Associate Director, Learning Enhancement

EXPIRED

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, Learning Enhancement oversees the development and implementation of programs and services designed to meet the needs of student-athletes diagnosed with specific learning disabilities and/or considered to be at risk academically. This role develops and implements academic support services for student-athletes in assigned sports, to include advising and counseling them on academic and athletic eligibility matters. The Associate Director serves as the primary academic counselor for assigned sports, fostering strong relationships between the Academic Success program and the student-athletes, coaches, and faculty.

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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, Learning Enhancement oversees the development and implementation of programs and services designed to meet the needs of student-athletes diagnosed with specific learning disabilities and/or considered to be at risk academically. This role develops and implements academic support services for student-athletes in assigned sports, to include advising and counseling them on academic and athletic eligibility matters. The Associate Director serves as the primary academic counselor for assigned sports, fostering strong relationships between the Academic Success program and the student-athletes, coaches, and faculty.

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Essential Functions

• Assists the Associate AD Academic Success in providing leadership and vision for the student-athlete support department, which offers comprehensive academic support services for UMass’s 650 student-athletes across 21 sports.
• Monitors the Student Assistance Fund budget and develops strategic plan for creative learning assistance initiatives.
• Provides academic counseling for student-athletes. Coordinates and supervises study hall activities, tutoring activities, and approval of course related books.
• Ensures student-athletes meet NCAA progress toward degree completion requirements and specific program graduation requirements, including evaluating and making recommendations on academic suspension and dismissal petitions.
• Directly oversees the learning enhancement area within the unit as assigned by the Associate AD – Academic Success. Supervises two full-time learning specialists.
• Communicates with student-athletes, coaches, and other applicable administrative staff regarding assigned student-athletes’ academic records, matriculation, graduation and NCAA eligibility. Consistently monitors and maintains records related to NCAA Academic Progress Rate (APR) specific to each assigned sports program.
• Counsels and advises student-athletes in establishing realistic and attainable goals regarding course and major selection, study skills, time management, and career choices.
• Identifies at-risk student-athletes and collaborates with coaching staff, tutors, student learning assistants, and other departments to ensure necessary support and monitoring. Utilizes SPIRE, EAB Navigate registration and records systems to regularly monitor and update internal academic records.
• Maintains confidential student files and records documenting all pertinent student-athlete academic and NCAA eligibility information within the Department, University, NCAA and FERPA regulations.
• Works with student-athletes on learning and studying strategies to enhance academic performance and graduation from the University.
• Coordinates and collaborates with the Sports Medicine unit to develop and update protocols and guidelines annually. Serves as the primary liaison with Sports Medicine regarding drug testing protocols and planning.
• Oversees the Academic Achievement Battery Screening to determine baseline for all student-athletes prior to any necessary referrals.
• Coordinates the initial identification of student-athletes who may benefit from further diagnostic testing and implements individualized academic support plans for identified student-athletes.
• Oversees tutor, student learning assistant (SLA), and educational mentoring training programs.
• Coordinates responsibilities related to the tutoring and student learning assistant programs, including hiring, training, scheduling, and evaluating tutors and student learning assistants as assigned by the Associate AD Academic Success.
• Acts as a resource for coaches and staff in the areas of learning development, disability identification and referral, providing training as needed.

Other Functions

• Performs other duties as assigned.

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

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution in counseling, education or related field.
• 4 years of experience in academic support services.

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

• Master’s Degree from an accredited institution in counseling, education or related field.
• 4 years of experience in intercollegiate athletic academic support services.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

Typical office environment activity.

Work Schedule

• Monday - Friday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm.
• Required to work some nights/weekends/holidays as needed.

Salary Information

Level 28

PSU Hiring Ranges

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

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.

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