Associate Director

Job no: 525666
Work type: Staff Full Time
Location: UMass Amherst
Department: Auxiliary Services
Union: PSU
Categories: Public Relations, Marketing, Communications, PSU A

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 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 Associate Director works to establish additional license revenue generation through the University of Massachusetts Trademark & Licensing Administration while strengthening and protecting the reputation and brand for the University System. This position acts as a liaison for the University of Massachusetts system and beyond in relation to the appropriate use of each member’s trademarks. Assist with managing, planning, and implementing the social media and marketing activities of University Licensing programs and related trademark operations with goals of increased brand exposure and revenue growth, while maintaining institutional brand integrity.

Essential Functions

• Assist the department in communicating and executing a social media presence and influence regarding university branded product.
• Manage any relevant social media advertising campaigns from beginning to end, including delegating time-sensitive tasks to team members when relevant and necessary.
• Develop and manage a working editorial/social media calendar that properly communicates and supports the brand of the University, the licensees, and retailer through social media campaigns.
• Design and deliver engaging social experiences (sweepstakes, product launches, merchandise campaigns, etc.) that generate consumer interest in university branded merchandise as well as drives traffic to local and ecommerce retailers.
• Identify and provide metrics and reports from traffic and engagement as well as set targets for social media growth.
• Monitor activity on all UMASS, licensees, and retailer’s social media presences to evaluate industry trends.
• Research peers and other institutions to review social media campaigns, trends, and tools to increase knowledge of social media practices.
• Assist with the creation of a message platform related to the a “Officially Licensed Merchandise” campaign that highlights the importance of using licensed vendors to ensure UMASS is complying with its code of conduct. Identify outlets to spread the message and facilitate distribution.
• Works to maximize operating efficiencies and accelerate the licensing process to support internal and external partners within the University System.
• Plans, organizes, coordinates, and executes licensing projects as assigned by the Director, by monitoring samples, artwork, and proposals for the creation of product concepts.
• Builds internal cohesive partnerships with University Marketing & Communications departments to support and enhance trademark and brand integrity. Provides guidance on the appropriate use of the branding and suggests changes to rejected designs.
• Interpret policies, guidelines and procedures concerning trademark use by the university community, licensees, businesses, and individuals.
• Maintains communications with partners working on each campus who wish to purchase college branded merchandise. Reviews and approves requests for internal use of trademarks and exemption from royalties on purchases of collegiate branded merchandise.
• Develops educational materials and programming directed to registered student organizations to provide information on proper brand usage to students including but not limited to student athletes, School of Management Students, RSO and Student Government Leadership.
• Ensures that the University’s brand identity, including trademarks, logos, seals, and other marks are accurately represented on products and services marketed to the public.
• Serves as the primary point of contact for prospective licensees. Assists prospective licensees through the license application process. Prepares standard licensing agreements for signature by licensee and Director.

Other Functions

• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Contributes to the creation of a respectful, inclusive environment that is supportive of diversity.
• Demonstrates capacity, skill, and willingness to engage students, and contribute to student success.
• Travels to multiple work sites throughout Massachusetts.

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

• Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing or related field of study.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in trademark licensing or related field such as marketing or brand management.
• Knowledge of laws and regulations related to trademarking, licensing, legal contracts, and agreements.
• Proven ability to use Microsoft based software, Adobe Creative Suite, and cutting-edge social media platforms/relevant technology.
• Demonstrates ability in project management, priority setting, time management and ability to perform under pressure.
• Strong analytical skills to interpret data, identify trends, communicate findings, and make recommendations.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills to interact effectively with individuals at all levels of management.
• Demonstrated ability to resolve issues and maintain a high level of professionalism and discretion.
• Experience using branded software systems such as Brand Comply College and Brand Manager 360.
• Proficiency with Windows-based software including Access, Excel, and Adobe Illustrator.
• Experience using web-based content management systems preferably Drupal Content Management. Creates, reviews and updates applications, forms and licensing agreements using electronic signatures preferably DocuSign.
• Valid Driver’s license.

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

• Experience working in Higher Education.
• Experience in a multi-campus licensing program.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

Typical Office Environment.

Work Schedule

• Standard business hours.
• 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

Level 27

PSU 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.

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination 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 UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.

Advertised: Nov 13 2024 Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: Feb 7 2025 Eastern Standard Time