Careers at UMass Amherst

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

The Assistant Director of Global Launch provides leadership and oversight for the UMass Amherst Global Launch programs. The Assistant Director leads recruitment, enrollment and program development and management in consultation with the Executive Director of Global Education, and student support and success initiatives with the Director of Student Success Academic Programs.   

Essential Functions

• Oversees UMass Amherst Global Launch programs in collaboration with Executive Director of Global Education and Director of Student Success Academic Programs.  

• Works closely with third-party program providers to improve existing programs and implement new program models; reviews and approves contracts and proposals and routes them through the University procurement process; prepares and administers budgets. 

• Leads regular stakeholder meetings with third-party program providers to continually evaluate the student experience. Communicates and problem solves as needed with campus constituents and supports Executive Director of Global Education and Executive Director of Global Safety and Security in managing incident response. 

• Collaborates with academic departments and key campus constituents to refine and adapt curricular offerings, develop advising pathways and regularly communicate program updates to academic and advising staff in the colleges, and the Undergraduate Student Success Center. 

• Leads marketing, outreach, and recruitment strategy, including social media and web, for Global Launch programs in collaboration with Enrollment Management Team.   

• Responsible for the hiring, onboarding and supervision of program coordinators and program assistants. 

• Executes the pre- and post-Global Launch programs for all participants, including orientation programs, the transition for students arriving on the Amherst campus following a Global Launch semester, and the creation of a Global Launch alumni network. 

• Coordinates reporting of program evaluation and success and persistence data for program leadership.

Other Functions 

• Performs related duties as assigned or required to meet Department, Executive Area/Division, and University goals and objectives. 

• Understands responsibilities with respect to Title IX, Clery, and other compliance requirements.  

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

• Bachelor’s Degree and more than 3 years of experience working in higher education. 

• Demonstrated knowledge of best practices in higher education, including experience in academic advising, student support, or program administration. 

• Familiarity with contemporary student development and intercultural learning development theories, learning styles, and best practices. 

• Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills. 

• Capacity for regular use of student information systems and related software. 

• Ability to interact with students, parents and family members, administrators, faculty, and others in a highly professional manner.  

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

• Master’s Degree in international/area studies, counseling, higher education administration, languages and literature, or related field.  

• More than 3 years working in international education, higher education, academic advising.  

• Experience studying, working, or living in a cross-cultural and/or international environment.  

• Second language ability. 

• Experience in Navigate360, Slate, or Peoplesoft. 

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

Typical office environment  

Additional Details

• See https://www.umass.edu/global-affairs/ for more information about the Office of Global Affairs.

• This position reports to the Executive Director of Education Abroad with a dotted line to the Director of Student Success Academic Programs.  

Work Schedule

• Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm.  

• Required to work some evenings and weekends.  

• Occasional international and domestic travel required.  

Salary Information 

Salary Level 28.

Exempt Hiring Ranges.

Special Instructions to Applicants 

Upload your cover letter and resume, along with your completed application. Our team will check references at the final stage of the interview process. Please be prepared to provide contact information for at least three (3) professional references. This position will remain open until filled or the advertised closing date, whichever occurs first. Early submissions are recommended.

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.