Assistant Director of Off-Campus Student Life (OCSL)

Inside Higher Ed; Amherst (MA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Massachusetts is seeking an Assistant Director of Off-Campus Student Life. This role involves managing services for commuter students, overseeing student staff, and coordinating community programs. Prospective candidates should have a Master's degree and experience in student affairs. Strong communication and collaboration skills are essential. This is a full-time position with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in higher education or related field and 2 years of experience, or Bachelor's with 4 years.
• Experience working with diverse populations and developing inclusive environments.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and assess educational initiatives and services for off-campus students.
• Manage recruitment and training of student employees.
• Coordinate community outreach programs and services for students.

Skills

Collaboration skills

Communication skills

Computer skills

Training experience

Diversity engagement

Education

Master’s degree in relevant field

Bachelor's degree with four years experience

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Web-based software platforms

Job description

Assistant Director of Off-Campus Student Life (OCSL)

Job no: 528249

Work type: Staff Full Time

Location: UMass Amherst

Department: Off Campus Student Life

Union: PSU

Categories: Student Affairs & Services

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

Under the general direction of the Director of Off Campus Student Life (OCSL), the Assistant Director of Off Campus Student Life (OCSL) performs a variety of functions and responsibilities related to the delivery of student services with primary responsibility for programs and services to support commuter and off campus students.

Essential Functions

• Assists in the development, implementation, and assessment of educational initiatives, services, and processes related to off campus housing and community living.
• Manages the recruitment, selection, training, and supervision of 15‑20 undergraduate student employees.
• Supports the effective operation of the Off Campus Student Center which includes tracking student usage of the center resources.
• Coordinates off campus community building and intervention programs and services, including, but not limited to, Good Neighbor Registration, Community Resource fairs, Housing Fairs, and student outreach.
• Meets with off campus students regarding student concerns, advises about policies and procedures, makes referrals, and intervenes with other agencies as needed.
• Supports the creation and maintenance of Off Campus Student Life communications, publications, and marketing materials.
• Supports effective partnerships with key campus and community organizations including, but not limited to, Residential Life, Student Legal Services Office, Student Engagement and Leadership, UMass Police Department, and local police, fire, and housing inspection services.
• Maintains broad knowledge of trends in the off‑campus housing market, rental industry trends, community‑related concerns, higher education, and best practices in supporting off campus students.
• Represents Off Campus Student Life, Dean of Students Office, and Dean of Students Collaborative on university committees.
• Conducts programs and trainings and may assist in transporting programmatic materials and supplies.

Other Functions

• Performs related duties as assigned or required. Understands responsibilities with respect to Title IX, Clery and other compliance requirements.
• Demonstrates capacity, skill, and willingness to engage students and contribute to student success.
• Understands responsibilities with respect to conflicts of interest and behaves in ways consistent both with law and university policy.
• Contributes toward creating a positive and respectful workplace. Uses access to sensitive and/or not yet public university related information only in the performance of the responsibilities of position and exercises care to prevent unnecessary disclosure to others.

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

• Master’s degree including but not limited to higher education, student affairs, public policy/administration, or business administration and two (2) years' experience in program planning and delivery for students and/or community agencies OR a Bachelor's degree and four (4) years' experience.
• Demonstrated ability and experience in developing and maintaining positive, collaborative relationships with internal and external constituencies.
• Demonstrated computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite applications and online course development.
• Experience using a web‑based software platform to initiate, track, and record work.
• Demonstrated experience working with diverse populations and in developing inclusive communities and work teams.
• Demonstrated experience creating and delivering trainings, workshops, small group discussion/facilitation, and presentations.
• Excellent communication (oral and written) and presentation skills.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Typical office environment.
• Ability to lift boxes and materials that weigh up to 30 pounds.

Work Schedule

• Typical work schedule: Monday—Friday, 8:30 am — 5:00 pm.
• Required to work some nights and weekends.

Salary Information

Level 27

Special Instructions to Applicants

Upload your resume, along with your completed application. Our team will check references at the final stage of the interview process. Please be prepared to provide contact information for at least three (3) professional references. This position will remain open until filled or the advertised closing date, whichever occurs first. Early submissions are recommended.

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

Advertised: Sep 4 2025 Eastern Daylight Time

Applications close: Dec 7 2025 Eastern Standard Time