Academic Programs Manager

About UMass Amherst - Mount Ida Campus

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The Mount Ida Campus (MIC) of UMass Amherst is located in Newton, MA adjacent to the Newton-Needham Innovation District, and the tech-focused Route 128 corridor. At Mount Ida, UMass Amherst offers an array of experiential learning opportunities to its undergraduate students, as well as a growing number of graduate and professional degree programs. The campus is growing its undergraduate career development programs with expanded access to internships and co-ops in the thriving Greater Boston area.

Job Summary

Under the direct supervision of the Associate Provost for Academic Programs on the Mount Ida Campus (MIC), the MIC Academic Program Manager supports the undergraduate and graduate programs at the Mount Ida Campus, assists in program administration, and provides the day-to-day oversight of the campus academic programs and activities.

Essential Functions

• In collaboration with the Associate Provost for Academic Programs at Mount Ida Campus, oversees the daily operations of the undergraduate and graduate academic programs, using a data-driven approach to develop and implement strategies for enhancing academic offerings and student support services.
• Develops and implements assessment tools, conducts research, collects data, and generates reports to inform decision-making and strategic planning in support of MIC mission and goals.
• Creates MIC academic programs newsletter and presents on student progress, program outcomes, and areas for improvement to various stakeholders.
• Works with department faculty and staff to assign faculty office space and develop course offerings, course capacities, enrollment procedures, and course schedules.
• Collaborates with faculty, program directors, and MIC staff to coordinate events including off-campus site visits, guest speakers, library collections, special events, and end of semester academic celebrations.
• Maintains a database of program-related documentation, including course schedules, syllabi, and student records.
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge about best practices and emerging trends in academic program management and student success.
• Manages systems for tracking MIC student enrollments, both residential and commuter populations.
• Works collaboratively with the Disability Services office and MIC Faculty to coordinate and oversee MIC Exam Proctoring Services and provides back-up for proctoring services and library staff as needed.
• Works with the Office of General Council to establish affiliation agreements with employer partners.
• Represents the Mount Ida Campus in meetings, committees, and external engagements related to academic programs and student services.
• Supervises student workers.

Other Functions

• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Attends trainings and meetings for professional development and responsibilities.

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

• Bachelor's Degree and at least two years of relevant experience. A Master's Degree in Higher Education or a related field may be substituted for one year of the required experience.
• Commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of position.
• Ability to collaborate and interact with faculty, staff, students, and parents in a friendly and professional manner.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently to organize multiple tasks and set priorities for action, in a fast-paced office environment.
• Experience working with students with a range of academic abilities.
• Computer proficiency with word processing, spreadsheet, and database programs.
• Skilled in small group presentations.
• Available to work on occasional nights and weekends.
• Flexibility to work with initiative and willingness to take on a variety of tasks related to the successful operation and administration of the unit.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and varying situations with independence, competent judgment and discretion.

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

• Experience with computer-based registration and academic records technology, such as SPIRE and EAB.
• Knowledge of university academic rules and regulations.
• Three years' experience in higher education.
• Demonstrated ability to manage a high volume of complex and varied client needs.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

Typical office environment.

Additional Details

This position is on-site at the Mount Ida Campus of UMass Amherst in Newton, MA.

Work Schedule

• Monday - Friday, 9:00am - 5:00pm.
• Required to work some nights and weekends.

Salary Information

Salary Level 26.

Exempt Hiring Ranges.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume and a cover letter detailing relevant experience and efforts to support diversity, equity, and inclusion. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references. Applications will be reviewed on a continuous basis until the position is filled. Early submissions are encouraged.

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.