Careers at the University of Massachusetts Lowell

General Summary of Position:

This being an internal opportunity, only current UML Employees, irrespective of Bargaining units are eligible to apply for this position.

The River Hawk Scholars Academy (RHSA) is a student success and retention program at UMass Lowell, supporting first-generation college students as they navigate the transition from high school to college and beyond. The Program Specialist plays a critical role in the delivery and enhancement of programmatic activities aimed at boosting college degree completion and enriching student success. Collaborating closely with academic departments and student services, the specialist helps implement a comprehensive educational program that equips students with a holistic support network, promoting wellbeing and fostering seamless pathways to degree attainment.

The Program Specialist provides general program management and assists on the systematic collection, assessment, and reporting of data to gauge program effectiveness and inform strategic improvements. This includes tracking student participation, academic progress, and program outcomes to ensure alignment with the academy’s goals and with the intent to translate that data into actionable outreach. They will coordinate and collaborate with Academic Services, Centers for Learning, Advising, Student Affairs and other partners and may develop training material, conduct workshops, and other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Required):

Education:

• Bachelors with 2 years of relevant experience, however will consider candidates with Masters and 1 years.
• Demonstrated success in managing multiple programs, developing and executing new programs and initiatives within a diverse environment.
• Demonstrated ability to proactively develop and maintain positive relationships with students to support social, emotional, and academic wellbeing.
• Experience in evaluating program effectiveness using data-driven methods and making strategic recommendations based on analysis.

Skills:

• Ability to establish program priorities, monitor progress toward achieving program goals, and conduct assessments to evaluate program effectiveness.
• Ability to work with data sets to identify trends, patterns, and opportunities for program improvement.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain relationships with faculty, staff, students, and external partners.
• Ability to work independently, be organized, and balance competing priorities to meet deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Higher Education experience preferred
• Demonstrated expertise and experience working with first-generation college students
• Experience in developing and executing marketing strategies to promote programs and engage target audiences.
• Proficiency with project management, data analysis and visualization tools.
• Familiarity with quality management frameworks and methodologies to ensure program standards are consistently met or exceeded.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

This being an internal opportunity, only current UML Employees, irrespective of Bargaining units are eligible to apply for this position.

This is a Grants & Contracts (MTA/GRACE) bargaining unit position, Grade P15.

This position is contingent upon funding.  The initial appointment will be for (20 months, starting in September) with a possibility of renewal based on performance and the availability of funding.

Please include a resume and cover letter with your application.  Names and contact information of three references will be required during the application process.