Director of DEI & Student-Athlete Development

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 is situated on nearly 1,450 acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, offering a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. As part of the Five Colleges consortium, including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College, UMass Amherst benefits from the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Summary

The Director of DEI and Student-Athlete Development oversees the holistic growth of UMass student-athletes, providing essential life skills through education and resources. They implement strategies for diversity, inclusion, and belonging, fostering an accessible and affirming environment. Building relationships with student-athletes, coaches, and partners, they assess challenges faced by student-athletes with diverse backgrounds, organizing campus and community resources to support their transition and success. They ensure compliance with departmental, university, and NCAA guidelines under the Senior Associate Athletic Director for Internal Operations.

View Full Description

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 is situated on nearly 1,450 acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, offering a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. As part of the Five Colleges consortium, including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College, UMass Amherst benefits from the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Summary

The Director of DEI and Student-Athlete Development oversees the holistic growth of UMass student-athletes, providing essential life skills through education and resources. They implement strategies for diversity, inclusion, and belonging, fostering an accessible and affirming environment. Building relationships with student-athletes, coaches, and partners, they assess challenges faced by student-athletes with diverse backgrounds, organizing campus and community resources to support their transition and success. They ensure compliance with departmental, university, and NCAA guidelines under the Senior Associate Athletic Director for Internal Operations.

Apply Now

Essential Functions

• Develops and coordinates student-athlete development programs and initiatives that emphasize student success, foster an inclusive and respectful culture, and focus on campus and community relations that positively reinforce student-athlete well-being.
• Implements strategic plans to cultivate an environment conducive to elite athletic performance while ensuring a first-class experience for student-athletes, encompassing comprehensive support services and resources. Creates and executes strategic programs that promote diversity and inclusion among both staff and student-athletes, aligning these efforts with organizational objectives to cultivate a supportive and respectful environment.
• Collaborates with Human Resources to develop and implement diversity and inclusion strategies related to recruitment, performance management, leadership development, employee engagement, training, and employee retention.
• Develops and manages programs to recognize student-athlete achievements and foster alumni connections, promoting engagement, mentorship, and career development opportunities within the university community.
• Works closely with university offices such Office of Equity & Inclusion, Student Affairs and Campus Life, the Stonewall Center and Center for Multicultural Advancement and Student Success to collaborate on diversity initiatives and student-focused programs, ensuring alignment with broader campus goals. Acts as liaison between student-athletes and staff. Represents the University of Massachusetts Athletics Department at campus diversity and inclusion meetings and events.

• Leads the development, planning and implementation of student-athlete and faculty recognition programming, including:

  • Assists in the department’s initiatives for student-athlete recognition, including, but not limited to; annual SAMY’s Awards, National Student-Athlete Appreciation Day events, Varsity M Graduation Breakfast and other scholar recognition opportunities.
  • Works closely with the Communications department to promote the positive contributions the student-athletes make to the campus community.
  • Serves as the point person for various (NCAA, FBS Independents) post-graduate scholarship opportunities.
  • Compiles data relative to student-athlete success for the promotion of the student-athlete on a local, regional, and national level.
  • Assists student-athletes in completing applications and developing their candidacy for applicable scholarships and awards.
  • Works collaboratively with the Director of Student Academic Success and Faculty Athletic Representative to develop and execute a Faculty Fellows program – inclusive of programming that may include guest coach opportunities, Senior Day recognitions, and creation of other academic events.

• Develops necessary reports and balance scorecards as required or requested by Director of Athletics or University Leadership.

• Keeps abreast of current trends and developments in the field through publications, seminars, and conferences.

Other Functions

Performs other duties as assigned.

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

• Bachelor’s Degree.
• Two years’ DEI education or related experience.
• At least one year of working in or participating in intercollegiate athletics setting, or experience in student-athlete development, academic advising, clinical, or community social work.
• Ability to understand and work with diverse communities and populations.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills.
• Working knowledge of computers and student database systems.
• Working knowledge of NCAA rules and regulations.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends.
• Ability to foster and maintain working relationships with various athletic, University, and public constituencies.
• Ability to act independently and exercise sound judgment.

Preferred Qualifications

Master's Degree in a related field including but not limited to Higher Education, Social Justice Education or Sociology.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

Typical office environment activities.

Work Schedule

Monday-Friday, 37.5 hours per week, with evenings and weekends as required.

Salary Information

Level 26

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.

View Less Description