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
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 diversity activities and
initiatives in the College to promote an inclusive campus environment where all students feel they belong and thrive academically. Recruits
talented students; one-on-one and small group coaching and mentoring of CNS students, especially among traditionally marginalized groups in
the sciences; and supports and contributes to the development and offering of student success programs that foster academic success,
community, and career preparedness. The Assistant Director reports to the Director and contributes to data-based assessment of programmatic
needs and effectiveness.
Essential Functions
- Contributes to designing and offering strategies
and programming to improve the retention and timely graduation of all students in STEM, and especially those underserved, in conjunction
with the Director and Associate Director, using student success data (Flagship Analytics, focus groups, surveys). - Contributes to
offering, supporting, and assessing the current (Bio-Pioneers, Lee-SIP) and future student success programs. - Manages budgets and
reporting of grant or donor-funded student success programs for which they are responsible. - Works with colleagues in other STEM
colleges on programs to recruit and retain traditionally marginalized groups in the sciences. - Provides comprehensive,
individualized, and small group culturally competent student success coaching 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. - Assists students in
placement within research labs and internships. - Represents CNS on college and University-level committees and councils and
participates in evening and weekend activities including but not limited to Fall Visit Days, Destination Days, Senior Celebration,
Undergraduate Commencement and other activities and events that may be developed. - Effectively communicates undergraduate
opportunities to students through social media, orientations, workshops, webinars, email, and in-person coaching.
Other Functions
- Works collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, equality and
inclusiveness. - Works in partnership with colleagues within the CNS community and across the campus to support the Dean’s strategic
priorities. - Performs other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of the College of Natural Sciences.
Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
- Bachelor’s degree and one (1) year of experience in higher education or a 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
Special Instructions to Applicants
Along with the application, please submit a resume and cover letter.
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.
Source ⇲
