Program Manager (Hybrid Opportunity)

About UMass Amherst

The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued—and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world. 

 

Job Summary

The Program Manager will provide essential capacity to the School of Earth & Sustainability (SES) office, focusing on the management, support, administration, and assessment of student success programming. This role is crucial for managing existing SES educational initiatives and programming and developing external, regional partnerships that provide opportunities for hands-on training. The Manager will be instrumental in executing shared services and programming that fosters student learning, workforce development, and impactful regional partnerships.

 

Essential Functions

• Student Success Management
  • Lead the implementation, assessment, and day-to-day operational management of SES student success programming and services across the SES network, working closely with the SES Assistant Director on strategic direction. Provide operational oversight for student programs, internships, and experiential learning opportunities. 
• Event Planning & Execution
  • Coordinate, manage, and execute major annual student events, including the Sustainability Career Fair, Majors Fair, Earth Day programming, and other high-profile student-centered activities.
• High-Impact Training Support
  • Administer and support SES student cohorts, including recruitment, selection, onboarding, and engagement in training opportunities (e.g., internship program, certifications, etc.).  Serve as the point of contact for student participants.
• Regional Partnership Development
  • Coordinate and help grow the network of regional partnerships under the strategic direction of the SES Assistant Director.  This includes managing events that link research and training opportunities with partners, including state and regional agencies, municipalities, businesses, industry, and other workforce leaders.  Manage an annual engagement strategy that includes regional partners with guidance from SES directors and network leaders.
• Internal & External Coordination
  • Oversee program information, serve as a key liaison to coordinate services with university partners (e.g., Career Services, Auxiliary Enterprises), and compile timely content for SES and college partners.
• Data & Assessment
  • Develop and maintain administrative systems for data management, including metrics, tracking, assessment, and comprehensive data analytics and assessment reports to measure program impact.

 

Other Functions

• Work collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, equality and inclusiveness.
• Work in partnership with colleagues within the CNS community and across the campus to support the Dean’s strategic priorities.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of the School of Earth & Sustainability.

 

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

• Bachelor’s degree.
• One (1) year of experience in student engagement, educational program development/management, or program coordination for sustainability initiatives or a related topic.
• Experience and proven success with project management and stakeholder engagement.
• Knowledge of e-communication platforms and engagement applications; strong organization and oral and written communication skills.
• Exceptional working knowledge of informational and organizational platforms, including Microsoft, social media, Teams.
• Experience with data collection, infor