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 inaugural Director of Faculty Recognition and Awards works with the Provost, Executive Deputy Provost, and other members of the leadership team to lead key initiatives across Academic Affairs that increase wide recognition for outstanding UMass Amherst faculty research, scholarship, and creative works and raises the national and international profile of UMass Amherst. The Director plays a crucial role as the campus lead for broadening internal and external collaborations to elevate UMass Amherst's number of nominations and overall competitive position for highly visible awards, including national and international honors, memberships, and fellowships granted by prestigious foundations and societies. This position drives the development of new initiatives that support faculty award nominations, including identifying new opportunities, providing nomination support, and capturing and assessing data for continuous improvement of systems. 

Essential Functions

• Facilitates and drives key initiatives, including development, execution, and assessment, that will facilitate the elevation of UMass Amherst’s competitive position for highly visible awards.
• In partnership with the Provost and Executive Vice Provost, develops and implements a strategic plan to increase the number and quality of award nominations for outstanding faculty research, scholarship, and creative works. 
• Maintains a comprehensive database of national and international faculty awards, using past submissions and data to drive strategies for future successful award nominations. 
• Works with academic departments, schools, and colleges, as well as other units such as the Office of Research and Engagement and the UMass Amherst Foundation, to identify, initiate, and enhance award programs and relationships with professional organizations across disciplines. 
• Serves as the chief liaison with external groups, granting agencies, and professional organizations to develop and foster partnerships. Stays abreast of UMass Amherst faculty research disciplines and achievements to proactively identify and provide outreach to eligible candidates for awards. 
• Provides comprehensive guidance on the award nomination process, including making data-driven recommendations on submissions and streamlining the collection and submission of required documents. 
• Designs and presents workshops and training sessions through the Office of Faculty Development to provide educational opportunities for faculty about award opportunities and navigating the nomination process. 
• Works closely with University Relations and school and college communications teams to systematically promote faculty achievements to enhance visibility and recognition. 
• Maintains detailed records of all nominations, applications, and outcomes for reporting and analysis. Conducts analysis on award data to develop best practices for the nomination process and impactful reports on faculty success. 

Other Functions

• Performs related duties as assigned or required to meet Department and University goals and objectives.
• Understands responsibilities with respect to conflicts of interest and behave in ways consistent both with law and with University policy. 

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

• Bachelor’s degree with at least six (6) years of professional experience, including at least four (4) years in an academic setting, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. One (1) year of advanced academia may be substituted for every one (1) year of relevant experience.
• Two (2) years of professional experience in a director-level position or higher. 
• Strong research and analytical skills, and the ability to collect and analyze data. 
• Ability to engage and partner successfully with faculty, administrators, staff, and external stakeholders. 
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills. Ability to write concisely, express thoughts clearly, and develop ideas in logical sequence. 
• Strong project management skills and the ability to adapt and work effectively in a new and growing initiative within the Office of the Provost.
• Strong computer skills, including at least intermediate expertise with e-mail, calendar systems, word processing software, spreadsheets, and databases. 

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

• Working knowledge of faculty scholarship and awards, and/or previous experience on the faculty at an institution of higher education.
• Previous experience with grant and award writing.
• Previous experience in academia. 

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Typical office environment. 
• Ability to travel as needed. 

Work Schedule

• Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 5:00pm.
• May be required to work some nights and weekends.
• 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 

Salary Level 28

Exempt Hiring Ranges

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.

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