University of Massachusetts Amherst · 8 hours ago
Assistant Director of Retention & Academic Success (Hybrid Opportunity)
Amherst, MA
Full-time
Hybrid
Mid, Senior Level
3+ years expThe University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access and fuel innovation. The Assistant Director of Retention and Academic Success will develop programs to increase student retention and graduation rates, providing academic advising and support for undergraduate students, particularly those in academic jeopardy.
EducationHigher EducationUniversities
Responsibilities
Coordinate Academic Alert process in partnership with CNS academic programs within the College of Natural Science and develop and implement strategies to increase student retention and graduation rates based on academic alerts received and utilizing current database tools
Lead the development and execution of a college-wide retention-focused advising program, based on best practices and analysis of outcome disaggregated data, to support and mentor students on academic probation or returning from suspension. Expand and refine these programs to other populations in academic jeopardy, including students with academic warnings and students reinstated from suspension or dismissal
Identify required courses with high attrition and failure rates (DFW), and develop interventions appropriate for students at risk
Provide comprehensive, individualized, and small group advising to a diverse population of students during the academic year, and registration periods, as needed
Collaborate on the review of CNS academic petitions and forms (e.g., Late Add, Late Withdrawal, Late Pass/Fail, Credit Overload) with the academic deans
Serve as primary advisor for the CNS Science major
Respond to common issues such as registration-related matters including fulfilling University general education requirements, interpreting major and college requirements and providing guidance for dual degrees, double majors, and minors
Develop and implement strategies to assist students with matters of goal setting, self-assessment and time management skills, and decision-making such as establishing an academic plan, choosing a major, selecting courses, and reviewing degree audit tools
Respond to at-risk students experiencing academic and personal difficulties by addressing relevant issues and making appropriate referrals to University agencies
Respond to and manage high-stress and sensitive inquiries from parents in accordance with FERPA and in a professional and respectful manner/tone
Participate in evening and weekend activities including Fall Visit Days, Destination Days, Senior Celebration, and other activities and events that may be developed
Contribute to the college-level graduation clearance process
Perform related duties as assigned or required to meet Department, College, and University goals and objectives
Understand responsibilities with respect to Title IX, FERPA, and other compliance requirements
Demonstrate capacity, skill and willingness to engage students and contribute to student success
Work collaboratively with other campus stakeholders to fulfill the mission of Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and Student Success
Work collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, equity, and inclusion
Work in partnership with colleagues within the CNS community and across the campus to support the Dean’s strategic priorities
Qualification
Required
Master's degree in Math, Science, or Higher Education and three (3) years of professional student-facing experience in higher education in areas such as student life, student success, or advising, OR Bachelor's degree and five (5) years of professional experience in higher education in areas such as student life, student success, or advising
Excellent oral and written communication, strong organizational and interpersonal skills, and intermediate level computer proficiency
Demonstrated ability to manage a high volume of complex and varied student/client needs
Able to take initiative and work both independently and collaboratively with various university personnel
Preferred
Academic advising experience
Experience serving a culturally diverse population
Skilled in small group presentations and/or professional teaching experience
Demonstrated capacity for supervision of students and/or staff
Knowledge of university academic rules and regulations
Company
University of Massachusetts Amherst
The University of Massachusetts Amherst is a public research university offering undergraduate, master's, and doctoral programs.
1001-5000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
University of Massachusetts Amherst has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (69)
2024 (77)
2023 (56)
2022 (79)
2021 (19)
2020 (31)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$137.34MKey Investors
U.S. Department of DefenseU.S. Environmental Protection AgencyThe Howard Hughes Medical Institute
2024-09-18Grant· $7.9M
2024-07-16Grant· $6.37M
2023-11-16Grant· $2.5M
Leadership Team
Christopher Salthouse
Co-Founder Center for Personalized Health Monitoring
Alejandro Reuss
Instructor
Recent News
2025-12-17
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2025-12-03
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