Director of Advising & Academic Success at University of Massachusetts Amherst in Amherst, Massachusetts

Job Description:

Job no: 524396

Work type: Staff Full Time

Location: UMass Amherst

Department: Dean - Pub Health & Health Sci

Union: PSU

Categories: Academic Advising & Learning Resources, School of Public Health & Health Sciences

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 supervision of the Assistant Dean, the Director of Advising & Academic Success develops and implements advising interventions and directs staff in the delivery of advising services for undergraduate students needing to advance towards a major, establish good academic standing, or otherwise achieve academic success. The Director is responsible for coordination of special programs including Destination Days, Fall Visit Days, First Year Seminars, and leadership development programming.

Essential Functions

• Directly supports the work of the Academic Dean(s) by reviewing petitions, researching, soliciting, and organizing documentation to support the academic discipline and appeals process.


• Assists the Academic Dean(s) in preparing cases to be heard by the University's Committee on Admissions and Records (CAR).


• Directly Supervises the Assistant Director for Persistence and retention, academic advisors within OASCP, and oversees advising within SPHHS.


• Interprets policies, procedures and clarifies complex rules; serves as a resource to students, parents, members of the faculty, program advisors and staff.


• Intervenes with students and parents regarding academic discipline and responds to matters in the Academic Dean(s) absence.


• Develops materials and coordinates advisor training activities.


• Takes lead in the coordination and implementation of the New Student Orientation and Transitions program (NSOT).


• Assists with program assessments and prepares summary reports as needed.


• Maintains a liaison with many offices on campus, including but not limited to Undergraduate Registrar, Dean of Students, Disability Services, Learning Resource Center, Center for Student Development, Athletic Academic Support, and Center for Counseling and Psychological Health.


• Collaborates with the Assistant Dean to provide support for the SPHHS First Year Student Seminar Program.


• Participates in shared attendance at occasional evening or weekend activities, such as workshops or Admissions yield events.


• Represents the School to various on-campus entities, prospective students, parents, and other stakeholders.


• Develops metrics to evaluate the quality and effectiveness of student academic and career advising programs, retention, staff, and special events, including data analyses and report preparation. The data will be used in the development of innovative programs and strategic decision-making.


• Assumes leadership and responsibility for establishing an environment that promotes respect for students, faculty, and staff and recognizes initiative and excellence.

Other Functions

• Performs other duties as assigned.

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

• Master's Degree


• Five (5) years of experience in higher education academic advising, regulations, procedures, and student support policies.


• Able to work with minimal supervision.


• Strong computer skills and proficiency in the use of Microsoft Windows application software, SPIRE, and Student Success Collaborative (SSC).


• High level of initiative, creativity, motivation, and ability to work independently and as part of a team.


• Must have the ability to work with confidential material and maintain student confidentiality at all times.


• Able to manage multiple, complex tasks within short timeframes.


• Demonstrated leadership skills that facilitate effective communication and interpersonal relationships with all constituents (students, parents, faculty, and administration).


• Skilled in presenting ideas and concepts orally and in writing.


• Knowledge of conflict resolution strategies and methods; skill in mediating disputes between students, staff, and parents who are irate or anxious.


• Ability to work effectively with ethnically, culturally, and socially diverse student and faculty populations.


• Knowledge of supervisory practices and techniques.

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

• Master's Degree in Higher Education, Education, Counseling, Public health, Health sciences or related field.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Typical office environment

Work Schedule

• Monday-Friday.


• 37.5 hours per week.


• Some nights and weekends required.

Salary Information

Level 28

PSU Hiring Ranges

Special Instructions to Applicants

Candidates should submit the names and contact information for three (3) professional references along with a cover letter and resume.

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.

Advertised: Jul 29 2024 Eastern Daylight Time

Applications close: Nov 3 2024 Eastern Standard Time