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 Director of Administrative Operations serves as the principal administrative aide to the Provost and advances the University’s mission through effective operational support for the Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and the Assistant Provost for Accreditation and Administration.

Essential Functions

• In collaboration with the Assistant Provost for Accreditation and Administration, strategically manages commitments of the Provost’s time and effort. Responsible for scheduling and preparation of briefing materials and timely progression through the daily agenda through active management of visitors. Attends meetings to provide notes as directed.
• Serves as the primary point of contact for documents/materials requiring the Provost’s approval and ensures timely completion.
• Manages the Office of the Provost general email account; tracks and follows through on all inquiries and requests, as appropriate.
• Manages processes related to confidential academic personnel actions, including faculty promotion, tenure and periodic reviews, nominations for honorary awards, administrative searches, and administrative reviews.
• Provides project management support for functional areas within the Office of the Provost. Develops detailed project plans and timelines and obtains and organizes data and other information needed to support these initiatives. Maintains documentation of Provost’s Office operations and processes.
• Provides logistical support for periodic academic reviews (i.e. AQADs, disciplinary accreditations).
• Manages the calendar and provides administrative support for the Assistant Provost for Accreditation and Administration.
• Manages logistics and scheduling for recurrent meetings and special events including Academic Affairs retreats.
• Manages the approval of time, attendance, and expense reports for the Provost’s direct reports.
• Manages logistics for the Provost’s Council and Dean’s Council.
• Manages executive level searches, including those for Senior Vice Provosts, Vice Provosts, and Deans, among others as needed.
• Researches and plans travel for the Provost and the Assistant Provost for Accreditation and Administration, including hotel and transportation logistics. Provides detailed itineraries, supporting documents, and briefing materials for travel. Completes necessary registrations. Completes and reconciles expense reports and reimbursement requests. Coordinates as needed with other University divisions, particularly Advancement.
• Demonstrates responsiveness and discretion to build trust-based relationships across campus.

Other Functions

• Performs other duties as assigned.

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

• Bachelor’s degree with at least eight (8) years of high-level experience in higher education, non-profit or public sectors.
• Strong commitment to advancing a diverse, equitable, and inclusive campus community.
• Excellent interpersonal skills necessary to establish and maintain positive working relationships and ensure collaboration and cooperation among units reporting to and interfacing with the Provost’s office.

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

• Master’s degree in a relevant field.
• Strong leadership and organizational skills and high attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, coordinate, and direct multiple, concurrent projects and complex tasks, coupled with the ability to drive a high volume of work to completion.
• Project management expertise with a proven record of performance-driven results.
• Ability to utilize independent judgement and manage sensitive and/or confidential information with discretion.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to effectively communicate with diverse constituencies.
• Strong technical aptitude, particularly with the Microsoft 365 suite; ability to learn technology quickly.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Typical office environment.

Work Schedule

• Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm.

Salary Information

Level 31

Exempt Hiring Ranges

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references. The search will remain open until filled.

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.