Assistant Director of Career Development Operations & Communities (Temporary 3-Year, Benefited)

UMass Amherst•Amherst, NY

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

Under the direction of the Associate Director of Career & Professional Development, the Assistant Director of Career Development Operations & Communities manages operations for career-related programs that enhance student success, engagement, retention, and career readiness. The role designs, implements, and contributes to workshops, campus-wide events, and the Career Exploration Residential Academic Program (RAP), supporting the Office of Career & Professional Development’s mission of advancing career readiness across all majors, identities, and backgrounds. The Assistant Director leads instruction and supports curriculum and co-curricular programming for Career Exploration RAP, including seminars, discussion sections, employer visits, field trips, networking events, student arrival and onboarding, and course-data review. The role also coordinates employer-based project learning, evaluates career exploration software and resources, supports micro-credentials, and develops resources that integrate NACE standards into curricula. The position represents the office at campus events and meetings, plans and delivers career and professional development programming, collaborates with academic advisors on initiatives linking academic planning and career development, and supports student employment initiatives such as Work+. This is a temporary, three-year, benefited, grant-funded position. Reappointment depends on satisfactory performance and funding availability. The position is hybrid, with a Monday–Friday schedule of 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; occasional evening and weekend work is required.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree, preferably in education, psychology, student affairs, instructional design, or a related field.
At least two years of experience working with high school or college-aged students in mentoring, advising, counseling, teaching, recruiting, or a related role.
Experience developing, implementing, and reviewing programs, events, or courses, including planning, marketing, execution, and evaluation.
Proficiency with computer software and tools, including databases, presentation tools, spreadsheets, and social media platforms.
Ability to learn new software, tools, and online platforms at a moderate pace.
Ability to communicate professionally, clearly, and effectively, orally and in writing, with students, staff, faculty, and employers.
Understanding of and commitment to cultural and ethnic diversity.
Passion for helping students and ability to create inclusive, engaging environments that promote student well-being and connection.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to maintain harmonious working relationships and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
Strong organizational and project management skills and excellent attention to detail.
Ability to exercise sound judgment, use discretion, and maintain confidentiality.
Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends to support and participate in events, workshops, and meetings.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration, College Student Personnel, Curriculum & Instructional Design, Human Resources, or a related field.
At least five years of experience working with college-age students in mentoring, advising, counseling, teaching, program development, or a related role.
Experience in career-related roles, such as advising or counseling.
Experience using social media to market programs or events.
Experience using Gallup Strengths Finder.
Experience using Handshake.

Responsibilities

Lead instruction and support curriculum and co-curricular programming for the Career Exploration Residential Academic Program, including seminars, discussion sections, employer visits, field trips, and networking events.
Manage Career RAP student arrival and onboarding, and compile and review course data to recommend improvements.
Facilitate the early arrival program for Career RAP students and provide programmatic and operational support.
Collaborate with campus partners to recruit Career RAP participants through targeted marketing and outreach.
Coordinate in-person and virtual project-based learning opportunities with employers.
Review, test, and support implementation of software platforms and other resources that provide career-field information and access to virtual projects, simulations, and experiential learning.
Provide logistical support for student micro-credential opportunities.
Develop and maintain knowledge of NACE standards and create resources to integrate them into course and program curricula.
Represent the Office of Career & Professional Development at campus-wide events and meetings, including prospective and incoming student events.
Participate in planning and implementing large-scale career and internship fairs.
Facilitate professional development programs, tailoring content to varied audiences and partnering with campus stakeholders.
Collaborate with academic advisors across schools and colleges on initiatives integrating academic planning and career development, including experiential major maps.
Support student employment initiatives that enhance career readiness through on-campus work and internships, including the Work+ program.
Support departmental and University affirmative action and nondiscrimination regulations, policies, and goals.
Perform other duties as assigned.