Job Information
University of Massachusetts Amherst Academic Programs Manager in Amherst, Massachusetts
Academic Programs Manager
Apply now (https://secure.dc4.pageuppeople.com/apply/822/gateway/default.aspx?c=apply&lJobID=526307&lJobSourceTypeID=801&sLanguage=en-us) Job no: 526307
Work type: Staff Full Time
Location: UMass Amherst
Department:Political Science
Union:PSU
Categories: Program Administration/Management, 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 Department of Political Science Academic Programs Manager manages the enrollment and course scheduling functions for undergraduate and graduate degree programs, and also provides logistical support for Department events and special projects.
Essential Functions
Manages the timely development of the complex course schedule for the Department’s undergraduate and graduate programs, taking into consideration faculty course releases, academic requirements, and enrollment fluctuations. Utilizes the University scheduling system to schedule classes and meetings. Attends College and University meetings related to academic course scheduling.
Creates, tests, and improves data collection systems for course scheduling to track undergraduate independent studies, internship classes, honors, general education, and Residential Academic Program offerings. Produces enrollment reports and contributes to the development and implementation of procedures for scheduling decisions that support student enrollment priorities and the Department’s divisional sub-field resources.
Reviews and completes faculty requests for student enrollment overrides. Advises departmental leadership on issues of classroom space options and the curriculum revision process. Manages course and curriculum changes through the Faculty Senate approval system and oversees Department submissions to the University Catalog management system.
In coordination with the Associate Director of Academic Programs, supports content generation for the Department’s webpages, social media pages, and/or other communication needs.
Collaborates with the Associate Director of Academic Programs and Director of Administration and Finance to manage online courses, including scheduling, enrollment management, and marketing.
Provides management and logistical support for Department events and program activities. Manages communications and planning with event hosts for on and off campus events that include students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors, and other external constituents. Coordinates travel arrangements for alumni, speakers, and other event participants.
Other Functions
Supports a variety of special projects based on Departmental needs and other duties as assigned by supervisors showing adaptability and flexibility to accomplish goals.
Serve in a back-up role for other Department staff as appropriate and needed.
Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
Bachelor's Degree and one year of managerial or program administration experience, or Associate's Degree and three years of managerial or program administration experience.
Excellent interpersonal communication skills with the ability to create and maintain harmonious relationships with a diverse population of staff, faculty, students and off-campus constituents and work both independently and to be part of an effective team.
Flexibility to work with initiative and willingness to take on a variety of tasks related to the successful operation and administration of the unit. Ability to work effectively under pressure and varying situations with independence, competent judgment, and discretion.
Extensive 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.
Excellent writing skills with the ability to effectively communicate critical messaging to a student audience.
Ability to collect data from multiple sources and create new reports that add value to program goals. Excellent computer usage skills including email, spreadsheets (including formulas), word processing, and databases.
Ability to investigate a situation, seek out additional information, and resolve discrepancies. Ability to think through problems, organize information, identify key factors and underlying causes to generate solutions.
Ability to read, understand, apply, and explain rules, regulations and policies/procedures related to duties. Ability to understand and follow complex oral and written instructions and create effective and efficient work processes. Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain confidentiality.
Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
Experience with social media platforms and Drupal web systems.
Experience in marketing and/or event development and implementation.
Experience working in a higher education environment preferred.
Physical Demands/Working Conditions
Typical office work environment.
Additional Details
This is a 43-week position.
Work Schedule
Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm.
Occasional night or weekend hours may be required.
Salary Information
PSU Level 25
Exempt Hiring Ranges (https://www.umass.edu/hr/documents/exempt-hiring-ranges)
Special Instructions to Applicants
Upload your resume and cover letter, 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.
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: Jan 30 2025 Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: Apr 30 2025 Eastern Daylight Time