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 Program Manager for the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences (SBS) Masters of Data Analytics and Computational Social Science program (DACSS) will work under the general direction of the Department of Political Science Director of Administration and Research, the DACSS Program Director, and with faculty, staff, students, and constituencies outside the university to coordinate and manage activities related to the program, including internship development. The Program Manager will also provide administrative, communications, and budgetary management support for the program.

Essential Functions

• Support the Masters of Data Analytics and Computational Social Science (DACSS) program approval by assisting the Director and Associate Dean with oversight of the faculty senate program approval process. Ensure quick resolution or follow up to any questions or concerns from faculty senate committees to support the smooth and rapid approval for the program (for Fall 2020) and any additional program upkeep.
• Build the public profile of the program by coordinating and managing communications and digital content, as well as publicity related to recruitment of students.
• Work with SBS Data Analytics and Computational Social Science program associated faculty, coordinate scheduling of program courses. Manage operational logistics related to the program, including contracting personnel and updating memorandums of understanding MOUs).
• Coordinate the communication and meetings of the Faculty Steering Committee, the DACSS Faculty Governance Board, and External Advisory Board. Produce annual reports for stakeholders.
• Develop, evaluate, and manage student recruitment activities for the program, including recruitment of international students, and current undergraduates for 4+1 program, with the objective of growing the program’s enrollment and revenue generation.
• Develop and manage student admissions activities including correspondence with applicants, admitted, and entering students. Provide basic student advising function and assist students with questions and program criteria.
• Ensure high quality student experience developing relationships with resources around campus that will be needed regularly by incoming students, including international students, providing incoming orientation materials, information about scholarships, advising and support for professional advancement through other training and networking events.
• Develop and manage external funding opportunities, including paid internships for students with non-profit organizations and for profit companies as well as research opportunities for capstone projects.
• Track and manage the program operational budget.

Other Functions

• Perform other duties as assigned.

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

• Bachelor’s degree with two (2) years of relevant experience, OR, a Master’s degree may be substituted in lieu of experience.
• Excellent managerial, interpersonal, collaboration, and project management skills. Ability to plan, organize and manage complex activities required; ability to manage the demands of concurrent projects essential.
• Superlative communication ability with excellent writing and editing skills.
• Ability to work cooperatively and diplomatically with faculty from different disciplines, and with administrators and constituents from inside and outside the University.
• Ability to successfully interact with a student body representing a range of socio-economic backgrounds.
• Ability to understand and identify the needs of students, and translate those needs into programmatic solutions. Ability to communicate clearly and concisely and to articulate ideas, concepts, and proposals.
• Ability to facilitate collaborative projects that enhance student services and the academic program as a whole.
• High level computer proficiency with word processing, spreadsheets, database management and data synthesis.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Typical office environment activity.
• May require some travel to internship locations.

Work Schedule

• Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm.
• Full-time, 9-month appointment, with possible renewal dependent upon funding availability.
• 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 26

PSU Salary 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.