Instructional Excellence Program Manager

University of Massachusetts Amherst; Amherst (MA); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Massachusetts Amherst is seeking an Instructional Excellence Program Manager to coordinate programs and events within the Instructional Excellence unit, including CTL and IDEAS. You will manage budgets, timelines, and communications while collaborating with leadership across CTL and IDEAS.

The role emphasizes cross-functional coordination, data-driven evaluation, and high-volume intake management, with a hybrid schedule and involvement in award/ grant timelines as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with at least two years of relevant coordination experience.
• Strong written and oral communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple stakeholders, deadlines, and sensitive information.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate programs and events for the Instructional Excellence unit, including Faculty Teaching Academy.
• Develop and monitor budgets, timelines, and program literature in liaison with CTL and IDEAS.
• Manage nominee submissions, communications, and stakeholder inquiries across units.
• Support data collection and reporting to evaluate program outcomes and impact.
• Design intake and tracking systems for high-volume collaboration requests.
• Support event logistics, scheduling, and coordination with vendors and venues.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Discretion & confidentiality

Initiative & independent judgement

Attention to detail

Teamwork & collaboration

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

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.