Assistant Director for Student Success Outreach (Hybrid Opportunity)

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

As a member of the Undergraduate Student Success Center team, the Assistant Director for Student Success Outreach develops, implements, and assesses programs and services that support the academic success, sense of belonging, persistence, and degree completion of undergraduates, with a particular focus on first-generation college students and transfer students. A key aspect of this position involves demystifying university life by providing accessible resources, mentorship opportunities, and guidance. The Assistant Director collaborates with colleagues in Student Success Outreach and other units campus-wide, including academic advising and Student Affairs & Campus Life.

Essential Functions

• Designs, implements, and assesses campus-wide initiatives for first-generation and transfer students, including recognition events and initiatives, large-scale signature events, dedicated drop-in hours, newsletters and outreach messaging, and ongoing events and workshop series.
• Creates and publishes engaging written and visual content related to transfer and first-generation student success for various platforms (e.g., social media, webpages, and newsletters).
• Designs and delivers training sessions for campus partners (e.g., advisors, instructors, and staff) to enhance their understanding and support of first-generation and transfer students.
• Leads implementation and assessment of comprehensive student financial literacy programming and collaborates with campus partners (e.g., Financial Aid Office, Bursar's Office, Career Development, etc.) to manage content updates and promotion.
• Analyzes data related to the success of transfer and first-generation students (e.g., academic performance, retention, and graduation rates) and provides synthesized reports and presentations to Center colleagues and campus decision-makers as needed.
• Serves as subject matter expert and campus resource on current trends and best practices on first-generation student success, transfer student success, and financial wellness.
• Represents UMass Amherst and the Undergraduate Student Success Center in national student success initiatives, such as First Gen Forward and opportunities offered by the National Institute for the Study of Transfer Students.
• Provides data and consultation to the Director for Student Success Outreach on resource and budget strategy.
• Actively participates in Student Success unit activities (e.g., presentations, tabling, and other events as needed).
• Represents the unit and its support services to prospective students.
• Provides oversight, training, and support to a team of undergraduate student employees who facilitate peer workshops and perform office duties.

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

• Bachelor's degree with four (4) years of related experience in student success programs, academic advising, student affairs, and/or higher education.
  
  
  
  • Master's degree or higher in a related field may be substituted for two (2) years of required experience.
  
  
  
  
• Demonstrated leadership experience coordinating and assessing programs for college students.
• Outstanding organizational and logistics management skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to facilitate workshops and give clear and effective presentations.
• Strong content development skills (e.g., social media, website copy, visual presentations and graphics, etc.).
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and see projects through to completion.
• Strong computer skills, including website management, social media management, word processing, and spreadsheets.
• Ability to research, analyze, and synthesize data and use it create clear reports and presentations.

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

• Master's degree in education, counseling, student affairs, or a related field.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the unique challenges and needs of first-generation college and transfer students, either through previous work experience or academic research or projects.
• Previous professional experience working with first-generation college and/or transfer students in a higher education setting.
• Knowledge of current trends and best practices in first-generation college and transfer student success.
• Previous experience with assessment and data analysis in a professional or academic setting.
• Experience in a diverse or large public university setting.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Typical office environment.

Work Schedule

• Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm.
• Occasional evening or weekend work may be required.
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  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

PSU Level 27

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.

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination 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 UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.