University of Massachusetts Amherst Hiring for Senior Academic Advisor – Graduate Programs (Hybrid) at UMass Amherst Full Time

Job no: 522624
Work type: Staff Full Time
Location: UMass Amherst
Department: Computer Science
Union: PSU
Categories: Academic Advising & Learning Resources, PSU A

About UMass AmherstUMass 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 SummaryThe Senior Academic Advisor provides comprehensive advising for Manning College of Information and Computer Sciences (CICS) graduate students. Works closely with advising personnel to ensure high quality advising and academic services for a community of over 800 graduate students. Demonstrates a commitment to engaging students and contributing to their success. Essential Functions

• Provides comprehensive, individualized advising to a diverse population of graduate students. Assists students with selecting courses that match their research or career interests and program requirements. Responds to at-risk students experiencing academic and personal difficulties by addressing relevant issues and making appropriate referrals to university agencies. Communicates and collaborates with other units on campus such as the Graduate School, Dean of Students Office, Center for Counseling and Psychological Services, International Programs, and Disability Services.
• Manages a schedule of one-on-one advising meetings with graduate students. Leads information sessions for graduate students online and in-person.

Participates in the planning, implementation, and development of innovative programs designed to enhance the retention, sense of belonging, and academic progress of graduate students, especially students from marginalized groups. Represents CICS on relevant university-level committees/councils. Participates in and promotes evening and weekend advising related activities (e.g., career and advising fairs, industrial affiliates events, student support and community events, etc.).Attends regional advising conferences and other professional development events. Collaborates with faculty, program directors, staff, and students to develop, update, and maintain our graduate program(s).Responsible for special projects to support the missions of the College.Collaborates with career services and the International Programs Office (IPO) to advise and facilitate Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) in accordance with College and University policy. Approves and tracks all graduate student CPT and OPT. Advises students on academic and career next steps in compliance with F-1, J-1, and other visa types. Provides mentoring and support for international students through both individual and group activities to ensure student success and sense of belonging.

Other Functions

Performs other duties as assigned or required to meet department, college, or university goals and objectives.Understands responsibilities with respect to Title IX, FERPA, and other compliance requirements. Understands responsibilities with respect to conflicts of interest and behaves in ways consistent both with law and with university policy. Contributes toward creating a positive and respectful workplace defined by personal and professional competence, integrity, and collaboration. Understands and contributes to implementation of departmental and institutional goals for achieving non-discrimination and creating a respectful, inclusive environment that is supportive of diversity. Uses access to sensitive and/or not yet public university related information only in the performance of the responsibilities of position and exercises care to prevent unnecessary disclosure to others.

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

Bachelor’s Degree in any field (Higher Education, Guidance and Counseling, Computer Science, or related field preferred) with at least three (3) years of experience in academic admissions, academic advising, recruiting, or counseling OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
One (1) year of relevant experience may be substituted for every one (1) year of required academia.

Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interact effectively, and create and maintain harmonious relationships with a diverse population of staff, faculty, students, and off-campus constituents. Ability and willingness to work empathetically with a diverse student population and contribute to their success.Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to write concisely, express thoughts clearly, and develop ideas in a logical sequence.Independent initiative. Must have the ability to stay on task and work productively with a minimum amount of supervision or guidance. Willingness to take on a variety of tasks related to the successful operation of the graduate programs office. The ability to adapt and work effectively as the College and graduate programs team grows.Strong organizational skills and attention to detail with the ability to complete assignments in a timely manner, balancing the demands of concurrent and potentially competing projects.Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain confidentiality.The ability to think through problems, organize and seek out data/information, identify key factors and underlying causes, and generate solutions.Strong computer skills including at least intermediate expertise with:

EmailCalendar systems such as iCal, Outlook, or GoogleWord processing software such as Microsoft Word or Google DocsSpreadsheets such as Microsoft Excel or Google SheetsAbility and willingness to travel occasionally for conferences and special events.

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

Master’s Degree in any field (Higher Education, Guidance and Counseling, Computer Science, or related field preferred) with at least two (2) years of experience in academic advising.Demonstrated experience planning events and programs for diverse groups of people. Experience working with international students.

Physical Demands/Working ConditionsTypical office environment. Work Schedule

Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 5:00pmMay be required to work some nights and weekends.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 InformationLevel 26.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.

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: Mar 5 2024 Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: Jun 5 2024 Eastern Daylight Time