Head of Operations: Lifelong, Interdisciplinary, and Digital Programming

UMass Amherst; Amherst (MA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The Head of Operations at UMass Amherst leads strategic initiatives for Lifelong, Interdisciplinary, and Digital Programming (LiID), partnering with the Vice Provost and cross-unit leaders to advance university priorities.

This role directs day-to-day operations, manages complex programs including Pre-College, Early College, professional programs, micro-credentials, and online modalities, and drives resource planning, change management, and continuous improvement across the portfolio.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 7+ years of experience or Master's degree with 5+ years in related roles.
• Strong facilitation, analytical, writing and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a complex environment.
• Experience handling confidential information with sound judgement.
• Familiarity with continuous improvement methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Advise and partner with the Vice Provost to lead high-impact, cross-functional portfolio initiatives.
• Oversee day-to-day operations, including calendaring and office systems to boost efficiency.
• Manage stakeholder engagement and communication across campus offices.
• Coordinate project delivery, tracking deliverables and success metrics.
• Support personnel searches and procurement activities as needed.

Skills

Facilitation

Analytical skills

Writing

Interpersonal skills

Project management

Change management

Education

Higher education degree requirements

Job description

Title: Head of Operations: Lifelong, Interdisciplinary, and Digital Programming

Executive Area: Academic Affairs

College/School/MBU: Admin Support Units

Department: Online Education

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full time

Work Arrangement: Onsite

Job Summary

The Head of Operations serves as a strategic advisor and operational partner to the Vice Provost and units that comprise Lifelong, Interdisciplinary, and Digital Programming (U-LiID), a comprehensive portfolio with degree pathways, alternative and non-traditional educational programming, and all digital and online offerings of the university. This role leads executive-level initiatives, manages cross-functional projects, directs day-to-day operations, and drives the execution of Vice Provost and university strategy and priorities.

Essential Functions

• Serves as a key strategic aide to the Vice Provost for U-LiID, who leads high-impact institution and community-valued initiatives, programs, and priorities.
• Provides executive administration and strategic management for the Vice Provost, including effective and efficient operations driven by fiscal choices, personnel commitments, academic priorities, policy, as well as program and initiative strategies.
• Working closely with the Vice Provost and U-LiID leadership, assesses and advises on impact of faculty and organizational structures and actions under applicable collective bargaining agreements and university policy; gives due consideration to sensitive information related to change management that drives innovation and fiscal sustainability.
• Exercises independent judgment to develop recommendations with significant personnel, fiscal, policy, and academic implications that advance university-wide portfolio strategy and revenue initiatives across diverse program offerings including Pre-College, Early College, Professional Programs, micro-credentials, and online modalities. Supports comprehensive portfolio planning and resource allocation that strengthens institutional competitiveness and reach through innovative delivery models and interdisciplinary programming.
• On behalf of U-LiID, strengthens relationships that align university priorities, through diplomacy and consistent engagement and communication with the Provost's Office, Office of the CIO/IT, Administration & Finance, Office of the Registrar, IDEAS/CTL, Enrollment Management, Student Success, Human Resources, Institutional Research and other campus and university offices/institutes (e.g. Charles River Campus, Henry M. Thomas Center at Springfield, and the Donohue Institute, etc.), as well as appropriate faculty leadership and governance.
• In collaboration with the Vice Provost, leads and project-manages high-priority efforts through tracking deliverables and success metrics; monitors progress; prepares reports to ensure timely execution and consistent messaging of institutional priorities and outcomes.
• On behalf of the Vice Provost, implements change management initiatives by coordinating stakeholder engagement, training sessions, conference/professional development activities, including those that impact employee work practices and conditions, including handling confidential information related to leadership decision-making and change management strategies.
• Representing the Vice Provost, manages a key of set of high-value/high-impact cross-function meetings that advance strategic priorities representing the impact of portfolio leadership (execution includes oversight of agendas, scheduling, and follow-up specific to deliverables).
• Directs day-to-day operations, including calendaring; ensures effective workflow, communication, and coordination across the Vice Provost's portfolio that includes maintaining and improving the efficiency and effectiveness of office systems and processes.
• Supports personnel searches and procurement activities as needed.

Other Functions

• Performs other related duties as assigned.
• Understands, is committed to, and supports affirmative action and non-discrimination goals.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and more than 7 years of experience OR Master's degree and more than 5 years of related experience;
• Strong facilitation, analytical, writing and interpersonal skills;
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in complex environment;
• Experience handling confidential information with appropriate judgement;
• Familiarity with continuous improvement methodologies.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in public higher education or public sector;
• Experience working in a unionized environment;
• Experience with incident management involving sensitive professional situations.

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

Salary Information

Pay Grade: PSSAP Grade 30

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.