Assistant Director of Career Development Operations & Communities (Temporary 3-Year, Benefited)

University of MA Amherst Careers; Amherst (MA); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Massachusetts Amherst is seeking an Assistant Director of Career Development Operations & Communities to lead operations for career programs and partnerships that boost student success and readiness. This temporary, benefited, grant-funded role focuses on RAP program, workshops, events, and career exploration initiatives.

The position collaborates with academic advisors, campus partners, and employers to design experiences, coordinate events, and integrate career development

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and at least two years of experience with college-aged students in mentoring, advising, or related role.
• Experience in program, event, or course development, implementation, and review.
• Proficiency with databases, presentations, spreadsheets, and social media tools; ability to learn new software.

Responsibilities

• Lead operations for career-related programs and RAP activities to support student success and career readiness.
• Coordinate early arrival program and onboarding for RAP students; facilitate seminars and events.
• Collaborate with campus partners to recruit participants and market programs.
• Coordinate employer engagements and virtual/in-person learning opportunities and support micro-credentials initiatives.
• Represent the office at campus-wide events and career fairs; plan and implement large-scale events.
• Partner with academic advisors to integrate career development with curricula.
• Support student employment initiatives and Work+ program.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Project management

Diversity commitment

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration

Tools

Databases

Spreadsheets

Presentation tools

Social media platforms

Handshake

Job description

Title: Assistant Director of Career Development Operations & Communities (Temporary 3-Year, Benefited)

Executive Area: Academic Affairs

College/School/MBU: Admin Support Units

Department: Career Services

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full Time

Work Arrangement: Hybrid

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Associate Director of Career & Professional Development, the Assistant Director of Career Development Operations & Communities manages the operations for career-related programs that enhance student success, engagement, retention, and career readiness. This role designs, implements, and contributes to initiatives such as workshops, campus-wide events, and the Career Exploration Residential Academic Program, supporting the Office of Career & Professional Development’s mission of advancing career readiness across all majors, identities, and backgrounds.

Essential Functions

• Serve as lead instructor and support the delivery of curriculum and co-curricular programming for the Career Exploration Residential Academic Program (RAP), including facilitating seminars and discussion sections; facilitating employer visits, field trips, and networking events; managing the arrival and onboarding of RAP students; and compiling and reviewing course data to make recommendations for future improvements.
• Facilitate the early arrival program for Career RAP students, providing programmatic and operational support. Responsible for the successful implementation of programs to ensure a positive introduction to the University and career exploration.
• Collaborate with campus partners such as the Undergraduate Student Success Center and the Office of Residential Life to recruit Career RAP participants through targeted marketing and outreach.
• Coordinate project-based learning opportunities with employers (both in-person and virtual) to connect classroom learning with real-world professional experiences. Review, test, and support the implementation of software platforms and other resources that provide students with information about career fields and access to virtual projects, simulations, and experiential learning opportunities. Provide logistical support for opportunities for students to earn relevant micro-credentials that complement academic coursework and strengthen career readiness. Develop and maintain knowledge of NACE standards and create resources to support their integration into course and program curricula.
• Represent the Office of Career & Professional Development at campus-wide events and meetings, including prospective and incoming student events. Participate in campus-wide career events, including the planning and implementation of large-scale career and internship fairs. Facilitate professional development programs, customizing content to meet the needs of diverse and varied audiences and groups, partnering with campus stakeholders, including those across Student Affairs & Campus Life and Academic Affairs.
• Collaborate with academic advisors across the schools and colleges to implement joint initiatives that integrate academic planning with career development, including developing experiential major maps that connect career development, research opportunities, and other high-impact practices with classroom curriculum.
• Support student employment initiatives designed to enhance career readiness through on-campus work experiences and internships, including the Work+ program for on-campus student employees.

Other Functions

• Understand, is committed to, and support departmental and University affirmative action and non-discriminatory regulations, policies, and goals.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (preferably in education, psychology, student affairs, instructional design or a related field) and at least two (2) years of experience working with high school or college-aged students in mentoring, advising, counseling, teaching, recruiting, or related role.
• Experience with program, event, or course development, implementation, and review, including planning, marketing, executing, and evaluating programs, events, and/or courses.
• Proficiency in computer software and tools, including databases, presentation tools, spreadsheets, and social media platforms. The ability to learn new software, tools, and online platforms at a moderate pace.
• Ability to communicate professionally, clearly, and effectively to students, staff, faculty, and employers, both orally and in writing.
• Understanding and commitment to cultural and ethnic diversity.
• Passion for helping students and the ability to create inclusive, engaging environments that promote student well-being and connection.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to maintain harmonious working relationships and collaborate effectively with a diverse population of stakeholders.
• Strong organizational and project management skills and excellent attention to detail.
• The ability to exercise sound judgement, use discretion, and maintain confidentiality.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Higher Education Administration, College Student Personnel, Curriculum & Instructional Design, Human Resources, or related field and at least five years' experience working with college-age students in a mentoring, advising, counseling, teaching, program development or related role.
• Experience working in career-related roles, such as advisors, counselors, etc.
• Experience using social media to market programs or events.
• Experience using Gallup Strengths Finder.
• Experience using Handshake.

Additional Details

This is a temporary, three-year, benefited, grant-funded position. Reappointment is contingent upon satisfactory performance and the availability of funding.

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.
• Required to work occasional evenings and weekends to support and participate in events, workshops, and meetings.

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