Community Relations Coordinator

About UMass Amherst

The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued-and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world.

Job Summary

Civic Engagement & Service Learning (CESL) at UMass Amherst partners with faculty, students, and community organizations to integrate meaningful service with academic learning. CESL supports courses, programs, and initiatives that foster civic engagement, social responsibility, and collaborative problem-solving.

The Community Relations Coordinator manages and advances CESL's external presence across the community. The Community Relations Coordinator develops and sustains partnerships with community organizations, government agencies, and regional networks to promote CESL programs to external stakeholders. This role oversees CESL's outreach, communications, and representation strategy to strengthen collaborations, highlight community impact, and ensure reciprocal, sustainable engagement.

Essential Functions

• Serves as the primary liaison to off-campus community organizations, schools, nonprofits, and agencies, establishing and sustaining partnerships that align with the mission and academic programs of CESL.
• Provides leadership for CESL's service-learning programs, including coordinating with community partner sites, managing participant recruitment and selection, and overseeing partnership agreements and other policies.
• Oversees CESL service-learning independent study and practicum placements and expectations and teaches CESL's service-learning courses.
• Represents CESL at community events as well as local and regional network meetings to identify and communicate with CESL community partners.
• Works directly with faculty and student leaders to support the students' efforts in their service placement and the development of their leadership skills.
• Oversees the ongoing evaluation of CESL service-learning sites and CESL academic partnerships to ensure relevancy, reciprocity, and effectiveness.
• Leads CESL's outward-facing communications strategy, including newsletters, social media, website content, press releases, and public-facing reports.
• Collaborates with CESL faculty, students, and staff to create and implement initiatives that drive the mission and presence of the office.
• Provides leadership and support for CESL alumni outreach and programming initiatives.

Other Functions

• Performs other duties as assigned.

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

• Bachelor's degree and more than three (3) years of experience with program management in community service learning or community service programs or a master's degree in education, communication, or related fields and at least one (1) year of related experience.
• Knowledge of community service learning as a teaching method.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational ability.
• Familiarity with program evaluation.
• Familiarity with communication strategies and technologies including graphic design, website and social media management.
• Commitment to the development of students as responsible and effective citizens.
• Ability to work successfully with diverse populations.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Typical office environment.

Work Schedule

• Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 4 pm.
• Some evening and weekend activity may be required to attend relevant student and/or community events.

Salary Information

Salary Level 27

Exempt Hiring Ranges

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume and cover letter. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references. Applications will be reviewed on a continuous basis until the position is filled. Early submissions are encouraged.

The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.