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
Under the general direction of the Deputy Dean of Students, the Associate Dean of Students provides leadership, oversight, supervision, and strategic direction to Dean of Students Office staff coordinating crises response, case management, basic needs initiatives, and community education. Represents and acts in place of the Deputy Dean of Students in their absence.
Essential Functions
- Provides leadership, oversight, supervision, and strategic direction to Dean of Students Office staff coordinating crises response, case management, basic needs, community education, programs, and services.
- Directs the implementation and evaluation of policies, procedures, and prevention efforts related to crises response, case management and basic needs initiatives.
- Provides supervision for professional staff within the Dean of Students Office; responsible for recruiting, training, and evaluating the performance of direct reports.
- Develops, implements, and manages the Dean of Students Office Emergency On-Call Crisis policies and procedures and supports the student death response protocol.
- Develops and implements risk assessment protocols, convenes the CARE team to review referrals for students in distress, identify and coordinate intervention plans, and serves as a liaison to the University’s Behavioral Intervention team.
- Develops and implements policies and procedures for the management of short-term loans, emergency response fund, student care supply closet, and grants geared toward basic needs initiatives.
- Serves as the final signature for undergraduate withdrawal process.
- Serves as the University representative for crises response with internal and external stakeholders including, but not limited to, local law enforcement and governmental agencies.
- Maintains effective partnerships with key departments including, Residential Life, Center for Counseling and Psychological Health, Student Success, UMass Amherst Police Department, Financial Aid Services, Bursars Office, Equal Opportunity and Access Office, and the Office of Equity and Inclusion.
- Develops and implements a comprehensive assessment plan of student learning outcomes and programs and services for assigned areas of responsibility.
- Responsible for the maintenance of Dean of Students Office student educational records.
- Serves as the campus administrator of the CARE database (Symplicity), and establishes and implements standards of use, and trains campus users.
- Supports the development and management of the budgets in collaboration with SACL finance. Reviews, understands, and manages relevant budgets; strategically seeks, advocates for, and/or reallocates resources across areas of responsibility consistent with divisional priorities.
- Oversees the creation and maintenance of all department communication, publication, and marketing materials.
- Stays abreast of legislation, legal precedent, and best practices as they relate to student services and student crisis response; takes steps to ensure policy and procedures are updated accordingly.
- 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, and students.
- Represents the 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 in a related field including but not limited to higher education, student affairs, public policy, counseling, or education.
- Seven (7) years progressive experience proving services to students at a residential college or university which includes significant and direct experience in crises response and management, in coordinating programs and services to meet student’s basic needs.
- 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 Microsoft office suite 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 boxes and materials that weigh up to 30 pounds.
Work Schedule
- Typical work schedule: Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:00pm.
- Required to work some nights and weekends, including on-call coverage.
Salary Information
Level 30
PSU Hiring Ranges
Special Instructions to Applicants
Upload your 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.