Program Director, RHSA

General Summary of Position :

The River Hawk Scholars Academy (RHSA) is a student success and retention program at UMass Lowell, supporting first-generation college students as they navigate the transition from high school to college and beyond.

The Program Director provides critical leadership and direction in the development and management of all departmental student support services and programmatic activities with an aim to increase college degree attainment and overall student success.

Collaborating closely with academic departments and student services, the specialist helps implement a comprehensive educational program that equips students with a holistic support network, promoting wellbeing and fostering seamless pathways to degree attainment.

This position oversees the RHSA cohort, outreach initiatives, academic support services, experiential learning efforts, and pre-professional skills development.

Additionally, the role manages multiple grant funds, requiring proficiency in financial reporting, data management, and compliance with grant requirements.

The person who will thrive in this position will be committed to the success and well-being of first-generation college students and demonstrate a record of innovative programming, attention to detail, and an evidence-driven mindset in decision-making.

This position requires the ability to manage competing priorities, work independently on projects, and the capacity to collaborate with a range of people and populations.

The person in this in this role will report to the Dean of Equity & Inclusion and work in partnership with similarly structured units within the division and across campus.

Minimum Qualifications (Required) :

Education :

Master's degree required

Experience :

• Minimum of 5-7 years progressive experience & responsibilities working directly with first generation and / or other underserved populations in higher education.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience developing and leading initiatives with experience coaching students, developing, implementing and evaluating student support and engagement programs.
• Ability to establish program priorities, monitor progress toward achieving program goals, conduct assessment to evaluate program effectiveness, and coach employees toward similar goals.
• Demonstrated sensitivity and experience working with individuals from diverse social, economic, academic and cultural backgrounds and life experiences.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, and administrators.

Skills :

• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, administrative, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and juggle multiple priorities and projects while consistently remaining detail oriented.
• Hold a multidimensional view with a strong understanding of the complexities and issues that affect underrepresented students and their academic and personal success.
• Ability to provide leadership and guidance to various student cohorts, groups, and individuals to achieve their mission and goals.

One should be collaborative and responsive to managing multiple relationships and projects, adapting to new priorities, and being responsive as needs change.

Preferred Qualifications :

• Deep knowledge of best practices and emerging innovations related to inclusive learning and academic success for underrepresented or underserved student populations in higher education.
• Demonstrated expertise and experience working with 1st Generation college students.
• Direct experience developing and implementing programs that support underrepresented students from an intersectional framework.
• Supervisory experience.

Special Instructions to Applicants :

Only current UML Employees within the Grants & Contracts (MTA / GRACE) bargaining unit will be considered during the first 10 business days of the posting.

All other candidates will be considered after that period.

This is a Grants & Contracts (MTA / GRACE) bargaining unit position, Grade P18.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled; however, the posting may close when an adequate number of qualified applications is received.

This position is contingent upon funding. The initial appointment will be for (20 months, starting in September) with a possibility of renewal based on performance and the availability of funding.

Please include a resume and cover letter with your application. Names and contact information of three references will be required during the application process.

The University of Massachusetts is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action, Title IX employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age over 40, protected veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity / expression, marital status, or other protected class.