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

Under the general supervision of the Deputy Dean of Students, the Assistant Dean of Students for Conflict Resolution has primary responsibility for the day-to-day implementation of conflict resolution services for students. The Assistant Dean will utilize relevant student development, restorative justice, social justice, and conflict resolution theory and practice to develop and implement alternative and adaptable conflict resolution processes. 

Essential Functions

• Provides day to day direction and strategic vision to the implementation of conflict resolution services to students.
• Assists students within the University community in addressing student conflicts. Listens, discusses issues, answers question, interprets policies, provides information and referrals to other resources, when appropriate, and helps develop options for conflict resolution.
• Manages the conflict resolution process by utilizing a variety of techniques such as dialogue, conflict coaching, facilitated dialogue, mediation, restorative practices and shuttle diplomacy.
• Recruits, selects, trains and evaluates student employees facilitating training and conflict resolution services.
• Develops, plans and delivers ongoing training to students on conflict resolutions processes.
• Formulates, manages, monitors and assesses the overall goals, programs, and measures of effectiveness of processes.
• Collects, analyzes, and reports trend data, makes appropriate recommendations for the revision of existing policies or practices, and uses data to inform training, best practices, and community initiatives.
• Stays current on best practices in order to promote the highest level of professionalism and integrity.
• Contributes to Student Affairs and Campus Life educational initiatives including, but not limited to, those coordinated by New Student Orientation and Transition, Student Conduct and Community Standards Office, Residential Life, Center for Multicultural Advancement and Student Success.
• Conducts programs and training and may assist in transporting materials and supplies.

Other Functions

• Performs related duties as assigned or required. Understands responsibilities with respect to Title IX, Clery and other compliance requirements. 
• Demonstrates capacity, skill, and willingness to engage students and contribute to student success. 
• Understands responsibilities with respect to conflicts of interest and behaves in ways consistent both with law and with University policy. 
• Contributes toward creating a positive and respectful workplace. Uses access to sensitive and/or not yet public University-related information only in the performance of the responsibilities of position and exercises care to prevent unnecessary disclosure to others. 

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

• Master’s Degree in a related field including but not limited to Higher Education, Student Affairs, Mediation/Conflict Resolution Training, and Counseling Education.
• Five years’ experience providing services to students at a residential college or university which includes significant and direct experience in student conduct and conflict resolution services.
• Experience working in medium to large residential campus.
• Experience using a web-based conduct software platform to initiate, track, and record student matters.
• Demonstrated computer skills including word processing, spreadsheets, and web-based applications.
• Demonstrated experience working with diverse populations and in developing inclusive communities and work teams.
• Demonstrated experience creating and delivering trainings, workshops, and presentations.
• Excellent communication (oral and written) and presentation skills.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Typical office environment/activity.
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds without restrictions.

Work Schedule

• Typical work schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm.
• Required to work some nights and weekends, including on-call coverage.
• Position tasks are generally required to be performed in-person with some flexibility for a remote or hybrid work schedule, on occasion. 

Salary Information

• PSU Level 28
• Exempt Hiring Ranges

Special Instructions to Applicants

Upload your 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. Early submissions are recommended.

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, or genetic information 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 the UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.