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

The Undergraduate Academic and Career Advisor supports the social justice mission of the College of Education and provides comprehensive academic and career advising for students in (1) the Education Exploratory Track, (2) pre-licensure, and (3) the undergraduate education concentrations. The Academic Advisor works as part of a team with the Senior Undergraduate Academic & Career Advisor and other advising personnel to ensure a high level of advising and academic services for all students with emphasis on student success and the programmatic needs for first-year, first generation, and historically marginalized students.

Essential Functions

• Provides comprehensive, individualized advising to support student success by assisting students with establishing an academic plan, choosing a major, goal setting, selecting courses, fulfilling University general education requirements, interpreting major/institutional requirements, and making appropriate referrals to other professionals when appropriate.
• Collaborates with the Senior Undergraduate Academic & Career Advisor and Director of Student Success to facilitate the planning, implementation, and development of innovative programs (i.e., Majors Fair, Fall and Spring Open Houses) designed to enhance the transition, retention, and degree progress of Education Exploratory Track, pre-licensure, and Education (BA) concentration students.
• Collaborates with the Senior Undergraduate Academic & Career Advisor to maintain career and academic resources to aid students in accessing information. Responds to the needs of a large number of highly diverse students seeking assistance with registration matters.
• Utilizing a collaborative approach, works closely with Office of Partnerships, Educator Preparation, and Innovation as well as licensure program coordinators (e.g., Early Childhood Education Coordinator, Collaborative Teacher Education Program Coordinator, Secondary Teacher Education Program Director) to develop recruitment materials and activities.
• Uses the Student Success Campus platform to track/monitor students’ academic progress, make detailed advising notes, create campaigns to support student success, and share information with college/university support personnel.
• Advises a diverse incoming first-year population in a fast-paced high volume small group advising format during the New Student Orientation.
• In support of student success, develops and maintains productive and reciprocal relationships with various offices on campus including but not limited to: advising counterparts in other colleges, Undergraduate Registrar, New Student Orientation, Disability Services, Center for Counseling and Psychological Health, Learning Resource Center, Campus Career Services, International Programs Office, Domestic Exchange, Five College Interchange, Residential Academic Programs, Student Athlete Academic Services, etc.

Other Functions

Performs related duties as assigned.

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

• Bachelor’s Degree.
• One year of advising or other relevant work experience.
• Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills, with experience advising students from a range of educational, social, and ethnic backgrounds.
• Ability to collaborate and interact with faculty, staff, students, and parents in a friendly and professional manner.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently to organize multiple tasks and set priorities for action, in a fast-paced office environment. Ability to stay abreast with a high volume and wide array of complex curricular information and academic policies and procedures.
• Ability to collaborate with others to identify and achieve shared goals. Ability to work with a large, culturally diverse faculty and undergraduate population.
• Computer proficiency with word processing, spreadsheet, and database programs.
• Experience working with students with a range of academic abilities (including honors level and academically at-risk)

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

• Master’s Degree in Education, Student Development, Academic Advising, Guidance, Counseling, or a related field.
• Familiarity with SPIRE/SSC or similar student information software.
• Knowledge of University academic policies and regulations.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

Typical Office Environment

Work Schedule

• Monday – Friday 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, Monday- Friday (37.5 hours per week).
• May be required to work some nights 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.

Salary Information

PSU Level 25

PSU Hiring Ranges

Special Instructions to Applicants

In addition to the application, please submit a resume, cover letter, and 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.