Community Relations Coordinator

University of Massachusetts Amherst • Amherst, MA

82d

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Industry: Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees