Careers

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 MassURC Coordinator and Events Assistant (Program Coordinator I) serves as the lead coordinator for the Massachusetts Undergraduate Research Conference (MassURC). The position is also responsible for supporting the planning and logistics for events and special projects year-round that enhance Commonwealth Honors College’s stature and raise its visibility. Events include, but are not limited to, conferences, student graduation, recognition, and award ceremonies, student success events, alumni events that include students, faculty meetings, faculty recruiting seminars, lecture series, signature college event, and staff retreats, meetings, and events.  

This position reports to the Director of Community Relations and Strategic Impact.  

Essential Functions  

MassURC   

• Liaises with many campus contacts and other stakeholders across Massachusetts public institutions to facilitate the abstract review process between students and faculty sponsors.  
• Manages the process of approving 800+ student presentations. 
• Coordinates all conference logistics and serves as on-site or virtual production manager, coordinating venue staff, vendors, AV, and catering; manages setup, rentals, poster displays, and day-of troubleshooting.
• In collaboration with the CHC Director of Community Relations, plans, develops, and executes all conference-related programming to include student presentations, welcome and keynote address, panel discussions, and other special sessions.
• Serves as point-person for all speakers and manages any speaker needs: travel, accommodations, honoraria.  
• Recruits, assigns, and directs Honors College staff and faculty to support day-of conference activities; hires, trains, and supervises undergraduate student assistants on an ongoing basis. 
• Recruits and supports faculty volunteers for the Advisory Committee and conference roles; sets agendas and facilitates meetings with stakeholders, committee members, and staff.
• Supports the design of assessment instruments, analyzes, and evaluates the success of MassURC based on feedback from all conference constituents; produces executive reports for leadership and other major stakeholders to include proposed improvements to conference programs and operations.  

Communications      

• Promotes the conference in partnership with the CHC Director of Communications, managing social media, posters, signage, event app, news releases, and website content. 
• Drafts and disseminates communications to key stakeholders—including legislators, higher ed leadership, faculty, and students—in coordination with University Relations. 
• Plans and facilitates presenter support, including workshops, webinars, and video recordings. 

Events Management    

• Coordinates event logistics with campus partners, vendors, and communications staff, including AV/IT needs, promotional items, and catering aligned with event goals and dietary needs. 
• Plans and supports guest visits, including travel arrangements and on-site hospitality for distinguished guests. 
• Handles event setup and cleanup, including space reservation, food service, supplies, and coordinating with custodial staff. 
• Creates systems and procedures to enhance and streamline the event management process, including technology and publicity. Regularly assesses the success of events and makes changes as necessary. Generates ideas for new events to help the college meet its strategic goals. 
• Coordinates website and SharePoint updates with Communications and Administration team. 
• Supports the CHC Thesis Experience, coordinating thesis workshops and collaborating across Honors College units. 
• Provides administrative and programmatic support to the student programs unit and Coordinator of Events and Programs.  

Budget and Accounting        

• Prepares and monitors the MassURC conference budget in coordination with supervisor, the CHC Accountant and Assistant Dean of Administration & Finance.  
• Identifies and negotiates contracts with event vendors: venue, catering, posters, e-Posters, event app, printers. 
• Works with statewide stakeholders on securing MassURC sponsorships.  
• Develops and maintains campus partnerships and collaborations. Helps coordinate schedules, meetings and collaborative programs and events, as needed.  
• Follows established CHC and University budgetary and purchasing processes. 

Other Functions

• Performs related duties as assigned or required to meet Department, College, and University goals  
• Represents MassURC at statewide leadership meetings as needed. 

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

• High School Diploma or equivalent and three years of related experience. An Associate’s degree or higher may substitute for two years of the required experience. 
• Experience organizing and managing major events (especially complex in scope).  
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail; ability to prioritize and balance work tasks in a demanding environment.  
• Excellent problem solving and communication skills (written and verbal).  
• High degree of independent action, judgment, and initiative.  
• Excellent computer skills including thorough knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and Adobe Acrobat Pro.  
• Experience and familiarity with computerized databases and web-based applications.   
• Capability of working successfully with a diverse population, to communicate clearly and tactfully with faculty, academic and non-academic professional and classified staff, administrators, students, and the general public.  

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

• Bachelors’ degree.  
• Two years’ conference experience.  
• Two years’ experience in events and/or conference management, including database management.  
• Experience with marketing and/or graphics design.   

Physical Demands/Working Conditions  

Typical office environment.

Work Schedule  

• Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm; 37.5 hours per week.
• Occasional evenings or weekends.