Assistant Director of High Impact Practices

UMass Amherst•Amherst, NY

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Assistant Director of High Impact Practices supports the administration and growth of high-impact experiential learning programs, particularly local partnerships in Springfield and surrounding areas. Under the guidance and supervision of the Associate Director of High Impact Practices, this role coordinates program operations, advises students through internship applications, develops campus outreach initiatives, and fosters partnerships with employers and campus stakeholders. The position helps expand student access to experiential learning while supporting student engagement, career readiness, and professional development. The role provides operational support for experiential learning programs through logistics, communications, program operations, and use of data to evaluate programs. It supports employer partnerships and student recruitment, leads marketing and outreach in consultation with the Associate Director of Data Analytics and Communications, and provides individual advising on resumes, applications, career goals, interviews, and internship searches. The Assistant Director represents the Office of Career Development & Professional Connections at campus events, supports required records and agreements, collaborates with campus departments, and coordinates program events and scholarship and award programs. Work is performed in a standard office or indoor university environment with minimal physical exertion. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; some travel and occasional evening and weekend hours are required. The position offers the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule, with work regularly performed away from the campus workspace for a portion of the week. The position is subject to final budgetary and administrative approval and to the terms and conditions of the Professional Staff Union collective bargaining agreement.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree.
Three years of experience in career development, counseling, recruitment, staffing, human resources, administration, student affairs, higher education advising, or a related field.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to develop and maintain working relationships with representatives from business, industry, nonprofits, government agencies, and university faculty and staff.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Evidence of commitment to working with people from diverse backgrounds.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to prioritize appropriately and balance competing projects.
Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain confidentiality.
Excellent computer skills, including proficiency in MS Office and Zoom, and ability to learn new systems at a moderate pace.
Ability to work occasional evening and weekend hours to support programs and events.
Some travel is required.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree.
Experience with public speaking.
Experience using Handshake.

Responsibilities

Coordinate logistics, communications, and operations for experiential learning programs, and use data to evaluate student programs.
Manage verification of student hours, employment status, and academic registration in collaboration with the Associate Director of Data Analytics and Communications.
Support employer partnership development to expand internship opportunities across Massachusetts, including Springfield, Amherst, and surrounding areas.
Facilitate workshops, coordinate employer communications, share job opportunities, and manage program logistics such as transportation.
Lead marketing and outreach efforts, in consultation with the Associate Director of Data Analytics and Communications, to promote partner internship programs and increase student engagement and applications.
Conduct information sessions and meet with student groups, clubs, and organizations to promote internship programs.
Advise students individually, including reviewing resumes and application materials, discussing career goals, preparing for interviews, and guiding internship searches.
Represent the Office of Career Development & Professional Connections at campus events and meetings, including prospective and incoming student events, career fairs, and employer events.
Present career development resources and programs to prospective students and parents and answer questions as appropriate.
Maintain records and support development of memoranda of understanding, affiliation agreements, and required work visa documents.
Communicate policies and procedures to external employers, UMass faculty, and Career Services staff across campus schools and colleges.
Support development and implementation of programs as assigned, including the Work+ initiative.
Research comparable programs, identify best practices, and make recommendations to the Associate Director of High Impact Practices and the Associate Provost for Career and Professional Development.
Collaborate with campus departments as appropriate.
Liaise with the Registrar's Office to clear and certify students for co-op status.
Serve as the primary contact for international students seeking assistance obtaining Curricular Practical Training through the Office of Global Affairs.
Plan and manage annual internship program events, including networking nights, Partner Program campus visits, and student orientation, handling associated logistics.
Coordinate scholarship and award programs, including soliciting nominations and applications, notifying eligible students, coordinating selection committees as needed, and distributing awards.
Perform other duties as assigned to support operational needs and department and university goals.