About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region. 

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 academic diversity activities and initiatives in the College to promote an inclusive campus environment and one where all students feel they belong and thrive academically. These activities and initiatives will include recruiting talented students; one-on-one and small group advising and mentoring of CNS students, especially among traditionally marginalized groups in the sciences; and supporting and contributing to the development and offering of student success programs that foster academic success, community, and career preparedness. The Assistant Director will report to the Director and will use computer-based registration and academic records technology, such as Spire and EAB, and will contribute to data-based assessment of programmatic effectiveness.  

Essential Functions

• Provides comprehensive, individualized, and small group culturally-competent advising 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. 
• Contributes to designing and offering strategies and programming to improve the retention and timely graduation of underserved students in STEM in conjunction with the Director and Associate Director using student success data (Flagship Analytics, focus groups, surveys). 
• Assists students in placement within research labs and internships. 
• Contributes to offering, supporting and assessing the current ( CNS Peer Leader Program, BioPioneers, Lee-SIP) and future student success programs. 
• Manages budgets and reporting of grant or donor-funded student success programs for which they are responsible. 
• Represents CNS on college and University-level committees and councils and participates in evening and weekend activities including but not limited to Destination Days, Senior Celebration, Undergraduate Commencement and other activities and events that may be developed. 
• Works with colleagues in other STEM colleges on programs to recruit and retain traditionally marginalized groups in the sciences. 
• Effectively communicates undergraduate opportunities to students through social media, orientations, workshops, webinars, email, and in-person advising. 

Other Functions

• Works collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, diversity, equality and inclusiveness.  
• Works in partnership with colleagues within the CNS community and across the campus to support the University’s and Dean’s strategic priorities. 
• Performs other related duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of the College of Natural Science. 

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

• Bachelor's Degree and one year of experience in academic advising in higher education or 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 Salary Ranges 

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume, cover letter which should include a diversity statement (see below) and a statement of your advising philosophy and 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.

As part of a commitment to their own multicultural community, CNS seeks an individual with a demonstrated commitment to diversity and one who will understand and embrace university initiatives and aspirations. (https://www.cns.umass.edu/diversity-equity-inclusion)

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University.  To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans.  It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.