University of Massachusetts Amherst Hiring for Senior Assistant Director Transfer Admissions (Hybrid) at UMass Amherst Full Time

Job no: 522559
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 Senior Assistant Director plans and supports undergraduate transfer student recruitment, selection and yield activities in order to meet institutional enrollment goals. This position has an emphasis on planning and supporting recruitment activities, including the oversight of the Transfer Student Ambassador program.

Essential Functions

Directly supervises 1-2 Assistant Directors of Transfer Admissions. Recruits, selects and trains Transfer Student Ambassadors (TSAs). Coordinates programming and events that require TSA participation.

Leads the on-campus information sessions and participates in scheduling logistics. Participates in on-call and information sessions with transfer staff. Works with the Associate Director and TSAs on social media events and communications.

Under the direction of the Associate Director of Transfer Admissions, executes special projects and programs to support the mission of the transfer admissions office and the university. Develops resources, and executes project plans, timelines, tasks and objectives to support the assigned project/program.

Advises prospective transfer students and enrolling students regarding college and university academic regulations, requirements, guidelines, and admission selection criteria, including guidance on competitive majors and concentrations. Maintains generalist knowledge of majors, departments, co-curricular opportunities, financial aid processes, residential life, and resources available to transfer students. Assists students in course selection, development of a transfer plan, and preparation for admission into an appropriate major.

Provides transfer credit policy information to prospective students. Advises students on Mass Transfer policy and other related state transfer programs, including Early College requirements, Commonwealth Commitment, and reverse transfer.

Provides basic immigration information to student visa holders.

Reads transfer applications and determines admissions eligibility by evaluating academic and non-academic credentials based on established standards. Analyzes, makes recommendations, and participates in the decision-making process on candidates whose applications need further review. Evaluates international transfer applications by converting grading scales to US scales for use in admissions decisions and converting credits earned internationally to the Carnegie credit system.

Reviews and codes applicants for the appropriate residency status and transfer type according to state and federal requirements related to institutional reporting. Evaluates the applicants’ records for transfer coursework and provides an estimation of acceptable transfer credits in the preliminary transfer credit form. Assigns the appropriate general education student group based on the applicant type and sending institution. Indicates if placement exams are required for admitted students.

Reviews and analyzes multiyear demographic and enrollment trend reports and works with transfer admissions team to plan and implement targeted recruitment activities in defined regions. Recruits at community colleges within an assigned territory. Cultivates professional relationships with institutions and serves as a primary contact with community college representatives. Represents the university at community college fairs, recruitment presentations, and campus visitor events.

Identifies long-term recruiting goals, strategies, and innovative ways to recruit talented transfer students. Participates in debriefing exercises to assess the success of recruitment and outreach efforts. Serves as liaison to on-campus departments and off-campus organizations to help increase the volume and quality of applications and to coordinate special programs as assigned.

Other Functions

Participates in rotation for walk-in visits and conducts presentations at information sessions.

Keeps abreast of pertinent developments at the university, in higher education, and in the field of professional admissions work.

Performs other duties as assigned.

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

Bachelor’s Degree and three (3) years of progressively responsible experience working in admissions, advising, or other student services area.

Excellent organizational, analytical, and interpersonal skills.

Ability to travel and flexibility to work on weekends and evenings during recruitment travel season and application review season.

Ability to communicate effectively with prospective students, their families and college/transfer counselors and faculty from diverse backgrounds.

Ability to read and understand high school transcripts, college transcripts, statistical reports and manuals.

Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Knowledge of Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

Valid driver’s license, proof of insurability and ability to obtain a university credit card.

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

Expertise in international credentialing requirements.

Experience working with Slate or similar Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software.

Experience as an admissions counselor/recruiter for transfer or nontraditional students.

Bilingual ability.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

Typical office environment.

Work Schedule

Monday – Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm.

Required to work some evenings 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 Information

Level 27

PSU Hiring Ranges

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume and cover letter. 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 4 2024 Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: Jun 4 2024 Eastern Daylight Time