Careers

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 New England Center of Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases (NEWVEC) Program Coordinator and Regional Extension Agent at Large is responsible for managing the community of practice component of the program and serving as the overarching regional extension educator.

Essential Functions

• Serve on the NEWVEC leadership team and lead the critical facets of engaged research and training programs.
• Oversee and coordinate outreach programs and events.
• Develop training materials.
• Partner with the PI and senior leadership to assess strategic plans, research activities and programmatic performance indicators.
• Serve as liaison with NEWVEC participating institutions and community stakeholders.
• Carry out evidence-based, engaged outreach to parts of New England that currently lack adequate access to practitioner services.
• Support practitioners in health agencies and extension programs by contributing access to up-to-date informational resources.
• Disseminate research outcomes and evidence-based recommendations from the NEWVEC Center to community practitioners.
• Promote and recruit a broad network of affiliate organizations aligned with the NEWVEC mission and able to amplify its message.
• Coordinate a network of trainers and training opportunities to ensure that content is in alignment with best evidence and corresponding practice.

Other Functions

• Work collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, diversity, 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 (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure) 

• Bachelor's degree and six (6) years of experience in communications and project administration; a Master's degree may substitute for two (2) years of the required experience.
• Excellent organizational skills and acute attention to detail. Demonstrated ability to effectively address complex issues.
• Excellent ability to demonstrate fairness and diplomacy. 
• Superb problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent writing and editing skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to develop and maintain productive relationships.
• Ability to coordinate and work well with a variety of constituents.
• Ability to ensure compliance with rules, policies, and procedures governing assigned activities. 
• Excellent computer skills including MS Office and the ability to quickly learn grant related systems. 
• Proficiency with online application protocols required by funding agencies. 

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

• Experience managing similar programs. 
• Advanced degree with a research focus and experience working in a research environment. 

Physical Demands/Working Conditions 

• Typical office environment.

Additional Details 

• May supervise graduate and undergraduate assistants.   
• Will require significant regional travel.
• Assume other duties as requested by the Director.
• This is a two-year, term-limited position, contingent upon renewal of funding.

Work Schedule 

• Work schedule will vary; three months hybrid and then fully on site.

Salary Information 

Level 28

PSU Salary Ranges 

Special Instructions to Applicants 

Along with the application, please submit a resume, cover letter, and a Contributions to Inclusive Excellence Statement (see below). 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 here: https://www.umass.edu/strategicplan/strategic-plan. For this reason, we request that all applicants submit a Contributions to Inclusive Excellence Statement that addresses how you see yourself contributing to our community and campus climate and/or our shared goals of building a more inclusive, equitable, and diverse community.

The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.