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 Director of Advising oversees advising programs and services for Commonwealth Honors College (CHC) students, developing academic plans to progress toward completion of an Honors graduation plan. The Director collaborates on program initiatives within CHC and University-wide and leads the development and delivery of programs and services that enhance student success, retention, and advancement. The Director directs New Students’ Orientation and Transitions and advising services for honors students and develops CHC advisor training and professional development activities. They direct work assignments and evaluate performance for exempt and non-exempt staff.  

Responsibilities include the supervision of Advising staff and the management of the Bloom Honors Advising Center, including operations and budget. They serve on CHC's Unit Director Team to address emerging CHC issues. 

Essential Functions 

• Directs advising staff on approved policies & procedures, identifies emerging policy issues, and collaborates with the Senior Assistant Dean for Academic Success, Associate Dean for Curriculum and Academic Oversight or other staff as appropriate. Manages a system to monitor advising activity; develops data gathering methods to generate appropriate reports for strategic planning activities, program evaluations, and advising assessment. 

• Manages advising activities while directly supervising non-exempt and exempt staff, as well as indirectly supervising graduate and undergraduate student staff in CHC Advising. Prepares & adjusts staffing in response to peak pre-registration periods. 

• Ensures consistent tracking, monitoring & documentation of academic progress and timely progress towards one of the curriculum tracks (70+) for more than 3500 Honors students. 

• Develops & delivers innovative programs to increase student retention, student success and provide support to current CHC students in residential programs. Works with the Senior Assistant Dean, Associate Deans and Dean of CHC to design and deliver services to internal & external CHC transfer students, students on academic warning or academic probation with CHC, and those recently reinstated in CHC. 

• Collaborates with the Senior Assistant Dean, Associate Dean for Curriculum and Academic Oversight, and the Associate Dean of Recruitment and Belonging on Residential Academic Programs (RAPS) co-curricular programming as necessary and relevant. 

• Analyzes and uses student data to inform and improve programmatic and individual student advising performance and uses computer-based registration and academic records technology, such as Spire, Navigate, or other University technology. 

• Directs advisor training programs for all categories of advisors (professional, graduate teaching assistants, peer advisors and summer faculty advisors). Supports staff growth and development through workshops and conferences, as funds permit (for example NACADA or NCHC). 

• Collaborates with CHC Dean, Associate Deans, Senior Assistant Dean and CHC Directors on advising & program planning, personnel management, budget, communication initiatives, etc. Also collaborates with the Honors Experience and Student Success Coordinator and other stakeholders as relevant to support Commonwealth Honors College as a functioning inclusive student success community. 

• Serves as a member of the college leadership team comprised of CHC Unit Directors, the CHC Data Sharing team, and the CHC Student Success Collective.

• Partners with the Director of ONSA to co-supervise a joint Academic and Scholarship Advisor position. 

Other Functions 

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

• Demonstrates capacity, skill and willingness to engage students and contribute to student success. 

• Works collaboratively with CHC colleagues and other campus stakeholders to fulfill the mission of Student Affairs and Campus Life, and Student Success. 

• Establishes and continually updates knowledge of Honors graduation requirements, and thesis options, well as CHC and campus resources. 

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

• Master's degree in Higher Education or related field.   

• Four (4) years of academic or career advising experience in a higher education setting.

• Three (3) years of supervisory and/or staff training experience in an advising or academic support unit with a diverse team that includes professional and support staff.

• Experience with staff training, evaluation and development of advising methods. 

• The ability to use data analytics and associated tools to proactively identify patterns across student outcomes and profiles and to organize and evaluate the success of programming, workshops, and communication channels. 

• Strong computer skills including proficiency with spreadsheets, word processing, email, calendar programs & database programs. 

• Demonstrated ability to work independently to organize multiple tasks and set priorities for action, in a fast-paced office environment; ability to stay abreast and train others about a wide array of complex curricular information and academic policies/procedures such as FERPA and Title IX. 

• Solid oral, written, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills. Strong organizational and problem-solving skills as well as the ability to interact effectively and create and maintain harmonious relationships with a diverse population of staff, faculty, and students.  

• Experience in serving a large, culturally diverse student population including first year and academically at-risk students as well as some experience with thesis and/or research completion.  

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

• Five years of academic or career advising experience in a higher education setting. 

• Experience in monitoring budgets, setting spending priorities, and authorizing expenditures for a business unit. 

Physical Demands/Working Conditions 

Typical office environment. 

Work Schedule 

• Monday – Friday, 37.5 hours/week. 

• Required to work some nights and weekends. 

Salary Information 

Salary Level 29

Exempt Hiring Ranges

Special Instructions to Applicants 

Upload your resume, cover letter and a Diversity Statement (see below), 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. 

The Diversity Statement should identify previous experience and future goals. These contributions may result from lived experiences, academic and/or professional experiences, and/or mentoring, teaching, and outreach activities. 

The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.