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
Under the general supervision of the Associate Dean of Students and Director of New Student Orientation, Transitions, and Family Programs, the Associate Director performs a variety of functions and responsibilities related to the delivery of student services with primary responsibility for management and implementation of the new student orientation, transitions, and family programs for undergraduate students and their families.
Essential Functions
- Assists in the management of the New Student Orientation, Transitions, and Family Programs Office and responsible for the day-to-day oversight of office operations including triaging of calls and email communication.
- Assists in the development, implementation and evaluation of policies, procedures, and efforts related to New Student Orientation, Transition, and Family Programs.
- Coordinates and leads the development and implementation of comprehensive transition programs for multiple populations in the Fall and Spring including Next for the U, Guide to the U, Ready for the U, and Welcome to the U.
- Directly supervises Assistant Directors for New Student Orientation, Transition and Family Programs and 2-3 graduate interns and indirectly supervises 60-75 student employees. Manages the recruitment, hiring, training and evaluation of graduate and undergraduate staff.
- Responsible for managing all technical aspects of New Student Orientation, Transition, and Family Programs including, but not limited to, managing all registration functions, coordinating online programs and initiatives.
- Responsible for the development and implementation of a comprehensive communications and publication plan for New Student Orientation, Transition, and Family Programs.
- Stays abreast of legislation, legal precedent, and best practices as they relate to new student orientation and transition programs and takes steps to ensure policy and procedures are updated accordingly.
- Supports the development and implementation of a comprehensive assessment plan for New Student Orientation, Transition, and Family Programs and services. Uses data and best practice to develop and implement programs and services for the campus community and provides support, consultation, and training for faculty, staff, students, and families.
- Assists in the maintenance of New Student Orientation, Transition, and Family Programs records including, but not limited to, records of recruitment strategies, training schedules and materials, program schedules and materials, and assessment projects.
- Maintains effective partnerships with key departments including, but not limited to, Student Affairs and Campus Life departments, Administration and Finance, Academic Affairs including Colleges and Departments, University Relations, and Enrollment Management.
- Supports the management of the departmental office budget including completing purchasing and vendor agreements.
- Represents New Student Orientation, Transition, and Family Programs, Dean of Students Office, and Dean of Students Collaborative on university committees.
- Conducts programs and trainings and may assist in transporting materials and supplies.
Other Functions
- Performs related duties as assigned or required. Understands responsibilities with respect to Title IX, Clery and other compliance requirements.
- Demonstrates capacity, skill, and willingness to engage students and contribute to student success.
- Understands responsibilities with respect to conflicts of interest and behaves in ways consistent both with law and with university policy.
- Contributes toward creating a positive and respectful workplace. Uses access to sensitive and/or not yet public university related information only in the performance of the responsibilities of position and exercises care to prevent unnecessary disclosure to others.
Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
- Master’s Degree.
- Four (4) years of related work experience including but limited to experience with developing, coordinating and/or working recruitment, orientation, and marketing related programs/events.
- Demonstrated ability and experience in developing and maintaining positive, collaborative relationships with internal and external constituencies.
- Experience using a web-based software platform to initiate, track, and record work.
- Demonstrated computer skills including word processing, Excel and web-based applications.
- Demonstrated experience working with diverse populations and in developing inclusive communities and work teams.
- Demonstrated experience creating and delivering trainings, workshops, and presentations.
- Excellent communication (oral and written) and presentation skills.
Physical Demands/Working Conditions
- Typical office environment.
- Ability to lift up to 30 pounds without restrictions.
Work Schedule
- Typical work schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm.
- Required to work some nights and weekends during orientation and Transitions periods as well as other Campus Events, as needed.
Salary Information
Level 29
PSU Hiring Ranges
Special Instructions to Applicants
Along with the application, please submit a resume. 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.