About UMass Amherst
The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued—and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world.
Job Summary
The Program Manager will provide essential capacity to the School of Earth & Sustainability (SES) office, focusing on the management, support, administration, and assessment of student success programming. This role is crucial for managing existing SES educational initiatives and programming and developing external, regional partnerships that provide opportunities for hands-on training. The Manager will be instrumental in executing shared services and programming that fosters student learning, workforce development, and impactful regional partnerships.
Essential Functions
- Student Success Management
- Lead the implementation, assessment, and day-to-day operational management of SES student success programming and services across the SES network, working closely with the SES Assistant Director on strategic direction. Provide operational oversight for student programs, internships, and experiential learning opportunities.
- Event Planning & Execution
- Coordinate, manage, and execute major annual student events, including the Sustainability Career Fair, Majors Fair, Earth Day programming, and other high-profile student-centered activities.
- High-Impact Training Support
- Administer and support SES student cohorts, including recruitment, selection, onboarding, and engagement in training opportunities (e.g., internship program, certifications, etc.). Serve as the point of contact for student participants.
- Regional Partnership Development
- Coordinate and help grow the network of regional partnerships under the strategic direction of the SES Assistant Director. This includes managing events that link research and training opportunities with partners, including state and regional agencies, municipalities, businesses, industry, and other workforce leaders. Manage an annual engagement strategy that includes regional partners with guidance from SES directors and network leaders.
- Internal & External Coordination
- Oversee program information, serve as a key liaison to coordinate services with university partners (e.g., Career Services, Auxiliary Enterprises), and compile timely content for SES and college partners.
- Data & Assessment
- Develop and maintain administrative systems for data management, including metrics, tracking, assessment, and comprehensive data analytics and assessment reports to measure program impact.
Other Functions
- Work collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, equality and inclusiveness.
- Work in partnership with colleagues within the CNS community and across the campus to support the Dean’s strategic priorities.
- Perform other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of the School of Earth & Sustainability.
Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
- Bachelor’s degree.
- One (1) year of experience in student engagement, educational program development/management, or program coordination for sustainability initiatives or a related topic.
- Experience and proven success with project management and stakeholder engagement.
- Knowledge of e-communication platforms and engagement applications; strong organization and oral and written communication skills.
- Exceptional working knowledge of informational and organizational platforms, including Microsoft, social media, Teams.
- Experience with data collection, information management, and reporting.
Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
- A master’s degree in a relevant field.
- The ability to run programs, engage students, deliver presentations, perform grant writing, and lead cross-interests, higher education initiatives.
Work Schedule
- Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 5:00pm.
- 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.
Physical Demands/Working Conditions
- This position operates in a typical office environment.
- Limited national and regional travel is expected.
Salary Information
Level 26
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. Applications will be reviewed on a continuous basis until the position is filled. Early submissions are encouraged.
The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.