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Director of Advising and Pathway Programs - UWW

Employer
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Location
UMass Amherst

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Administrative Jobs
Institutional & Business Affairs, Program Administration
Employment Type
Full Time
Institution Type
Four-Year Institution

Job Details

Job no: 514084
Work type: Staff Full Time
Location: UMass Amherst
Department: Online Education
Union: PSU
Categories: Academic Advising & Learning Resources

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

The Director of Advising and Pathway Programs manages a comprehensive advising program for academic programs within University Without Walls Division. Ensures high quality advising and academic services for all students, with particular emphasis on programmatic needs for at-risk, non-declared majors, and Exploratory Pathway Program students. Leads the development and delivery of programs and services that will enhance student success, retention, and the student experience. Provides leadership for current student pathway programs and collaborates in the development of new programs. Responsive to the widely varied needs of diverse student populations and works in a high volume and fast-paced work environment.

Essential Functions

  • Leads a team of advisors providing services for students in the University Without Walls Department of Interdisciplinary Studies (UWW/IS), the Information Technology Minor Program, the Exploratory Pathways Program (EPP), the Interdisciplinary Exploratory Track, and non-degree programs.
  • Trains, mentors, supervises and evaluates professional advisors to ensure high-quality and highly responsive academic advising services.
  • Oversees and directs the Exploratory Pathway Program (EPP), which offers a gateway into UWW and selected residential programs for students:
  • Analyzes complex data sets to expand outreach and recruitment initiatives.
  • Designs, develops and implement student recruitment programming through open house events and information sessions, both in-person and online.
  • Partners with UWW admissions staff to identify and admit qualified EPP applicants.
  • Provides student support and advising to accepted and/or enrolled students.
  • Advises students in the Interdisciplinary Exploratory Track:
  • Collaborates with advisors in UWW/IS, the BDIC (the Bachelor’s Degree with Individual Concentration) and IT Minor to develop seamless curricular pathways for students.
  • Coordinates summer pathway programs:
  • Provides programmatic leadership assistance through extensive collaboration with UMass academic and student affairs departments.
  • Collaborates with University Relations and Undergraduate Admissions to develop communication/marketing plan.
  • Creates and provides updated program information to UWW website management team.
  • Manages student registrations.
  • Collaborates with academic department to identify course offerings and support First-Year Seminar faculty.
  • Independently designs and implements non-academic co-curricular programming.
  • Provides support and assistance for the Digital Ready program, hosted at the Mt. Ida campus:
  • Collaborates with administrators across multiple UMass Amherst colleges and academic departments to manage enrollment, plan events, and ensure students receive high levels of support.
  • Liaises between Digital Ready and UG admissions to determine admissibility of students.
  • Other Functions

    • Performs related duties as assigned or required to meet unit and University goals and objectives.

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

    • Master’s degree in Education, Advising or related field plus three (3) years of professional experience in advising or promoting student success.
    • Demonstrated capacity for supervision.
    • Demonstrated ability to work independently to organize multiple tasks and set priorities for action, in a fast-paced office environment.
    • Ability to stay abreast with a high volume and wide array of complex curricular information and academic policies and procedures.
    • Ability to collaborate, build relationships and interact with faculty, staff, students, parents and community members in a responsive, friendly, and professional manner.
    • Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
    • Intermediate level computer proficiency with word processing, spreadsheets, and database programs.
    • Demonstrated ability to use data analytics and associated tools to proactively identify complex patterns across student outcomes; ability to organize and evaluate the success of programming, workshops, campaigns, and communication channels.
    • Experience working with culturally diverse students with a range of academic abilities.

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

    • Familiarity with computer-based registration and academic records technology, such as Spire, Navigate, Slate, and Tableau.
    • Relevant supervisory experience.
    • Knowledge of University academic rules and regulations.
    • Previous experience at a Higher Education Institution.

    Work Schedule

    • Monday – Friday 8:30 am – 5:00 pm.
    • 37.5 hours per week.
    • May be required to work some nights and weekends.

    Physical Demands/Working Conditions

    • Typical office environment.

    Salary Information

    Level 28

    PSU Salary Ranges

    Special Instructions to Applicants

    Along with the application, please submit a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references. The search will remain open until filled.

    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.

    Advertised: May 9 2022 Eastern Daylight Time
    Applications close:

    Organization

    The University of Massachusetts Amherst is one of the preeminent public research universities in America. Nestled in idyllic Amherst, Massachusetts—often called “The top college town in North America”—the campus is consistently ranked among the top public research universities in the nation, and offers a rich cultural environment in a rural setting close to major urban centers. 

    As one of the nation's top public research universities – as measured by national and international rankings, academic citations, and research funding – the campus spends more than $180 million on research each year, demonstrating its contribution to the nation’s position as a technological and economic leader. The university works in conjunction with academic, government, and private partners to translate new knowledge and scientific discoveries into technical innovations and scholarly works that create opportunities for students, faculty and the public. 

    Eight schools and colleges offer more than 85 undergraduate majors, 68 master’s and 48 doctoral degree programs, many counted among the top programs in the nation and world. UMass Amherst is also home to New England's premier honors college.

    The 1,159 full-time faculty members are dedicated teachers and world-renowned researchers and the campus has regularly been listed among the top performers in terms of faculty awards. With over 24,000 students from all 50 states and over 70 countries, the student body is the most academically successful in the history of the campus. Students participate in 240 organizations, 21 NCAA Division I athletic teams, extensive intramurals, living-learning residence halls, community service, and internships. With one of the largest residential life systems in the nation, UMass Amherst houses approximately 12,000 students on campus. The university is enjoying a facilities renaissance, including new buildings in the sciences, the arts, and recreation. UMass Amherst is part of the Five College consortium with Smith, Mount Holyoke, Hampshire and Amherst colleges.

    As an employer, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a national leader in developing family-friendly policies, benefits and amenities designed to help faculty members develop both productive careers and satisfying personal lives. The university offers one of the nation’s most generous parental leave policies. The university is also part of the Academic Career Network, a regional consortium formed to serve dual-career couples and encourage greater diversity in the academy.

     

    Company info
    Website
    Telephone
    4135454894
    Location
    181 PRESIDENTS DR
    Whitmore Administration Building
    Amherst
    Massachusetts
    01003
    US

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