehensive communications and marketing strategy that supports CICS’s academic and research priorities.

Serve as the primary advisor to the Dean and senior leadership on all matters related to branding, messaging, public relations, and conflict management, coordinating with University Relations on media relations, social media and brand representation to ensure alignment with the university’s brand and communications priorities.

Lead the creation of annual marketing plans in collaboration with UR Mar Com and oversee budget allocation to maximize impact and Return On Investment for all CICS marketing & communications across the college.

Develop and lead executive communications for the Dean, including speeches, presentations, remarks, social media posts, and written correspondence, translating complex academic and research priorities into clear, compelling narratives for internal and external audiences.

Build strong relationships with community partners, University Relations, and other university communications teams to amplify CICS’s local, national, and global reputation.

Promote open communication, encourage creative problem‑solving, and maintain university brand consistency while embracing innovative approaches and addressing differences.

Collaborate with the University of Massachusetts Amherst Foundation to design targeted campaigns for alumni and donor engagement that advance the Dean’s fundraising priorities.

Ensure high‑quality, consistent presentation of the university brand in CICS materials for prospective students, alumni, employers, corporate research partners, and peer institutions.

Articulate and advance CICS’s distinct brand positioning, highlighting its strengths in research, teaching, and societal impact to differentiate CICS among peers and resonate with key audiences.

Through strong partnerships with the university’s News Office, position CICS as a thought leader in computer and information science education and research.

Direct internal and external college communications, including newsletters, social media, and web content. Work with University Relations to understand social policies and best practices.

Manage advertising campaigns in collaboration with UR Mar Com, including promotional materials and collateral, adhering to the university brand identity system to ensure consistency and quality.

Lead the strategic communications and marketing for high‑profile, Dean‑level events in collaboration with UR’s Community Relations and University Events office and the college’s events team, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and a high‑quality, cohesive experience.

Drive growth and engagement…