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

Under the general direction of the Vice Provost of Enrollment Management, this position is responsible for management and leadership of Undergraduate First-Year Admissions. The Director of First-Year Admissions plays a critical role in helping to define the university's undergraduate recruitment and enrollment goals, as well as seeing that those goals are met.

Essential Functions

• Oversees the day-to-day operations of First-Year Admissions (60%)
• Serves as a senior administrator for all first-year admissions selection processes, providing vision, innovative leadership, and strategic direction for first-year student recruiting staff.
• Responsible for the implementation of admissions procedure and policies consistent with federal, state, and university regulations.
• With the Vice Provost of Enrollment Management, establishes enrollment targets and university specific acceptance parameters, relays and monitors those parameters with admissions counselors.
• Develops contacts and fosters relationships with high school personnel, including some travel throughout the Northeast to visit high schools, college fairs, community events, etc.
• Coordinates data collection, analysis, and program evaluation about recruitment of students and proposes changes.
• Maintains liaison with related departments and agencies in Academic Affairs. Collaborates with colleges and departments to coordinate their diversity recruitment and retention efforts.
• Renders final decisions on all students applications about which there are legislative or alumni inquiries.
• Serves as the primary liaison to campus Labor Relations Office. Has principal responsibility to manage compliance with collective bargaining provisions. Assists supervisory staff with conducting informal meetings to resolve grievances and employee complaints. Conducts investigations when needed.

• Supports the overall work of First-year Admissions with regard to recruiting and diversity (30%)
  • Develops and oversees new markets designed to attract first-year applications. Assists in creating and implementing marketing strategies by working closely with schools and colleges that are consistent with institutional enrollment management principles and goals.
  • Builds and maintains strong relationships with outside constituents, such as students, parents, high schools, and organizations that will help the university meet its enrollment objectives. Provide a high level of personal attention for highly sought-after applicants.
  • Works with Enrollment Management staff to develop and implement marketing strategies in general and with a specific focus on recruitment of underrepresented student populations.
  • Trains enrollment management staff (recruiters, tour guides, visitor center employees, open house workers) and others directly involved in the recruitment process on ways to best present the diversity of the university, as well as how to speak about the value of a diverse campus community.
  • Works with schools and colleges to develop major based recruitment activities.
  • Maintains active liaison with academic and student support programs and departments.
  • Coordinates recruitment activities involving alumni.

Other Functions (10%)

• Performs related duties as assigned or required to meet department, executive area/division and university goals and objectives.
• Demonstrates capacity, skill and willingness to engage students and contribute to student success.

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

• Master's degree from an accredited institution in higher education, multicultural education, communications or a related field and seven (7) years of progressive responsible experience in admissions or enrollment management.
• Considerable experience supervising and mentoring staff and/or students.
• Extensive experience in recruiting a diverse population of students.
• Understanding of admissions data, databases, and statistical analysis as well as knowledge of technology as it relates to admissions and higher education.
• Ability to understand and work collaboratively with a wide array of people including students, parents, outside agencies, collective bargaining organizations and university administrators.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and interpersonal skills and the ability to manage multiple projects while exhibiting professionalism and a commitment to teamwork.
• Experience working with diverse constituencies and sensitivity to multicultural and socioeconomic issues.
• Willingness and ability to travel throughout the academic year, and the flexibility to work on weekends and evenings up to approximately 15% of the time.

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

• Prior experience working in a large public research university.
• Demonstrated competency in analyzing data and translating program goals into successful operating plans.
• Previous experience with a student information system preferably (Slate and/or PeopleSoft).
• Bilingual ability.

Additional Details

• Incumbent reports to the Vice Provost of Enrollment Management and is part of the Enrollment Management leadership team.

Work Schedule

• Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00PM.
• Ability to travel approximately 15% of the time.
• Required to work weekends and evenings.
• 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

• Salary commensurate with skills and experience.

Special Instructions to Applicants

• Along with the application, please submit a resume. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

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.