Instructional Excellence Program Manager

UMass Amherst; Amherst (MA); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

UMass Amherst seeks an Instructional Excellence Program Manager to coordinate programs and events within the Instructional Excellence unit, including the Faculty Teaching Academy, IDEAS, and CTL. The role reports to the Associate Provost for Instructional Excellence and requires strong organizational and communication skills.

This hybrid, full-time position involves budgeting, cross‑functional collaboration with university stakeholders, data reporting, and maintaining documentation to support

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with at least two (2) years of experience supporting project management, events, business operations, or planning and coordination activities.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work both independently and in a team environment and to promote teamwork, diversity, equity, and inclusiveness.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize work, coordinate programs with multiple stakeholders and deadlines, manage time efficiently, and follow through on assignments.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to use discretion and maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to exercise initiative and independent judgement.
• Excellent attention to detail with the ability to perform data entry and maintain complex records with accuracy.
• Strong computer skills, including familiarity with spreadsheets, word processing software, calendars, presentation software, and email. The ability to learn new technology and tools at a moderate pace.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary program manager for specific programs, including the Faculty Teaching Academy, with budgets and timelines.
• Coordinate communications with stakeholders to meet deadlines and ensure event execution.
• Develop and manage award, grant, and fellowship timelines and processes.
• Manage cross‑functional coordination between IDEAS and CTL programs and nominee submissions.
• Coordinate financial administration and payment timelines with the Provost's Office.
• Monitor and analyze program data to inform evaluations and improvements.
• Design and maintain intake/tracking systems for a high volume of requests.
• Establish and maintain department documentation and records.
• Coordinate meetings and events and manage logistics for Faculty Teaching Academy and CTL/IDEAS workshops.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Written & verbal communication

Discretion & confidentiality

Attention to detail

Computer literacy

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Asana

Qualtrics

Job description

Title: Instructional Excellence Program Manager

Executive Area: Academic Affairs

College/School/MBU: Admin Support Units

Department: Ideas-Instructional Design & Support

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full Time

Work Arrangement: Hybrid

Job Summary

The Instructional Excellence Program Manager provides program and operational coordination to the Instructional Excellence unit, which includes the Center for Teaching & Learning (CTL) and Instructional Design, Engagement, & Support (IDEAS). Reporting to the Associate Provost for Instructional Excellence, and working in close collaboration with the Assistant Provost and Director of IDEAS and the Assistant Provost and Director of CTL, the Program Manager is responsible for coordinating programs and events within the Instructional Excellence unit, including the Faculty Teaching Academy and other teaching support programs.

Essential Functions

CTL and IDEAS Programming Support

Serves as the primary program manager for specific programs as assigned, including the Faculty Teaching Academy. Responsible for program implementation and coordination, as well as the development, organization, and monitoring of program budgets and timelines. May contribute to program development as appropriate.

Liaises with internal and external stakeholders to ensure consistent communication, establish and meet deadlines, and ensure smooth execution of programs and events. Provides backup support across CTL and IDEAS programs as needed.

Partners with the communications team to develop, compose, and edit correspondence, reports, and program literature.

Award, Grant, and Fellowship Management

Develops and maintains award, grant, and fellowship timelines with consideration to feedback and trends to ensure optimal outreach, visibility, and engagement. Identifies potential issues and makes recommendations for change as needed. Follows up with stakeholders to ensure timely completion of tasks. Consults with unit leadership as appropriate.

Manages cross-functional coordination among IDEAS and CTL programs to align processes, timelines, and communication strategies. Serves as the central point for nominee submission management, stakeholder inquiries, and program communications to faculty, university stakeholders, administrative offices, and system-level partners.

Coordinates financial administration for awards, grants, and fellowships by submitting payment requests to the Provost's Office Administration & Finance team. Communicates timelines for payment to recipients and other relevant stakeholders.

Data Analysis and Reporting

Monitors and analyzes internal and institutional data across application, enrollment, progress, and participation metrics to identify trends and assess program effectiveness across the Instructional Excellence portfolio; collaborates with unit leadership to recommend, develop, and implement comprehensive program evaluations; produces actionable data-driven reports that inform strategic decision-making and continuous program improvement.

Designs, implements, and manages efficient and consistent intake and tracking systems across the Instructional Excellence unit for a high volume of collaboration and partnership requests, ensuring opportunities are appropriately supported; evaluates current processes, identifies best practices, and implements systems to improve coordination, collaboration, and satisfaction.

Establishes and maintains comprehensive department documentation, including developing templates, spreadsheets, and collaborative/data management and information-sharing plans to support and enhance program operations. Maintains all related records for CTL and IDEAS programs.

Event Coordination

Coordinates meetings and events, including Faculty Teaching Academy community of practice meetings, kick-off meetings, and related events, as well as collaborative workshops and events between IDEAS and CTL. Ensures accurate scheduling and maintain a shared programming calendar for the Instructional Excellence unit.

Assists with event logistics including, but not limited to, program dissemination, catering, room reservations, audio visual requirements, registration materials, signage, parking, meeting materials, evaluation forms, mass mailings, travel arrangements, and serving as a liaison to vendors.

Develops and maintains scheduling procedures for faculty use of the IDEAS Media studio.

Other Functions

Perform other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of Instructional Excellence and the University.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree with at least two (2) years of experience supporting project management, events, business operations, or planning and coordination activities.

Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work both independently and in a team environment and to promote teamwork, diversity, equity, and inclusiveness.

Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize work, coordinate programs with multiple stakeholders and deadlines, manage time efficiently, and follow through on assignments.

Strong written and oral communication skills.

Ability to use discretion and maintain confidentiality.

Ability to exercise initiative and independent judgement.

Excellent attention to detail with the ability to perform data entry and maintain complex records with accuracy.

Strong computer skills, including familiarity with spreadsheets, word processing software, calendars, presentation software, and email. The ability to learn new technology and tools at a moderate pace.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working in a higher education setting.

Familiarity with project management platforms (e.g. Asana) and survey tools to gather data and generate reports (e.g. Qualtrics).

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.

May be required to work occasionally after 5pm during the week to support 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.

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.