Senior Director Employee Engagement (Hybrid / Remote)

About UMass Amherst

The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued-and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world.

Job Summary

UMass Amherst is seeking a visionary and strategic Senior Director of Employee Engagement to lead a newly created portfolio designed to strengthen the employee experience, foster organizational development, and support Human Resources transformation. This role is pivotal in launching key initiatives that support the University's modernization of its Human Resources function and employee engagement strategy.

This leader oversees employee engagement strategy and surveys, talent management consulting, workforce planning, succession planning, organizational development, performance management, HR communications, and learning and development programs. A cornerstone of this role is the development and launch of a new HR Academy, which will equip HR professionals across the University with the tools, skills, and mindset to transition from a decentralized model to a unified, embedded HR services framework.

This position reports to the Vice Chancellor and Chief Human Resources Officer for an initial period of up to two years, after which the reporting structure may evolve as part of the ongoing Human Resources transformation and modernization plan.

Essential Functions

Strategic Focus Areas

• Drive the transition from decentralized HR functions to a centralized, embedded HR services model that is strategic, data-informed, and service-oriented.
• Serve as a culture change agent, leading efforts that align people strategies with institutional goals and preparing the organization for future workforce needs.
• Elevate HR as a strategic partner across the University through consistent programs, messaging, and development offerings.

Employee Engagement & Strategy

Talent Management Consulting & Workforce Planning

Organizational Development & Succession Planning

Performance Management

HR Events, Recognition, and Culture Building

HR Marketing & Communications

Learning & Talent Development

Other Functions

Performs other duties as assigned.

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

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

Physical Demands / Working Conditions

Typical Office Environment.

Work Schedule

Monday - Friday 8 : 30 AM - 5 : 00 PM

This position has the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule , which is defined by the University as an arrangement where an employee's work is regularly performed at a location other than the campus workspace for a portion of the week. As this position is non-unit, it is subject to the terms and conditions of the University of Massachusetts Board of Trustees Non-Unit (Professional / or Classified) Employee Personnel Policy.

T his position has the opportunity for a remote work schedule , which is defined by the University as an arrangement where the employee's work location is to work from a site other than the UMass Amherst campus. As this position is non-unit, it is subject to the terms and conditions of the University of Massachusetts Board of Trustees Non- Unit (Professional / or Classified) Employee Personnel Policy.

Salary Information

Level 35

Exempt Hiring Ranges.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume and cover letter. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references. Early applications are encouraged.

The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.