Title: Clerical Assistant - Interdepartmental Graduate Programs

Executive Area: Academic Affairs

College/School/MBU: College of Natural Sciences

Department: Dean - Natural Sciences

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Part Time

Work Arrangement: Onsite

Job Summary

The Clerical Assistant provides administrative and program support for the Interdepartmental Graduate Programs (IDGPs) within the College of Natural Sciences (CNS), serving four graduate programs: Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB), Neuroscience and Behavior (NSB), Organismic and Evolutionary Biology (OEB), and Plant Biology (PB). Under the direction of the IDGP Business Manager, this position will assist in supporting student services, program coordination, seminars, admissions, events, and financial operations, and as a central point of contact for students, faculty, and program leadership.

Essential Functions

Serve as a first-line contact for IDGP students and respond to inquiries in a timely and professional manner.

Provide administrative support to faculty and program leadership, including meeting coordination, material preparation, and documentation.

Prepare correspondence, reports, and program materials.

Assist in preparing reports on student data, funding, and program activity.

Work with Program leads to update IDGP handbooks and materials.

Assist with coordinating seminars, including scheduling, speaker communication, and campus visit logistics.

Assist with travel arrangements and accommodations for visiting speakers.

Assist in scheduling classrooms and preparing seminar announcements.

Support new student orientation, including logistics, scheduling, and communications.

Assist with logistics for student and program events, including recruitment activities and retreats.

Financial and Operational Support.

Other Functions

Work collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, equality and inclusiveness.

Work in partnership with colleagues within the CNS community and across the campus to support the Dean’s strategic priorities.

Perform other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of the College of Natural Sciences.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent and Three (3) years of full-time or equivalent part-time clerical or administrative experience.

Strong organizational, communication, and customer service skills.

Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

Proficiency with standard office software and database systems.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in higher education or academic administration.

Familiarity with UMass systems (SPIRE, SLATE, PROGRADS, CONCUR, Drupal).

Experience supporting events, admissions, or financial processes.

Additional Details

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. These values and goals are reflected in the College of Natural Sciences’ Inclusive Excellence framework and in the UMass Amherst’s For the Common Good: 2024–2034 Strategic Plan.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a standard office or indoor university environment and involves minimal physical exertion.

Work Schedule and Work Arrangement

2 days a week - Monday / Tuesday and Thursday, 8:30am – 4:30pm

15-20 hours per week flexible schedule

Salary Information

Hourly Rate: $20-$25

Special Instructions for Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume.

This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.