Assistant Director of High Impact Practices

UMass Amherst•Amherst, NY

5d•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. The role coordinates program operations, supports and 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 enhancing engagement, career readiness, and professional development. The position supports experiential learning programs for the Office of Career Development & Professional Connections, including logistics, communications, program operations, data-informed evaluation, and verification of student hours, employment status, and academic registration. It also supports employer partnerships, internship promotion, student advising, campus representation, agreement and records maintenance, co-op certification, assistance with international students' CPT processes, annual program events, and scholarship and award programs. The position is based in Amherst and offers a hybrid work arrangement. Work is generally scheduled Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; occasional evening and weekend work and some travel are required. Work is performed in a standard office or indoor university environment with minimal physical exertion.

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 the 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, attention to detail, and the ability to prioritize and balance competing projects.
Sound judgment and the ability to maintain confidentiality.
Excellent computer skills, including proficiency in MS Office and Zoom, and the ability to learn new systems at a moderate pace.
Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends to support programs or events.
Some travel is required.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree.
Public speaking experience.
Experience using Handshake.

Responsibilities

Coordinate logistics, communications, and operations for experiential learning programs, and use data to evaluate programs.
Work with the Associate Director of Data Analytics and Communications to verify student hours, employment status, and academic registration.
Support the Associate Director of High Impact Practices in developing employer partnerships and expanding internship opportunities across Massachusetts, including Springfield, Amherst, and surrounding areas.
Facilitate workshops, communicate with employers, share job opportunities with students and stakeholders, and coordinate 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 by reviewing resumes and application materials, discussing career goals, preparing for interviews, and providing internship-search guidance.
Represent the Office of Career Development & Professional Connections at campus events, career fairs, and employer events, and explain career resources and programs to prospective students and their parents.
Maintain records and support the 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.
Support the development and implementation of programs, including the Work+ initiative; research comparable programs, identify best practices, and make recommendations to the Associate Director of High Impact Practices and 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 (CPT) through the Office of Global Affairs.
Plan and manage annual internship program events, including networking nights, Partner Program campus visits, and student orientation, and handle event 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.