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 Senior Academic Advisor for Graduate Programs provides comprehensive advising for graduate students within the Manning College of Information and Computer Sciences (CICS).  Works closely with advising personnel to ensure high quality advising and academic services and demonstrates a commitment to engaging students and contributing to their success. 

Essential Functions

• Provides comprehensive, individualized advising to a diverse population of graduate students. Helps students select courses that match their academic or career interests and fulfill their program requirements. Responds to at-risk students experiencing academic and personal difficulties, addressing relevant issues and making appropriate referrals to university resources.  
• Participates in the planning, implementation, and development of innovative programs designed to enhance retention, community and belonging, and academic progress. Represents CICS on relevant college and university-level committees and councils. 
• Provides mentorship and support for international students through both individual and group activities to ensure student success and sense of belonging. Advises students on academic and career next steps in compliance with F-1, J-1, and other visa types. 
• Collaborates with the Assistant Director of Admissions to facilitate communication with admitted graduate students. Leads information sessions for new and admitted graduate students, both online and in-person. Maintains, updates, and shares information related to Canvas, new student orientation, and mentoring programs. 
• Supports recruitment goals and initiatives created by the Assistant Director of Admissions and makes recommendations based on trends among our graduate student population.  Assists with recruitment and admissions events including the annual “Candidate Friday” for admitted PhD students.  
• Provides support for students interested in, and accepted to, the Accelerated MS program in consultation with the Assistant Director of Graduate Student Advising and Success. Helps maintain programs to prepare students for the transition from undergraduate to graduate programs to foster student success. 
• Participates in and promotes evening and weekend advising related activities (e.g., career and advising fairs, industrial affiliates events, student support and community events, etc.). 
• Liaises with other units on campus such as the Graduate School, Dean of Students Office, Center for Counseling and Psychological Services, Office of Global Affairs, and Disability Services to promote graduate student success and retention. 
• Collaborates with faculty, program directors, staff, and students to develop, update, and maintain our graduate programs. 
• Completes special projects as requested to support the college’s mission. 
• Attends regional advising conferences and other professional development events. 

Other Functions

• Performs other duties as assigned or required to meet department, college, or university goals and objectives. 
• May collaborate with CICS Careers and the Office of Global Affairs (OGA) to advise and facilitate Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) in accordance with college and university policy. May approve and/or track graduate student CPT and OPT. 
• Understands responsibilities with respect to Title IX, FERPA, and other compliance requirements.  
• 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 defined by personal and professional competence, integrity, and collaboration. Understands and contributes to implementation of departmental and institutional goals for achieving non-discrimination and creating a respectful, inclusive environment that is supportive of diversity. 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)

• Bachelor’s degree and at least 3 years of experience in academic admissions, academic advising, residential life, student activities, education, recruiting, counseling, or a related field. A master's degree or higher in a related field may be substituted for two years of experience. 
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interact effectively and create and maintain harmonious relationships with a diverse population of staff, faculty, students, and off-campus constituents. Ability and willingness to work empathetically with a diverse student population and contribute to their success. 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to write concisely, express thoughts clearly, and develop ideas in a logical sequence. 
• Independent initiative. Must have the ability to stay on task and work productively with a minimum amount of supervision or guidance. Willingness to take on a variety of tasks related to the successful operation of the graduate programs office. The ability to adapt and work effectively as the college and graduate programs team grow. 
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail with the ability to complete assignments in a timely manner, balancing the demands of concurrent and potentially competing projects. 
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain confidentiality. The ability to think through problems, organize and seek out data/information, identify key factors and underlying causes, and generate solutions. 
• Strong computer skills including at least intermediate expertise with: 
  • Email. 
  • Calendar systems such as Outlook or Google. 
  • Word processing software such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs. 
  • Spreadsheets such as Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets. 
  • Ability and willingness to travel occasionally to conferences and special events. 

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

• Master's degree or higher in education, guidance and/or counseling, or a closely related field. 
• Demonstrated experience planning events and programs for diverse groups of people.  
• Experience working with international students. 

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

Typical office environment.  

Work Schedule

• Monday - Friday, 37.5 hours. 
• 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 26. 

PSU Hiring Ranges. 

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references. 

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