Associate Director for High Impact Practices

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 Associate Director for High Impact Practices in the Office of Career Development and Professional Connections is responsible for oversight and management of experiential program expansion, student success, and employer engagement related to field experiences, such as internships and co-ops. The Associate Director works collaboratively with units across campus to share best practices and establish and communicate field experience policies and procedures that are consistent and equitable.

Essential Functions

• Program Development
  
  
  
  • Manages existing and establishes new field experience opportunities with employers/organizations to improve the number and range of internship and co-op opportunities each semester and during winter and summer breaks.
  • Builds and maintains relationships with employers in corporate, industrial, non-profit, and government organizations including established state and national internship programs.
  • Plans, manages, and executes Internship Fairs both at the Amherst and Mount Ida campuses. Collaborates closely with the Associate Director of Employer Engagement and the Director of Career and Campus Programing at the Mount Ida campus to leverage existing employer relationships and communicate opportunities to recruit and engage with students. Collaborates with the Associate Director of Data Analytics and Communications to promote opportunities to students via social media, email, and other avenues.
  • Works with employer internship supervisors and HR staff to establish clear program objectives and student learning outcomes. Conducts on-site visits and surveys to assess program effectiveness and expand opportunities for future internships.
  • Works with the UMass Office of General Counsel and the UMass International Programs Office to develop and maintain contractual agreements such as Memorandum of Understanding and required work visa documents; communicates these policies and procedures clearly and effectively to Employers, UMass faculty and Career Services staff campus wide.
  • Working in conjunction with the Associate Director of Employer Engagement, develops a "Best Practices in Field Experience" handbook for employers and presents information at employer conferences.
  
  
  
  

• Student Success
  
  
  
  
  • Develops and delivers a Transferable Skills program; collaborates with on-campus employment to incorporate into job descriptions and trainings.
  • Facilitates the students' transition from the academic to professional setting, serving in a problem-solving capacity during the internship or co-op.
  • Conducts information sessions and meets with student groups, clubs, and organizations to communicate available field experience opportunities; organizes field trips and job shadowing opportunities.
  • Serves as liaison between career and academic units to bridge programs and create cohesive student support and experience.
  • Cross-trains academic and career advisors on student success best practices, resources, and events.
  • Coordinates career advisor training of Gallup Strengths assessment and shares best practices campus wide.
  • Serves on campus-wide committees to expand knowledge of field experience opportunities.
  • Participates in Destination Days and Open House, communicating internship programs to prospective students and their parents.
  
  
  
  

• Policies and Procedures
  
  
  
  • Establishes and communicates field experience policies and processes that are consistent and equitable across the campus while allowing for programmatic differences within each college.
  • Develops and implements a campus-wide process for registering student field experiences in SPIRE, including credited internship experiences, co-op status, and other professional off-campus experiences. Communicates processes and related procedures to on-campus stakeholders, students, and employer partners.
  • Supervises the Field Experience Program Manager in processing and assessing field experiences and collaborates with the Associate Director of Data Analytics and Communication to create surveys, analyze records, and create summary reports.
  • Coaches faculty on how to integrate internship credits into the curriculum within each major. Maintains a strong relationship with Career Services and Advising staff, keeping them informed of relevant field experience opportunities and ensuring clear communication regarding program policies and procedures.
  
  
  
  

Other Functions

• Understands, is committed to, and supports departmental and University affirmative action and non-discriminatory regulations, policies, and goals.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

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

• Bachelor's degree plus at least three (3) years of experience working with high school or college-aged students in career-related mentoring, advising, counseling, teaching, or related role.
• Experience with program or course development.
• Proficiency in database software like Handshake and presentation tools like PowerPoint.
• Familiarity with employment trends and career opportunities for college students.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain working relationships with representatives of local, regional, and national employers in either corporate, industrial, government or non-profit organizations.
• Ability to communicate professionally, clearly, and effectively to students, staff, faculty, and employers, both orally and in writing.
• Understanding and commitment to cultural and ethnic diversity.
• Passion for helping students and willingness to learn.

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

• Master's degree in Higher Education Administration, Business, Human Resources, or related field and five (5) years' experience working with college-age students in a mentoring, advising, counseling, teaching, supervising or related role.
• Proficiency with on-line recruiting.
• Experience organizing and implementing Career Fairs.
• Experience developing in-person and on-line workshops.
• Excellent public speaking skills.
• Experience using social media to market programs.
• Experience using Gallup Strengths Finder.

Work Schedule

• Monday - Friday, 8:30-5:00 with some evening and weekends.

Salary Information

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.