Assistant Director of Retention & Academic Success

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

Under the direct supervision of the College of Natural Sciences (CNS) Assistant Academic Dean, the Assistant Director of Retention and Student Success helps develop a comprehensive program to increase student retention and graduation rates.

This position provides academic advising for undergraduate students with a specific focus on students in academic jeopardy and assists with the planning and implementation of CNS programs and services to enhance the success and retention of CNS undergraduate students.

Essential Functions

• Coordinates Academic Alert process in partnership with CNS academic programs within the College of Natural Science and develop and implement strategies to increase student retention and graduation rates based on academic alerts received and utilizing current database tools.
• Leads the development and execution of a college-wide retention-focused advising program, based on best practices and analysis of outcome data, to support and mentor students on academic probation or returning from suspension.

Expands and refines these programs to other populations in academic jeopardy, including students with academic warnings and students reinstated from suspension or dismissal.

• Provides comprehensive, individualized, and small group advising to a diverse population of upper-level students (sophomore - senior) students during the academic year, and registration periods.
• Collaborates on the review of CNS academic petitions and forms (e.g., Late Add, Late Withdrawal, Late Pass / Fail, Credit Overload) with the academic deans.
• Serves as Chief Undergraduate Advisor (CUA) for the CNS Science major.
• Partners with academic departments to complete needs assessments for courses with high attrition. Works with departments to identify interventions appropriate for students at risk in a particular course.

Tracks retention data for individual courses, majors and CNS overall.

• Responds to common registration-related questions such as including fulfilling University general education requirements, major and college requirements, dual degrees, double majors, and minors.
• Develops and implements strategies to assist students with matters of goal setting, self-assessment and time management skills, and decision-making such as establishing an academic plan, choosing a major, selecting courses, and reading an Academic Requirements Report (ARR).
• Responds to at-risk students experiencing academic and personal difficulties by addressing relevant issues and making appropriate referrals to University agencies.
• Manages sensitive inquiries from parents in accordance with FERPA and in a professional and respectful manner / tone.
• Participates in evening and weekend activities including Open Houses, Destination Days, Senior Celebration, and other activities and events that may be developed.
• Contributes to the college-level graduation clearance process.

Other Functions

• Performs related duties as assigned or required to meet Department, College, and University goals and objectives.
• Understands responsibilities with respect to Title IX, FERPA, and other compliance requirements.
• Demonstrates capacity, skill and willingness to engage students and contribute to student success.
• Works collaboratively with other campus stakeholders to fulfill the mission of Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and Student Success.
• Works collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, diversity, equality and inclusiveness.
• Works in partnership with colleagues within the CNS community and across the campus to support the Dean's strategic priorities.

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

• Master's degree (preferably in Math, Science or Higher Education) and three (3) years of professional student-facing experience in areas such as student life, advising, counseling, or teaching), OR a Bachelor's degree and five (5) years of professional experience in areas such as student life, advising, or counseling.
• Experience in serving a culturally diverse population.
• Excellent oral and written communication, strong organizational and interpersonal skills, and intermediate level computer proficiency.
• Skill in small group presentations.
• Able to take initiative and work independently and collaboratively with various university personnel.

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

• Professional teaching experience.
• Knowledge of university academic rules and regulations.
• Demonstrated capacity for supervision of staff and / or students.
• Demonstrated ability to manage a high volume of complex and varied client needs.

Physical Demands / Working Conditions

• Monday - Friday, 9 : 00am - 5 : 00pm.
• Required to work some nights and weekends.

Salary Information

Level 27

PSU Hiring Ranges

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume, cover letter, a statement of your advising philosophy and experience in student success, and a Contributions of Inclusive Excellence statement (see below).

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.

At UMass Amherst and in CNS, we strive to be a community where every individual feels a sense of belonging, where every individual is included, and where every individual is valued.

You can find these values and goals here ( https : / / www.umass.edu / strategicplan / strategic-plan ). For this reason, we request that all applicants submit a Contributions to Inclusive Excellence Statement that addresses how you see yourself contributing to our community and campus climate and / or our shared goals of building a more inclusive, equitable, and diverse community.

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.