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

Under the direct supervision of the College of Natural Sciences (CNS) Assistant Academic Dean, the Assistant Director of Retention and Student Success will help develop a comprehensive program to increase student retention and graduation rates. This position will provide academic advising for undergraduate students with a specific focus on reducing the number of students in academic jeopardy and will assist with the planning and implementation of proactive CNS programs and services to enhance the success and retention of CNS undergraduate students.

Essential Functions

• Coordinate Academic Alert process in partnership with CNS academic programs within the College of Natural Science and develop and implement strategies to increase student retention and graduation rates based on academic alerts received and utilizing current database tools.
• Lead the development and execution of a college-wide retention-focused advising program, based on best practices and analysis of outcome disaggregated data, to support and mentor students on academic probation or returning from suspension. Expand and refine these programs to other populations in academic jeopardy, including students with academic warnings and students reinstated from suspension or dismissal.
• Identify required courses with high attrition and failure rates (DFW), and develop interventions appropriate for students at risk.
• Provide comprehensive, individualized, and small group advising to a diverse population of students during the academic year, and registration periods, as needed. 
• Collaborate on the review of CNS academic petitions and forms (e.g., Late Add, Late Withdrawal, Late Pass/Fail, Credit Overload) with the academic deans.
• Serve as primary advisor for the CNS Science major.
• Respond to common issues such as registration-related matters including fulfilling University general education requirements, interpreting major and college requirements and providing guidance for dual degrees, double majors, and minors.
• Develop and implement strategies to assist students with matters of goal setting, self-assessment and time management skills, and decision-making such as establishing an academic plan, choosing a major, selecting courses, and reviewing degree audit tools.
• Respond to at-risk students experiencing academic and personal difficulties by addressing relevant issues and making appropriate referrals to University agencies.
• Respond to and manage high-stress and sensitive inquiries from parents in accordance with FERPA and in a professional and respectful manner/tone.
• Participate in evening and weekend activities including Fall Visit Days, Destination Days, Senior Celebration, and other activities and events that may be developed.
• Contribute to the college-level graduation clearance process.

Other Functions

• Perform related duties as assigned or required to meet Department, College, and University goals and objectives.
• Understand responsibilities with respect to Title IX, FERPA, and other compliance requirements.
• Demonstrate capacity, skill and willingness to engage students and contribute to student success.
• Work collaboratively with other campus stakeholders to fulfill the mission of Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and Student Success.
• Work collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, equity, and inclusion. 
• Work in partnership with colleagues within the CNS community and across the campus to support the Dean’s strategic priorities.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree in Math, Science, or Higher Education and three (3) years of professional student-facing experience in higher education in areas such as student life, student success, or advising, OR Bachelor’s degree and five (5) years of professional experience in higher education in areas such as student life, student success, or advising.
• Excellent oral and written communication, strong organizational and interpersonal skills, and intermediate level computer proficiency. 
• Demonstrated ability to manage a high volume of complex and varied student/client needs.
• Able to take initiative and work both independently and collaboratively with various university personnel.

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

• Academic advising experience.
• Experience serving a culturally diverse population.
• Skilled in small group presentations and/or professional teaching experience.
• Demonstrated capacity for supervision of students and/or staff.
• Knowledge of university academic rules and regulations.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Monday - Friday, 9:00am - 5:00pm.
• Required to work some nights and weekends.

Work Schedule

• 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 27

PSU Hiring Ranges

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume, cover letter, and a statement of your advising philosophy and/or experience in student success. 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.