Associate Director of Transfer Admissions Job Opening

Job no: 499535
Work type: Staff Full Time
Location: UMass Amherst
Department: Undergrad Admissions
Union: PSU
Categories: Administrative/Office Support

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 Associate Director of Transfer Admissions serves as a back up to the Director of Transfer Admissions. Together with the Director, the Associate Director helps create and implement recruitment and enrollment initiatives that support institutional goals.

Essential Functions

Serves as an active participant in the transfer admissions selection process (50%)

• Manages communications with transfer applicants and admitted students. Meets individually with walk-ins and handles phone calls and emails. Advises prospective students on future admission.
• Reviews applications for transfer students including MA community college students in MassTransfer programs.
• Visits community colleges to advise prospective students about admission requirements, transfer credit awards, and appropriate course selection at their community college.
• Evaluates academic credentials presented by prospective students in support of their applications and determines acceptability of transfer credits.
• Makes admission decisions. Reviews exceptions or problem cases with the Director.
• Determines general education (Gen Ed) requirements for admitted student based upon their previous college record within the context of statewide agreements and the UMass Amherst Gen Ed policy.

Assists the Director with transfer processes (35%)

• Provides functional oversight of internal transfer operations.
• Oversees and coordinates the recruitment, selection, training, and delegation of travel assignments for the assistant directors and senior assistant directors.
• Coordinates the recruitment travel schedule which supports transfer admissions goals.
• Together with the Director, develops and implements recruiting strategies with measurable goals.
• Works with the Director of Communication to ensure accurate dissemination of transfer-related admission information on the website, on social media, and in mailing campaigns.
• Works with university departments/units to communicate essential transfer admissions information/materials.
• Works with the Director of Communication to schedule events on campus and at the Mount Ida campus for community college staff and students.

Other Functions (15%)

• Serves as back up in the absence of the Director.
• Helps prepare audit reports for use by the Office of Institutional Research.
• Serves as backup to statewide committees that maintain and develop policies and procedures related to statewide transfer agreements and which advise the Department of Higher Education about related issues and concerns.
• Participates in recruiting events (special tours, etc.)
• Keeps abreast of pertinent developments at the university, in higher education, and in the field of professional admission work.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

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

• Bachelor’s degree and at least five years of progressive experience as an admissions counselor/recruiter or academic advisor.
• An understanding of the unique and diverse needs of community college students and their families.
• Ability to work effectively with community college transfer and academic officers.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, writing, speaking, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience supervising non-student employees
• Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to the undergraduate experience at a major research university.
• Willingness and ability to travel throughout the academic year, and the flexibility to work on weekends and evenings as needed.
• Confident in the use of data and technology, including social media.
• Valid driver's license and proof of insurability.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, to prioritize, and to achieve goals and objectives.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and to prioritize goals and formulate independent decisions regarding procedures and operations.

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

• Master’s degree in Higher Education or related field.
• Experience working with transfer students and families.
• Proficiency in Slate or similar CRM.

Additional Details

• Incumbent reports to the Director of Transfer Admissions.
• Position functions with minimal supervision in performing job duties and responsibilities.
• Works with others to formulate plans and objectives in accordance with overall statewide, university, and admissions goals.

Work Schedule

M-F 8:30 – 5:00. Some weekends and nights are required.

Salary Information

Level 28

PSU Salary Ranges

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applicants must apply by the priority deadline of May 5, 2019 in order to ensure consideration. Applications may be accepted after the priority date until a suitable candidate pool has been identified.

To apply, please provide letter of application, resume, and contact information for three professional references.

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, or genetic information 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 the UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.