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 Dean and Executive Director of the SBS Pathways Center provides leadership and oversight of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences’ (SBS) Pathways Center and all departmental and College advisors within SBS. Under the supervision of and in collaboration with the Senior Associate Dean for Education and Student Development, the Assistant Dean and Executive Director of the SBS Pathways Center develops, implements, coordinates, promotes, and assesses student success needs and initiatives for SBS.

Essential Functions

• Leads the SBS Advising Network and the Directors of Undergraduate Advising (DUAs) Committee and provides functional leadership to all departmental, college, and Exploratory Track advisors.
• Designs and implements programs to enhance advisor effectiveness and facilitate communication and exchange of information among advising staff and other University constituencies.
• Manages, tracks, and analyses data from the Navigate360 Academic Alert program for SBS students. Liaises with Undergraduate Student Success and Provost’s Office, coordinates with Department DUAs for student follow-up.
• Works with external constituencies such as alumni, donors, prospective students and their families and institutions, and professionals at other colleges and universities.
• Serves as FERPA Compliance Officer for the unit, training all staff to ensure the confidentiality of all academic records in accordance with Commonwealth and Federal regulations.
• Serves as chief liaison to the Registrar, Financial Aid Office, Dean of Students, campus-wide Student Success Office, Undergraduate Admissions, and other campus offices.
• Leads and organizes New Student and Family Programs college programs. Manages new student course advising as the SBS liaison to New Student and Family Programs, Office of Undergraduate Students Success, Registrar’s Office, and other relevant campus partners.
• Uses best practices and data systems to lead strategic planning and program development.
• Manages all events and initiatives for prospective and admitted students; Fall Visit Days, Destinations Days, Virtual Information Sessions, Friday Drop-In Sessions, and any college-level emails or mailings. Meet with prospective students and their families and respond to email requests. Serves as the liaison between enrollment management and the Directors of Undergrade Advising in SBS.
• In collaboration with the Academic Deans, provides advice and handles complex student problems with extenuating circumstances, academic jeopardy, or unusually difficult academic problems. Advises students on emergency situations and on referral from other University agencies. Counsels students on reinstatement and readmissions options after academic suspension or dismissal. Acts as counselor to students, guiding them through university support policies networks and academic policy.
• As needed, reviews and makes determinations on undergraduate Dean actions, including but not limited to student withdrawals from classes, no record drops, late pass/fails, late course additions, course change requests, third repeat requests, repeat course substitution, UWW (CPE) internships and UWW (CPE) independent studies, credit overloads, approval to exceed 10/12 semesters, approval Satisfactory Academic Progress Plans for Financial Aid, University withdrawals, and petitions to the Committee on Admissions and Records.
• As Executive Director, leads office management. This includes student intake procedures, office facilities, and the operating budget.
• Teaches a 1-credit First Year Seminar course and other relevant student success courses. 

Other Functions

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

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

• Master’s degree.
• 5 years of experience in college level programs focused on undergraduate student success.
• Strong management and supervisory skills.
• Ability to successfully interact with a student body representing a range of socio-economic backgrounds.
• Understanding of and appreciation for current principles and methods of academic advising.
• Strong interpersonal, collaboration, writing, and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated student-centered approach to teaching, mentoring, advocacy, and program design.

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

• Ph.D. or Ed.D.
• Understanding of and appreciation for the goals and values of an undergraduate social sciences education within a major research university.
• Experience teaching credit-bearing courses focusing on areas of college adjustment, university resources and support, and major exploration.
• Able to fulfill responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.
• Familiarity with UMass Amherst student advising data platforms and Flagship Analytics.
• Background in UMass Amherst academic policies.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Typical office work environment.

Work Schedule

• Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm.
• Occasional night or weekend hours may be required.
• 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 is non-unit, it is subject to the terms and conditions of the University of Massachusetts Board of Trustees Non-Unit (Professional/or Classified) Employee Personnel Policy.

Salary Information

• Salary commensurate to experience.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Upload your resume and cover letter, 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.