Assistant Vice Chancellor for Advocacy, Inclusion & Support Programs

University of Massachusetts Amherst
Assistant Vice Chancellor for Advocacy, Inclusion & Support Programs

The University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMass Amherst) seeks a collaborative and relational leader and skilled supervisor to serve as Assistant Vice Chancellor (AVC) for Advocacy, Inclusion & Support Programs (AISP). Established in 1863, UMass Amherst is the largest public research university in New England, the land-grant university of Massachusetts, and the flagship campus of the University of Massachusetts five-campus system, distinguished by the excellence and breadth of its academic, research, and community outreach programs. Located in the scenic Pioneer Valley of western Massachusetts, UMass Amherst enrolls more than 24,000 undergraduates and more than 7,800 graduate students from 50 states and 71 countries. The University’s current five-year strategic plan (2018-2023) is driven by core values of excellence; diversity, equity, and inclusiveness; openness; integrity and stewardship; innovation; and impact.

Reporting to the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs & Campus Life (SACL), the AVC is responsible for overseeing programs and services that support the university’s diversity, advocacy and inclusion goals for the student experience that promote student retention, success, and graduation. The AVC is a key member of the SACL leadership team and has a dotted line relationship with the Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. The AVC oversees a wide range of centers and programs that support students, including the Center for Multicultural Advancement and Student Success (CMASS) and its four embedded Cultural Centers (Malcolm X Cultural Center, LatinX Cultural Center, Yuri Kochiyama Cultural Center, Josephine White Eagle Cultural Center), the Center for Women & Community (CWC), Disability Services, Diversity Education & Training programs, Men & Masculinities Center, the Stonewall Center, Student Bridges, the Student Veteran Resource Center, and the Upward Bound Program. AISP programs and services serve the entire student body with special attention to supporting the needs and interests of underrepresented, cultural, and identity groups and first generation students.

UMass Amherst seeks an AVC with a broad view of diversity and a deep commitment to improving the experience of students. The successful candidate will be an empathetic and relational leader of recognized accomplishment with a strong background in working with students and demonstrated experience with supervision of staff. The AVC will demonstrate strong communication and problem-solving skills and the ability to serve as a collaborative partner to senior leadership and colleagues across SACL and the University. The AVC will be a passionate advocate for students, who understands the needs of the UMass Amherst student body and is committed to promoting a positive and inclusive campus climate for all students, with a particular focus on students from underrepresented populations, cultural, and identity groups and first-generation students.

The AVC will demonstrate excellent management and team-and-coalition-building skills and the ability to work collaboratively with students, administrative colleagues, and faculty. The AVC should have experience working in a complex environment and possess a track record showing commitment to diversity and to fostering an inclusive culture. Required qualifications include an advanced degree (terminal degree preferred) in Higher Education Administration, Social Justice, Sociology, or directly related field; at least seven years of progressively responsible work experience in a university setting, including at least five years of program leadership and staff supervision; highly developed competency relating to multi-cultural, gender, and intersecting identities; demonstrated ability to translate strategic goals and priorities into effective assessable action plans; excellent planning and budget management skills; superior ability to build and sustain collaborative teams and supportive partnerships and coalitions; excellent relationship-building skills; demonstrated ability to manage conflict and stressful situations; empathy, a passion for working with students, and a demeanor and style that inspires confidence and trust.

Screening will begin in August and continue until an appointment is made. Nominations, inquiries, and applications (including CV; cover letter addressing interest, leadership philosophy, and commitment to diversity; and the names of five references) should be directed electronically to UMassAVCAISP@divsearch.com

Kim M. Morrisson, Ph.D. and Euris Belle, Managing Directors
Nancy Helfman, Vice President and Senior Associate
The Diversified Search Group
One Commerce Square, 2005 Market Street, Suite 3300, Philadelphia, PA  19103
215-656-3579

The University of Massachusetts Amherst is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer of women, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities and encourages applications from these and other protected group members.

For more information, visit www.umass.edu.