Title: Associate Director of RISE

Executive Area: Academic Affairs

College/School/MBU: Social & Behavioral Sciences

Department: Advising Center

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full Time

Work Arrangement: Hybrid

Job Summary

The Associate Director of RISE (Remedying Inequity through Student Engagement) in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences (SBS) supports SBS RISE’s mission of providing support and guidance to undergraduate students who identify as first generation, economically disadvantaged, and/or students of color within the College. SBS RISE fosters students’ sense of belonging and community; provides holistic support and mentoring to students’ needs in academic pursuits, personal and professional development, and other factors critical to the lives of minoritized undergraduate students; and provides access to high impact practices and other resources for scholastic success. Under the supervision of the Director of RISE, the Associate Director will work on signature SBS RISE initiatives, collaborate with various members of the SBS and University community, as well as those who are alumni of SBS RISE, and engage in other activities essential to SBS RISE’s mission.

Essential Functions

In partnership with the Director of RISE, designs, implements, and evaluates signature RISE initiatives that support the academic success, leadership development, and career readiness of first-generation, economically disadvantaged, and students of color in SBS. Helps ensure that programs align with the mission of RISE and broader College and University student success goals.

Leads and co-leads major RISE initiatives including the RISE Fellows leadership development and internship program, RISE Connects peer and alumni mentoring program, and the RISE technology access initiatives (e.g., laptop program). Oversees program logistics, student selection processes, training sessions, workshops, and program assessment.

Provides individualized mentorship and holistic support to RISE students through regular meetings and weekly office hours. Guides students in navigating academic planning, personal challenges, leadership development, career exploration, and access to campus resources.

Develops and coordinates events, workshops, and community-building activities that foster belonging and engagement among RISE students. These may include leadership training, career preparation workshops, networking events, and academic success programming.

Works with SBS faculty, staff, students, and campus partners to identify and recruit RISE-eligible students. Conducts outreach to incoming and current students to promote program participation and increase awareness of SBS RISE opportunities.

Maintains records and tracks engagement, academic progress, leadership participation, and post-graduation outcomes for RISE students and student leaders. Uses data to evaluate program effectiveness and inform improvements to programming and student support strategies.

Builds collaborative relationships with faculty, staff, and campus partners to connect RISE students with high-impact practices, including internships, research opportunities, leadership development programs, and academic enrichment initiatives.

Supports partnership with the SBS Development team to engage RISE alumni in mentoring, networking, and program support activities. Assists with identifying opportunities to highlight student success stories and strengthen alumni involvement.

Provides guidance and supervision to RISE fellows. Facilitates leadership training and supports students in planning initiatives that benefit the RISE community.

Assists the Director of RISE with strategic planning, reporting, and program development to strengthen RISE’s impact on student success, belonging, and equity in the College.

Other Functions

Performs related duties as assigned or required to meet department, executive area/division, and university goals and objectives.

Understands responsibilities with respect to Title IX, Clery, and other compliance requirements.

Demonstrates capacity, skill, and willingness to engage students and contribute to student success.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in higher education, counseling, social science discipline, or related field and four (4) years of experience in developing, delivering, and directing student success initiatives in a higher education setting, or master’s degree in higher education, social science discipline, or related field and two years of experience in developing, delivering, and directing student success initiatives in a higher education setting.

Experience working with underrepresented college students.

Understanding of the value of equity and inclusion within higher education.

Commitment to student leadership and advocacy, as well as a holistic student approach to mentoring, teaching, and learning.

Ability to recognize at-risk individuals and provide appropriate support and direction.

Strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

Strong organizational and problem-solving skills and the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues.

Intermediate level computer proficiency. Ability to use data analytics and associated tools to proactively identify patterns across student outcomes and profiles and to organize and evaluate the success of programming, workshops, campaigns, and communication channels.

Skilled in small group presentations and able to take initiative and work independently or collaboratively with various university personnel. 

Highly knowledgeable with respect to FERPA, Title IX, and all University academic rules and regulations.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree in higher education, social science discipline, or related field.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a standard office or indoor university environment and involves minimal physical exertion.

Work Schedule and Work Arrangement

Monday - Friday, 8:30 to 5:00

Required to work some nights and weekends.

This position has the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule, which is defined by the University as an arrangement where an employee’s work is regularly performed at a location other than the campus workspace for a portion of the week. As this position falls within the Professional Staff Union, it is subject to the terms and conditions of the Professional Staff Union collective bargaining agreement.

Salary Information

Pay Grade: PSSAP Grade 26

Click here to view the Professional Staff Hiring Ranges

Special Instructions for Applicants

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

This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.