University of Massachusetts Amherst Hiring for Center for Braiding Indigenous Knowledges and Science (CBIKS) – Managing Director (Hybrid) at UMass Amherst Full Time

Job no: 519605
Work type: Staff Full Time
Location: UMass Amherst
Department: Dean – Social & Behavioral Sci
Union: PSU
Categories: Administrative & Office Support, College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

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 National Science Foundation Center for Braiding Indigenous Knowledges and Science (CBIKS) Managing Director is responsible for the operational, technical and administrative management of the Center. This position works in close partnership with the Director/Principal Investigator to administer this large, technically complex, multi-Hub, and continuously evolving Center.

Essential Functions

• Represents the Center and serves as the central administrator for the Center, acting within the policies and procedures of the Center, the University, and the National Science Foundation agreement to achieve the Center goals.
• Serves as the primary interface between Center researchers, technical staff, educational and outreach personnel, government partners and the Director.
• Oversees operational and financial management, budget preparation, facilities support, grant administration, technology transfer, human resources, general administration and resource allocation.
• Partners with the PI and senior leadership to assess strategic plan, research activities and programmatic performance indicators, reformulate to ensure compliance and sustain rapid progress.
• Supervises the other CBIKS core staff at UMass and helps monitor sub-awardee progress.
• Coordinates with the CBKIS leadership to update the Center’s strategic plan.
• Serves as liaison with NSF, the CBKIS leadership and Advisory Board, UMass colleges and departments, and the broad spectrum of Center participants and partners.
• Oversees and coordinates Center website development, internal database, and communications.
• Coordinates annual NSF site visit and other Advisory Board and Oversight Committee meetings. Prepares annual report. Leads overall compliance with the NSF agreement.

Other Functions

• Assumes other duties as requested by the Director.

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

Bachelor’s degree and 4 years of relevant experience.

Excellent organizational skills and acute attention to detail. Demonstrated ability to effectively address complex administrative issues.

Experience overseeing budgets for grants and contracts.

Excellent ability to demonstrate fairness and diplomacy.

Superb problem-solving abilities with the ability to establish operational procedures where they may be non-existent or require continual refinement.

Excellent writing and editing skills.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to develop and maintain productive relationships.

Ability to coordinate and work well with faculty and staff from a variety of disciplines and constituents outside the University.

Ability to ensure compliance with rules, policies, and procedures governing assigned activities.

Excellent computer skills including MS Office and the ability to quickly learn grant related systems.

Proficiency with online application protocols required by funding agencies.

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

• Experience managing a Center or academic department.
• Advanced degree with a research focus and experience working in a research environment.
• Understanding of Indigenous communities and Indigenous research concepts.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

Typical office environment.

Additional Details

• This is a 5 year, term-limited position. Continuation of the position is contingent upon grant funding.
• May supervise graduate and undergraduate assistants.
• May require limited 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.

Work Schedule

• Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm.

Salary Information

Level 29

PSU Hiring Ranges

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume, cover letter and contact information for three (3) professional references. The search will remain open until filled.

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, or genetic information 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 the UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.

Advertised: Jul 3 2023 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Oct 1 2023 Eastern Daylight Time