Job no: 518262
Work type: Staff Full Time
Location: UMass Amherst
Department: Dean - Isenberg School
Union: PSU
Categories: Program Administration/Management, Isenberg School of Management

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 Program Director for the On-Campus MBA and MSBA Programs (Program Director) reports to the Associate Dean of Graduate Programs and is responsible for the overall coordination and oversight of the recruiting, admissions, operations, functions, and staff for the following Graduate Programs:

• On-Campus Master of Business Administration (MBA) Degree Program – nationally ranked.
• Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) Degree Program, including Accelerated 4+1 Program – nationally ranked, revenue generating.
• Graduate Certificate in Analytics (a transitional certificate) - revenue generating pathway to the online MBA and MSBA degrees.

This position is responsible for assisting the Associate Dean for Graduate Programs with responsibilities related to the distinct Graduate Degree Programs and Certificates listed above, including strategic planning, recruitment and enrollment, academic advising, student success, and rankings to ensure long-term, sustainable quality and growth. Works closely with the Director of Recruiting and Marketing Communications to assist in the coordination and implementation of marketing and lead generation efforts; and with the Director of Organizational Analytics & Assessment to monitor and assess key performance indicators (KPIs) and program performance. Works closely with other Graduate Program Directors, to coordinate and integrate assigned programs with other programs in Isenberg. In the absence of the Associate Dean, the Program Director has full authority to act on the Associate Dean's behalf with regard to the assigned programs. This director will also work closely with the Director of the Online MBA program to continue coordinating the Online/Part-Time MBA program with the On-Campus MBA program.

Essential Functions

• Strategy:
  • In consult with the Associate Dean for Graduate Programs, develop and implement a strategic plan to position the On-Campus MBA, MSBA, and Graduate Certificate in Analytics for long-term, sustainable quality and growth. Work in concert with the Associate Dean and other program directors to proactively anticipate, assess and identify the program's operational and strategic needs and to develop plans to fill any gaps.
  • Provide strategic input for identifying and creating new certificates, focus areas, fellowships, tracks and additional degrees, that effectively complement the current array of programs in the Full-time MBA and MSBA. Execute Isenberg's strategic plan to integrate online and flexible learning options within graduate programs, as appropriate.
• Operations:
  • Oversee assigned programs’ ongoing operations including course scheduling and maintenance of the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accreditation. Plan course offerings to support prescribed curriculum and sufficient capacity for students to complete the programs in a timely manner across all applicable modes of delivery for each degree program, including in-person Amherst, in-person Mount Ida, and online.
  • Work with the Associate Dean and Isenberg Department Chairs to assign faculty to courses based on expertise, credentials and quality of instruction. Direct instructors to appropriate online and flex training programs on campus, and to Accreditation Director for content coordination and assurance of learning. Identify instructor shortages and participate in recruiting efforts for new instructors. Streamline and improve program processes, service levels and responsiveness to prospective and current students. Ensure staff utilization of appropriate systems and coordinate needed training for such systems, including SPIRE for student recording keeping and admissions, Salesforce (CRM and advising system).
  • Work with the Director of New Business Development and Administration to support partnerships, which provide pathways to the various graduate programs. Coordinate with the Office of Career Success and assigned career coaches to schedule needed workshops and provide career resources to students. Work with the International Programs Office (IPO) to ensure that STEM OPT requirements are supported and communicated to all matriculated international students.
• Academic Oversight:
  • Execute daily communication with students. Oversee academic discipline student cases, and work with students in academic jeopardy. Assume responsibilities of the Associate Dean for Graduate Programs in his/her absence, including signature authority.
• Marketing and Student Recruitment:
  • Collaborate with the Director of Recruiting and Marketing Communications, and other program directors, to develop the strategic recruiting & communications plan for the On-Campus MBA and MSBA programs, reinforcing School-wide brand strategy.
  • Provide strategic input in the execution of print and digital marketing materials and other marketing tactics for these programs. Work closely with the Director of Recruiting and Marketing Communications in the development and execution of the overall recruiting efforts for professional programs.
• Personnel Management:
  • Supervise academic advisors and assistant directors for assigned programs. In collaboration with fellow program directors, oversee all aspects of recruitment and evaluation of staff, and coordination of office activities.
  • Respond to newly identified programmatic and tactical changes needed to enhance the quality and operations of assigned programs; particularly service levels and opportunities offered to students.
  • Work with fellow program directors to strategize and plan approaches for staff development, including systems training.
• Metrics and Key Performance Indicators:
  • Develop and implement key performance indicators related to faculty teaching evaluation, course and program development, student satisfaction and staff performance.
  • Track programs’ recruitment success measures, reporting results and recommendations for program improvements to the Associate Dean for Graduate Programs. Analyze external ranking opportunities and monitor metrics used for ranking organizations. Actively manage metrics for all ranked degree programs to ensure high-quality ranking results.

Other Functions

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Associate Dean In order to achieve the overarching school and university goals related to enhancing the stature of graduate programs.

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

• Master's degree in business or related field.
• Five (5) years of relevant professional work experience.
• Strong leadership, organizational and planning skills.
• Ability to develop, implement and execute strategic plans.
• Ability to exercise appropriate discretion and confidentiality when interacting with diverse student and faculty population.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills.
• Able to delegate work tasks.
• High level of written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong project management skills.
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively in a fast-paced team-oriented environment.
• Ability to travel.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Typical office environment activity.

Work Schedule

• Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm.
• Required work some nights and weekend
• 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

Level 29

PSU Hiring 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: Mar 21 2023 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: