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 Program Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operational management of the Center for Latin American, Caribbean and Latino Studies (CLACLS). Serves in a variety of roles including office manager, business and personnel manager, and communications, outreach, and events manager.
Essential Functions
- Serves as office manager by providing leadership and problem-solving initiative in the day-to-day administrative and operational functions of CLACLS and as needed other area studies programs. Develops and implements various administrative procedures to ensure efficiency and that goals of the program are met. Oversees program space allocation and maintenance of public and office space. Serves as liaison to Physical Plant and Information Technology. Collaborates with the Director on a variety of special projects including strategic planning or program reviews.
- Serves as financial manager by analyzing program resources and budgets. Makes strategic recommendations to the Directors on current and projected status of overall financial or personnel operations in the programs; works collaboratively on budget and personnel planning. Authorizes the Center’s financial transactions and prepares purchase orders. Administers bank card accounts for program purchases. Processes payments as needed.
- Collaborates with the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences’ (SBS) communications team to manage the program’s website. Manages the design, copy, and distribution of program brochures, forms, and quarterly newsletter. Writes and edits copy, as needed for social media and alumni newsletters.
- Develops and executes a variety of events, including public lectures and conferences. Coordinates publicity, secures venue, catering, necessary campus resources, hotel arrangements, honoraria, and travel reimbursements.
Other Functions
Performs other duties as assigned or required showing adaptability and flexibility to accomplish goals.
Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
- Bachelor’s degree and two years of financial, marketing, or program administration experience.
- Broad understanding of office management, financial administration, and operations. Ability to work effectively under pressure and varying situations with a very high degree of independence, initiative, competent judgment, and discretion.
- Advanced computer usage skills, including Microsoft Office and Google Suite, and the ability to quickly learn a variety of software systems relevant to the position.
- Advanced project management and organizational skills. Excellent problem-solving skills and collaborative work style.
- Ability to carry out assignments in a timely manner, balancing the demands of concurrent and potentially competing projects.
- Excellent writing and interpersonal communication skills including the ability to interact effectively and create and maintain harmonious relationships with a diverse population of staff, faculty, students, and off-campus constituents.
Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
- Fluency in Spanish, Portuguese, or other non-English language spoken in Latin America.
- Experience with event management.
Physical Demands/Working Conditions
Typical office work environment.
Work Schedule
- Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm.
- This is a 43-week, 50% time position.
- 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 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 25
PSU Hiring Ranges
Special Instructions to Applicants
Upload your cover letter and resume, 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.
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.