Manager of Strategic Programs and Operations

University of Massachusetts Amherst; Amherst (MA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Massachusetts Amherst seeks a Manager of Strategic Programs and Operations to partner with the Director of the Edwin C. Gentzler Translation Center.

The role advances the Center’s mission by leading strategic growth initiatives; developing, overseeing, and delivering educational programming for intra- and extramural partners; managing translation and interpreting projects; cultivating community partnerships; and supervising students and vendors who support the Center’s services and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Five years of experience in public education, language access, translation, interpreting, or closely related fields.
• Familiarity with language services standards and ethics.
• Fluency in at least one language other than English.
• Strong communication, organizational, and multitasking abilities.
• Proficient computer skills and familiarity with desktop publishing and CAT tools.

Responsibilities

• Assist Director with strategic initiatives and special projects.
• Develop and oversee translation and interpreting training workshops.
• Teach workshops on language access and interpreting strategies.
• Manage translation projects, client billing, and vendor coordination.
• Organize events and outreach activities with community partners.
• Plan professional development and analyze program data.
• Supervise interns or student staff.
• Prepare bids and proposals for external projects.
• Coordinate facilities, digital files, and databases.
• Market the Center and maintain website content.
• Create educational materials and maintain instructional resources.
• Oversee social media and analytics to support outreach.

Skills

Fluency in at least one language other

Proficient computer skills

CAT tools

InDesign

Microsoft Word

Excel

Access

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

CAT tools

InDesign

Microsoft Word

Excel

Access

Job description

Title: Manager of Strategic Programs and Operations

Executive Area: Academic Affairs

College/School/MBU: Humanities & Fine Arts

Department: Foreign Language Resource Ctr

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full Time

Work Arrangement: Hybrid

Job Summary

The Manager of Strategic Programs and Operations serves as a key operational and strategic partner to the Director of the Edwin C. Gentzler Translation Center. This position advances the Center’s mission by supporting strategic growth initiatives; developing, overseeing, and delivering educational programming for intra- and extramural partners; managing translation and interpreting projects; cultivating community partnerships; and supervising students and vendors who support the Center’s services and public engagement activities.

Working collaboratively with the Director, community partners, clients, and students the Manager of Strategic Programs and Operations ensures the successful implementation of workshops, outreach initiatives, and language service projects of varying sizes and scopes. The role combines program leadership, project management, professional development, business development, student supervision, and operational oversight to strengthen the Center’s visibility, sustainability, and impact. The Manager of Strategic Programs and Operations approaches work with a proactive and solutions-oriented mindset, demonstrating sound judgment and follow-through on all projects, and a commitment to continuous improvement while effectively managing competing priorities.

This is a one-year limited-term position, with the possibility of renewal based on funding availability.

Essential Functions

• Assist the Director in any assigned capacity, including supporting strategic initiatives, coordinating special projects, contributing to program development, and providing administrative or operational support as needed.
• Develop and oversee translation and interpreting education workshops and training, by communicating with workshop leaders and facilitators to plan sessions, organize and distribute materials, and oversee participant involvement and language assessments.
• Teach workshops on public school multilingual communication policies and interpreting strategies to help educators build practical skills in understanding and applying, but not limited to, DESE-aligned interpretation practices.
• Project management and negotiation of interpreting assignments and, as needed, any other assigned translation and multi-service language projects. Carry out client billing processes related to projects independently or in collaboration with the Manager of Finance and Administration.
• Organize events such as, but not limited to, speakers, translation events with the general public, and high school student visits to the Center. Participate in community events, conferences, and outreach activities on behalf of the Center.
• Assist with planning and coordinating school district-based professional development sessions and other outreach initiatives, while participating in relevant professional development opportunities and applying new knowledge to strengthen Center programs and services. Collect and analyze data or research to support programs, professional development opportunities, and community initiatives.
• Train and supervise assigned interns or student assistants and provide support throughout their experience at the Center.
• Assist with the preparation of bids and proposals for external projects and funded initiatives. Organize and maintain digital files, shared drives, and fiscal or project documentation. Manage and maintain interpreter and translator databases.
• Coordinate operational and facilities functions, ensuring office and storage spaces, equipment, and supplies are effectively organized, maintained, and managed.
• Market the Gentzler Translation Center to generate new clients and partners, develop new business relations, and seek opportunities for community outreach and the Center’s visibility, while maintaining existing business relations. Update website content, online resources, and program information in coordination with any team member assigned to website management.
• Develop and maintain visual, educational, and instructional materials, including graphics, presentation templates, handbooks, guidelines, and documentation of internal processes for employees and student staff.
• Manage and oversee the GTC’s social media presence, including content creation, scheduling, community engagement, and analytics to support outreach, visibility, and stakeholder engagement initiatives.

Other Functions

Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Five years of experience in public education, language access, translation, interpreting, or closely related fields.
• Familiarity with the practice, profession, standards, and ethics of providing language services and supports.
• Respect for confidential information and commitment to secure it.
• Fluency in at least one language other than English.
• Ability to work independently and multitask.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a strong emphasis on clarity and concision. Ability and facility in the English language (reading, writing, comprehension) including proper grammar, punctuation, spelling, word meaning, and word usage.
• Proficient computer skills (Word, Excel, Access). Familiarity with desktop publishing (e.g., InDesign) and computer-aided translation (CAT) tools.
• Ability to establish harmonious working relationships. Ability to interact with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to coordinate with clients, vendors, workshop facilitators, community partners, and event stakeholders.
• Must be well organized and have excellent attention to detail skills.
• Strong administrative skills, including documentation of internal processes, maintaining organized physical and digital spaces, and supporting operational workflows.
• Ability to teach and/or lead workshops relating to language access, public education, and/or related topics.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in language other than English, Linguistics, Business or related field
• Knowledge of the public education system in the United States of America.
• Teaching experience with a diverse group of learners.

Additional Details

This is a one-year limited-term position, with the possibility of renewal based on funding availability.

This position supervises graduate students, undergraduate students, high school interns, and external vendors.

Required to work nights and weekends as needed.

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

8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m., Monday–Friday schedule, with occasional evening and weekend hours, and occasional travel.

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 27

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