Associate Director of Outreach and Access (Hybrid)

Apply now Job no:523245
Work type:Staff Full Time
Location:UMass Amherst
Department: Enrollment Management Ops
Union: PSU
Categories:Admissions/Enrollment/Student Recruitment

About UMass Amherst

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 University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Summary

The Associate Director of Outreach and Access will lead activities and strategy in the recruitment and enrollment of students from underrepresented groups.  The Associate Director will supervise the Outreach and Access team as well as collaborate with staff, faculty, and current students on efforts to increase students of color, low-income, first-generation, LGBTQIA+ and other historically underrepresented students on campus.

Essential Functions

• Oversees the Outreach and Access group on the First-Year Admissions team, including direct and indirect supervision of professional staff as well as indirect oversight of student staff.  Provides direction, guidance and support for staff in their responsibilities of supporting underrepresented student access, outreach initiatives and associated programs, and review of undergraduate applications.
• Utilizes data-informed approaches to lead the development and implementation of strategic and tactical plans for the recruitment, admission, and yield of underrepresented students, including students of color, first-generation, low-income, and LGBTQIA+ backgrounds.
• Collaborates with undergraduate admissions colleagues regarding recruitment and yield efforts as well as college access and early outreach initiatives for middle and high school students.
• Manages the planning and execution of in-person and virtual events/programs purposed to promote underrepresented student outreach and access.
• Works with senior leadership to devise new Commonwealth-focused recruitment initiatives, which include establishing new recruitment channels, developing community and educational partnerships, and identifying ways to minimize institutional barriers that challenge traditionally underserved students.
• Serves as a liaison to a range of campus partners to ensure alignment of efforts around access and outreach-related initiatives.
• Collaborates with the Enrollment Communications and Events team to develop targeted communications as well as an overall multi-channel communication plan.
• Oversees and facilitates the involvement of professional and student staff support across Enrollment Management regarding access and outreach initiatives.
• Develops and conducts a series of trainings that educate Enrollment Management staff and University partners around topics related to the recruitment and yield of diverse underrepresented students.
• Manages the implementation of a recruitment strategy for a specific territory, including building relationships with and visiting high schools, representing the university at college fairs, community events and giving formal presentations.
• Evaluates the effectiveness of targeted recruitment travel to areas with a focus on recruitment of underrepresented students. Makes informed, data-driven recommendations to improve related strategies. 
• Acts as a resource for underrepresented students and families navigating the college admissions and financial aid application processes.
• In collaboration with the Director, devises and implements strategies that aid in reaching University enrollment goals of recruiting an inclusive incoming class.
• Develops new and updates existing application review guidelines for underrepresented student populations.
• Assists professional admissions staff with holistic application review and first-year recruitment.  Serves as a content expert related to the nuances of recruitment, outreach, and complex application review of underrepresented students.  Provides related guidance, instruction and support for 20 professional and 30 seasonal reading staff.
• Makes admission decision recommendations on student applicants who clearly meet University admission review criteria and applicants who clearly do not meet admission criteria.  Analyzes, makes recommendations, and serves as a leader in the decision-making process on candidates whose applications need further review.

Other Functions

• Represents the University at on-, off-campus, and virtual recruitment and yield information sessions and events.
• Acts as a project manager on medium- to large-sized projects/programs by establishing and executing project plans, timelines, tasks and objectives.
• Participates in and serves on department, division, and university teams and/or committees.
• Serves in the absence of the Director of First-Year Admissions on matters relating to diversity recruitment and enrollment of undergraduate students.
• Maintains thorough knowledge of trends in the field of admissions, developments at the University and in higher education.

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

• Bachelor’s degree and five (5) years of progressive experience in undergraduate student recruitment or in an outreach/access/diversity/recruitment-related position, including at least one (1) year of supervisory experience.
• Experience in training staff on topics related to access, diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Experience mentoring people who are new to the admissions field.
• Sensitivity to multicultural and socioeconomic issues.
• Ability to speak and write clearly and persuasively.
• Excellent organizational, analytical and interpersonal skills and the ability to manage multiple projects while exhibiting professionalism and a commitment to teamwork.
• Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to the undergraduate experience at a major research university.
• Proficient use of data and technology, including social media.
• Valid driver’s license.

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

• Master’s degree in Higher Education or related field.
• Proficiency with a customer relations management system.
• Bilingual ability.
• Previous experience supervising student staff.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Typical office environment.

Work Schedule

• Monday – Friday, 8:30AM to 5:00PM. 
• Required to work some evenings and weekends. 
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 12 weeks throughout the year.
• 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

Level 28

PSU Hiring Ranges

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume. References will be checked at the finalist stage. 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.

Advertised:May 16 2024 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close:Aug 16 2024 Eastern Daylight Time