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

Under the direct supervision of the College of Natural Sciences (CNS) Assistant Dean of Advising, the Assistant Director of Advising and Academic Success will manage all programming and advising activities associated with orientation for new students to the university, including advisor training and assessment. Provide complex comprehensive advising for upper-level students (sophomore-senior) in CNS majors. Ensure high quality advising and academic services for students, with particular emphasis on needs for sophomores, transfers, and students in academic jeopardy. Use computer-based registration and academic records technology to track student success. Is responsive to the widely varied needs of diverse student populations and work in a high volume and fast-paced work environment.

Essential Functions

• Collaborate with University leadership in the development and execution of the college level orientation programming and advising services for CNS incoming first-year and transfer students. Coordinate all new student advising activities for the college, using data analysis to design effective systems. Develop and facilitate all new student orientation presentations and programming.
• Recruit, hire, train, and supervise all course registration assistants for new student orientation periods.
• Manage communications for the CNS Student Success team, including but not limited to updating office website, development and dissemination of the CNS Student Success newsletter and social media outreach to students.
• Develop and coordinate transfer student success initiatives based on best practices and analysis of outcome disaggregated data to provide academic support and improve retention and time to degree. Collaborate with CNS Student Success and campus partners to provide resources and programming for transfer students. Teach Transfer Success Seminar, as needed.
• Provide comprehensive, individualized, and small group advising to a diverse population of students during the academic year, and registration periods, as needed. 
• Manage the CNS Peer Advising Program, including the advertising, selection, payment and supervision of the Peer Advisors. Offers the CNS Peer Advisors training in a fall offering of NATSCI  391A Seminar- CNS Peer Advising course.
• Coordinate college wide advising processes, projects and initiatives in collaboration with both first year and upper level advising. Support all advising programming efforts.
• Respond to common issues such as registration-related matters including fulfilling University general education requirements, interpreting major and college requirements and providing guidance for dual degrees, double majors, and minors.
• Develop and implement strategies to assist students with matters of goal setting, self-assessment and time management skills, and decision-making such as establishing an academic plan, choosing a major, selecting courses, and reviewing degree audit tools.
• Respond to at-risk students experiencing academic and personal difficulties by addressing relevant issues and making appropriate referrals to University agencies.
• Respond to and manage high-stress and sensitive inquiries from parents in accordance with FERPA and in a professional and respectful manner/tone.
• Participate in evening and weekend activities including Fall Visit Days, Destination Days, Senior Celebration, and other activities and events that may be developed.
• Contribute to the college-level graduation clearance process.

Other Functions

• Perform related duties as assigned or required to meet Department, College, and University goals and objectives.
• Understand responsibilities with respect to Title IX, FERPA, and other compliance requirements.
• Demonstrate capacity, skill and willingness to engage students and contribute to student success.
• Work collaboratively with other campus stakeholders to fulfill the mission of Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and Student Success.
• Work collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, equity, and inclusion. 
• Work in partnership with colleagues within the CNS community and across the campus to support the Dean’s strategic priorities.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree in Math, Science, or Higher Education and three (3) years of professional student-facing experience in higher education in areas such as student life, student success, or advising OR a Bachelor’s degree and five (5) years of professional experience in higher education in areas such as student life, student success, or advising.
• Excellent oral and written communication, strong organizational and interpersonal skills, and intermediate level computer proficiency. 
• Demonstrated ability to manage a high volume of complex and varied student/client needs.
• Able to take initiative and work both independently and collaboratively with various university personnel.

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

• Academic advising experience.
• Experience serving a culturally diverse population.
• Skilled in small group presentations and/or professional teaching experience.
• Demonstrated capacity for supervision of students and/or staff.
• Knowledge of university academic rules and regulations.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Monday - Friday, 9:00am - 5:00pm.
• 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

Level 27

PSU Hiring Ranges

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume, cover letter, and a statement of your advising philosophy and/or 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.

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.