Assistant Director of High Impact Practices

Title: Assistant Director of High Impact Practices

Executive Area: Academic Affairs

College/School/MBU: Admin Support Units

Department: Career Services

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full Time

Work Arrangement: Hybrid

Job Summary

The Assistant Director of High Impact Practices supports the administration and growth of high-impact experiential learning programs, especially local partnerships in Springfield and the surrounding areas, under the guidance and supervision of the Associate Director of High Impact Practices. They are responsible for coordinating program operations, supporting and advising students throughout the internship application process, developing campus outreach initiatives, and fostering partnerships with employers and campus stakeholders. This position plays a key role in expanding student access to high-impact experiential learning opportunities while enhancing student engagement, career readiness, and professional development.

Essential Functions

Provide operational support for experiential learning programs for the Office of Career Development & Professional Connections, including coordinating logistics, communications, and program operations, and utilizing data to evaluate student experiential learning programs. Manage verification of hours, employment status, and academic registration in collaboration with the Associate Director of Data Analytics and Communications.

Support the Associate Director of High Impact Practices in building employer partnerships to expand opportunities for student internships across Massachusetts, including in Springfield, Amherst, and surrounding areas. Facilitate workshops, coordinate communication with employers, share job opportunities with students and stakeholders, and manage program logistics such as coordinating transportation.

In consultation with the Associate Director of Data Analytics and Communications, lead marketing and outreach efforts to promote partner internship programs and increase student engagement and application rates. Conduct information sessions and meet with student groups, clubs, and organizations to promote these programs.

Meet individually with students to support their participation in partner internship programs. Review resumes and application materials, discuss career goals, help with interview preparation, and provide guidance on internship search processes and best practice.

Represent the Office of Career Development & Professional Connections at campus-wide events and meetings, including prospective and incoming student events, career fairs, and employer events. Provide an overview of career development resources and programs to prospective students and their parents and answer questions as appropriate.

Maintain records and support the development of contractual agreements such as memoranda of understanding, affiliation agreements, and required work visa documents; effectively communicate policies and procedures clearly to external employers, UMass faculty, and Career Services staff in schools and colleges across campus.

Support the development and implementation of programs as assigned, including the Work+ initiative. Research similar 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 departments across campus 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 who need 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, student orientation, etc. Handle all logistics to ensure smooth execution of events.

Coordinate scholarship and award programs, including soliciting nominations and applications, notifying eligible students, coordinating selection committees as needed, and distributing awards.

Other Functions

Performs other duties as assigned to support operational needs and department and university goals.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree and three (3) 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, non-profits, government agencies, and university faculty and staff.

Excellent communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Evidence of commitment to working with people from diverse backgrounds.

Strong organizational skills and good attention to detail with the ability to appropriately prioritize and balance competing projects.

The ability to exercise sound judgement and maintain confidentiality.

Excellent computer skills including proficiency in MS Office and Zoom and the ability to learn new systems at a moderate pace.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree.

Experience with public speaking.

Experience using Handshake.

Additional Details

This position is subject to final budgetary and administrative approval.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a standard office or indoor university environment and involves minimal physical exertion.

Work Schedule and Work Arrangement

Monday-Friday, 8:30am – 5:00pm.

Some travel is required.

Required to work occasional evening and weekend hours to support programs and/or events.

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 falls within the Professional Staff Union, it is subject to the terms and conditions of the Professional Staff Union collective bargaining agreement.

Salary Information

Pay Grade: PSSAP Grade 26

Click here to view the Professional Staff Hiring Ranges

Special Instructions for Applicants

Along with the online application, please submit a resume. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide the names and contact information for three (3) professional references.

This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.