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 Student Success and Diversity, works in conjunction with the Director and Associate Director of Student Success and Diversity in the College of Natural Sciences (CNS) to develop, organize, implement, and assess student success related to diversity activities and initiatives in the College to promote an inclusive campus environment where all students feel they belong and thrive academically. Recruits talented students; one-on-one and small group coaching and mentoring of CNS students, especially among traditionally marginalized groups in the sciences; and supports and contributes to the development and offering of student success programs that foster academic success, community, and career preparedness. The Assistant Director reports to the Director and contributes to data-based assessment of programmatic needs and effectiveness.
Essential Functions
- Contributes to designing and offering strategies and programming to improve the retention and timely graduation of all students in STEM, and especially those underserved, in conjunction with the Director and Associate Director, using student success data (Flagship Analytics, focus groups, surveys).
- Contributes to offering, supporting, and assessing the current (Bio-Pioneers, Lee-SIP) and future student success programs.
- Manages budgets and reporting of grant or donor-funded student success programs for which they are responsible.
- Works with colleagues in other STEM colleges on programs to recruit and retain traditionally marginalized groups in the sciences.
- Provides comprehensive, individualized, and small group culturally competent student success coaching to a diverse population of students during the summer and academic year.
- Assists students with matters that involve goal setting, self-assessment and time management skills, planning and decision-making such as establishing an academic plan, choosing a major within and outside of CNS, selecting courses, and evaluating courses for study-abroad experiences. Responds to at-risk students experiencing academic and often critical personal difficulties by addressing relevant issues and making appropriate referrals to University agencies.
- Responds to and manages high-stress and sensitive inquiries from parents in accordance with FERPA and in a highly professional and respectful manner and tone.
- Assists students in placement within research labs and internships.
- Represents CNS on college and University-level committees and councils and participates in evening and weekend activities including but not limited to Fall Visit Days, Destination Days, Senior Celebration, Undergraduate Commencement and other activities and events that may be developed.
- Effectively communicates undergraduate opportunities to students through social media, orientations, workshops, webinars, email, and in-person coaching.
Other Functions
- Works collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, equality and inclusiveness.
- Works in partnership with colleagues within the CNS community and across the campus to support the Dean’s strategic priorities.
- Performs other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of the College of Natural Sciences.
Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
- Bachelor's degree and one (1) year of experience in higher education or a student services area.
- Ability to work with a large, culturally diverse faculty and undergraduate populations.
- Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills. Demonstrates self-awareness, empathy, listening skills, and collaboration.
Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
- Master's degree in Higher Education, Guidance & Counseling, STEM, or related field.
- Experience in diversity, inclusion and equity work.
Physical Demands/Working Conditions
- Typical office environment.
Work Schedule
- Monday – Friday, 8:30 am -5:00 pm.
-
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 26
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.
At UMass Amherst and in CNS, we strive to be a community where every individual feels a sense of belonging, where every individual is included, and where every individual is valued. You can find these values and goals at: Inclusive Excellence : College of Natural Sciences : UMass Amherst, and For the Common Good - 2024-2034 : Strategic Plan : UMass Amherst.
The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.