Assistant Director of the Office of Undergraduate Research & Studies

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.

About the Learning Resource Center and Office of Undergraduate Research and Studies

The Learning Resource Center (LRC) and Office of Undergraduate Research and Studies (OURS) serve as the central academic and undergraduate support unit for UMass Amherst.The LRC and OURS provide a Peer-to-Peer learning and support environment, built on the foundation of creating a welcoming and inclusive center where "Students help Students achieve Academic and Research Success". LRC and OURS believe every student has the potential to obtain their version of success, and the role of these units is to facilitate, encourage, and engage students in understanding content, developing lasting learning strategies, and engaging in transformative research opportunities.

Job Summary

The Assistant Director of the Office of Undergraduate Research and Studies (OURS) manages the daily operations, expansion, and growth of the program.This role includes overseeing undergraduate research education, facilitating research access, and managing a cohort of Undergraduate Research Mentors. The Assistant Director also advises students individually, develops workshops and information sessions (both virtual and in-person), and maintains the OURS website and research databases. Collaborating with campus partners, the Assistant Director works to expand undergraduate research opportunities across the University.

Essential Functions

• Provides comprehensive individualized and small-group meetings to a diverse student population throughout the academic year, summer, and winter.
• Directs the content, development, implementation, management, and assessment of undergraduate research support.
• Designs and implements strategies to increase student participation in research, including workshops and LMS courses, as well as events involving faculty like First Year Seminars (FYS), New Student Orientation and Transitions (NSOT), and research fairs.
• Hires, trains, supervises, and evaluates OURS Research Mentors to ensure high-quality and highly responsive peer-to-peer research services.
• Maintains records of undergraduate research meetings and assists with research opportunity applications.
• Collaborates with faculty, departments, and campus partners to expand research opportunities.
• Partners with other departments and campus partners in helping students prepare competitive applications and grant proposals for research opportunities.
• Advises students one-on-one to help them secure on- and off-campus research positions
• Represents undergraduate research on College- and University-level committees and collaborates with faculty, staff, students, and campus groups.
• Manages and curates research-related content for in-person and online dissemination.
• Creates, designs, and updates content for OURS research databases and the OURS website.
• Coordinates funding distribution, and allocation for undergraduate research.
• Helps market OURS to prospective students.
• Makes purchases for departmental events.

Other Functions

• Works collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, diversity, equality and inclusiveness.
• Collaborates with the Learning Resource Center and other campus partners to support strategic initiatives.
• Performs other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of the LRC and OURS and the University.
• Participates in ongoing professional development and regularly scheduled meetings.
• Manages and tracks OURS data.
• Understands, is committed to and supports University affirmative action, diversity, equity and inclusion, and non-discriminatory regulations, policies and goals.

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

• Bachelor's degree (preferably in the Life Sciences, Psychology, Higher Education or related field) plus three (3) years professional experience in undergraduate research, advising or student success.
• Experience serving a large, culturally diverse population.
• Supervisory experience of students or staff.
• Demonstrated ability to manage a high volume of complex and varied student or client needs.
• Oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills. Strong organizational and problem-solving skills and the ability to work collaboratively.
• Intermediate level computer proficiency: the ability to use data analytics and associated tools to proactively identify patterns across student outcomes to evaluate the success of programming, workshops and undergraduate meetings.
• Skilled in small and large group presentations and able to take initiative and work independently or collaboratively with the Learning Resource Center or Office of Undergraduate Research and Studies and university personnel.
• In-depth knowledge of FERPA, Title IX, and University academic procedures and regulations.

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

• Master's degree in the Life Sciences, Psychology, Higher Education, or a closely related field plus (3) three years professional experience in undergraduate research, advising or student success.
• Experience implementing and coordinating undergraduate research programs.
• Experience in one-on-one meetings or other advising experience with undergraduate students.
• Knowledge of grants, research opportunities and undergraduate research at the Higher Education level.
• Demonstrated leadership and supervisory skills.
• Experience in workshop development, design, and administration.
• Experience working with undergraduate student populations.
• Experience supporting students in an undergraduate research capacity.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Typical office environment.

Work Schedule

• Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm.
• Some evening and weekend hours may be required depending on programmatic needs.

Salary Information

Level 26

PSU Hiring Ranges

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. Applications will be reviewed on a continuous basis until the position is filled. Early submissions are encouraged.

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.