Director Grad Assistantships

Apply now Job no:523556
Work type:Staff Full Time
Location:UMass Amherst
Department: Graduate Registrar
Union: PSU
Categories:Academic Advising & Learning Resources

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 Director of Graduate Assistantships (DGA) oversees the administration of graduate employment and non-working fellowships across the University of Massachusetts Amherst.  In collaboration with the Provost’s Office and Human Resources, the DGA engages with staff, faculty, and graduate students across the University on a wide range of policies and issues related to compliance with established protocols, State/Federal law, and the Graduate Employee Organization (GEO) contract. The Director develops and implements creative solutions to increasingly complex problems.  The DGA is responsible for building and leading a team of specialists in the Graduate Assistantship Office and organizes and streamlines practices to maximize efficiency. We invite all qualified applicants to apply and participate in a workplace culture that strives for excellence and promoting the success of both our graduate students and employees alike. 

Essential Functions

• Oversees the administration of graduate employment and non-working fellowship across the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Implements and monitors new procedures for the Graduate Assistantship Office to stay in compliance with Trustee, State, INS, campus policies, and the GEO contract. Collaborates with Information Technology, Human Resources, Controller’s Office, and Graduate School administrators to develop and ensure efficient electronic personnel processes for graduate assistantships, graduate hourly employees, fellowships, and fee payments. Provides primary oversight for administering graduate assistantships for Five College appointments.
• Manages and executes all aspects of data management, systems management, and information requests related to graduate student assistantships and hourly appointments, tuition waivers, externships, fellowships, and fee payments. Develops and implements systems to capture information necessary for academic and administrative needs, ensuring accuracy and compliance with FERPA.
• Independently evaluates and determines appropriate tuition and curriculum fee waivers, health fee deferments, and international student waivers. Reviews terms and conditions of fellowships to determine benefits and waiver eligibility and source of third-party fee payments, assistance for graduate student employment and training grant fellowships. Makes appropriate adjustments when benefit eligibility changes.
• Investigates and recommends resolution to potential GEO grievances, collaborating with the Director of Finance and Administration, Academic Personnel, and Human Resources.
• Develops and conducts trainings and programs for the University community as needed by the Graduate Assistantship Office.
• Manages and updates the Graduate Assistantship website. Provides clear communication regarding University policies to Graduate Program Directors and graduate students.
• Hires, trains, and supervises support staff within the Graduate Assistantship Office.
• Advocates for graduate students across multiple constituencies.

Other Functions

• Occasional night/weekend work required during high-volume periods.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

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

• Bachelor’s Degree with 3 years' experience managing an administrative office and at least 2 years of supervision experience.
• Highly knowledgeable with respect to FERPA.
• Ability to work in customer service platforms.
• Intermediate to advanced skill set using Microsoft Excel.
• Demonstrated ability to oversee several projects simultaneously and implement policies & procedures in a timely manner. High degree of initiative, maintaining productivity amid multiple competing demands.
• Exceptional speaking/written communication and interpersonal skills and ability to relate effectively with broadly diverse constituencies.
• Ability to independently troubleshoot problems and implement solutions.
• Ability to understand and contribute to the implementation of departmental and institutional goals for achieving non-discrimination and creating a respectful, inclusive environment that supports diversity.

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

• Administrative experience at UMass Amherst.
• Experience with systems used at UMass (e.g., Spire, Salesforce).

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

Typical office environment.

Work Schedule

Monday-Friday, 8:30 am – 5 pm.

Salary Information

Salary Level 27.

Exempt Hiring Ranges.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Upload your resume along with your completed application. Our team will check references at the final stage of the interview process. Please be prepared to provide contact information for at least three (3) professional references. This position will remain open until filled or the advertised closing date, whichever occurs first. Early submissions are recommended.

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 29 2024 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close:Sep 1 2024 Eastern Daylight Time