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

Reporting to the Senior Director of Diversity Communications and Events, the Research and Development Associate will develop, collect, and compile content for the Summer 2025 Launch of the UMass Native Presence website. The content will include oral history of current and former University community members, as well as archival research of library and relevant departmental collections. The Research and Development Associate will also collaborate with the UMass Native Advisory Council to identify Native personnel and resources and liaise with relevant campus partners as necessary.

Essential Functions

• Coordinates the recruitment, scheduling, production, editing, and posting of interviews and oral histories.
• Conducts interviews with Native UMass students, alumni, and current and former staff and faculty. As necessary, liaises with the Center for Multicultural Advancement and Student Success , the Alumni Association, and other administrative offices to identify Native former staff, students, faculty and connected community members to be interviewed.
• Assists with and coordinates the editing, transcription and/or captioning of videos before they are archived or posted.
• Conducts archival research on the history of Native students, alumni, and current and former campus faculty and staff at UMass, as well as significant Native cultural and academic programs, events, and resources. As necessary, liaises with Special Collections and University Archives, as well as relevant colleges and departments, to obtain historical, cultural, or academic records.
• Works closely with Special Collections and University Archives staff to ensure the completed interview videos are archived in University Archives
• Collaborates with the UMass Native Advisory Council to strategically identify respondents for interview and archival resources for inclusion.

Other Functions

• Performs other duties as assigned.

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

• Master's Degree in Anthropology, Indigenous Studies, or a related social sciences field.
• Five (5) years of experience in oral history or ethnographic research and five (5) years of experience in conducting archival research (may be concurrent).
• Demonstrated experience in engaging with Native and Indigenous Communities.
• Proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite.

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

• Familiarity with audio recording/transcription software.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Typical office environment.
• Ability to travel throughout the New England region for respondents/archival resources not on the UMass Campus.

Additional Details

• This is a term-limited position and will conclude at the end of June 2025.

Work Schedule

• Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm.
• 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

Level 27

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.

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.