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

UMass Amherst•Amherst, NY

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

Under the direction of the Associate Director of Career & Professional Development, the Assistant Director 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 position is temporary for three years, benefited, and grant-funded. Reappointment depends on satisfactory performance and funding availability, and the position is subject to final budgetary and administrative approval. The role is based in Amherst and offers a hybrid work arrangement. Work is performed in a standard office or indoor university environment with minimal physical exertion. The regular schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with occasional evening and weekend work for events, workshops, and meetings. The position is subject to the Professional Staff Union collective bargaining agreement.

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 effectively with diverse stakeholders.
Strong organizational and project management skills and excellent attention to detail.
Ability to exercise sound judgment, use discretion, and maintain confidentiality.

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-aged 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, networking events, student arrival and onboarding, and reviewing course data to recommend improvements.
Facilitate the early arrival program for Career RAP students and provide programmatic and operational support to ensure a positive introduction to the University and career exploration.
Collaborate with campus partners, including the Undergraduate Student Success Center and the Office of Residential Life, to recruit Career RAP participants through targeted marketing and outreach.
Coordinate in-person and virtual, employer-based project learning opportunities that connect classroom learning with professional experiences.
Review, test, and support 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 that complement academic coursework and strengthen career readiness.
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 meetings and events, including prospective and incoming student events.
Participate in planning and implementing campus-wide career events, including large-scale career and internship fairs.
Facilitate professional development programs, customizing content for diverse audiences and partnering with campus stakeholders across Student Affairs & Campus Life and Academic Affairs.
Collaborate with academic advisors across schools and colleges on joint initiatives integrating academic planning and career development, including experiential major maps connecting career development, research, and other high-impact practices with classroom curricula.
Support student employment initiatives that enhance career readiness through on-campus work and internships, including the Work+ program for on-campus student employees.
Support departmental and University affirmative action and nondiscrimination regulations, policies, and goals.
Perform other duties as assigned.