Title: Director of RISE

Executive Area: Academic Affairs

College/School/MBU: Social & Behavioral Sciences

Department: Dean - Social & Behavioral Sci

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full Time

Work Arrangement: Hybrid

Job Summary

The Director of RISE (Remedying Inequity through Student Engagement) in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences (SBS) provides strategic leadership for SBS RISE’s mission of providing support and guidance to undergraduate students who identify as first generation and/or economically disadvantaged 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 undergraduate students; and provides access to high impact practices and other resources for scholastic success.

Under the supervision of the Associate Dean for Education and Student Development, the Director establishes program priorities and leads the development, implementation, and assessment of RISE initiatives. Working collaboratively with SBS leadership, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and University partners, the Director develops strategies to address opportunity gaps and strengthen support for RISE-affiliated students across the College.

Essential Functions

Provides strategic leadership and direction for SBS RISE, establishing program goals, priorities, and initiatives that advance student success, belonging, engagement, leadership development, and equitable access to academic and professional opportunities.

Leads the development, implementation, assessment, and continuous improvement of RISE programs and services, including mentoring, leadership development, internships and experiential learning, technology access, academic enrichment, and community-building initiatives.

Oversees RISE signature initiatives, including the RISE Fellows leadership development and internship program, RISE Connects peer and alumni mentoring program, and technology access initiatives. Establishes program objectives, standards, and expected outcomes and ensures effective implementation.

Identifies emerging student needs, opportunity gaps, and barriers affecting our students and develops responsive strategies, programs, partnerships, and interventions to strengthen student success and engagement.

Develops strategies to extend RISE’s impact across SBS, collaborating with faculty, staff, and College leadership to strengthen outreach, resources, and practices that support students throughout the College.

Builds and maintains collaborative relationships with SBS departments and University partners to connect students with academic enrichment, research, internships, career and professional development, leadership opportunities, and other high-impact practices.

Provides overall leadership for student outreach, engagement, mentoring, events, workshops, and community-building activities, maintaining appropriate direct engagement with students and ensuring that student perspectives inform program priorities and development.

Establishes program goals and assessment strategies and uses quantitative and qualitative data to evaluate student outcomes, program effectiveness, and emerging needs; uses findings to inform program development, resource allocation, and continuous improvement.

Partners with the SBS Development team to strengthen alumni engagement, mentoring, networking, and other forms of support for RISE programs and students.

Serves as a resource and strategic partner to College leadership, faculty, and staff on matters related to the RISE mission and represents RISE on relevant College and University committees, working groups, and initiatives. Serves as a mentor to and holds office hours to meet with students.

Supervises the Associate Director of RISE and provides overall leadership and direction for RISE student employees, fellows, interns, and peer leaders.

Collaborates closely with colleagues within the SBS Pathways Center on initiatives that bridge RISE with academic advising, student development, experiential learning, career and professional development, and other areas of undergraduate student success.

Serves as a member of the SBS Student Success Team.

In collaboration with the Associate Dean for Equity and Inclusion, serves as a faculty liaison to departments and to student groups working on issues related to equity, inclusion, and belonging.

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

Master’s degree in higher education, counseling, student affairs, social science discipline, or related field and five years of progressively responsible experience developing, delivering, and/or directing student success initiatives in a higher education setting.

Experience developing and leading programs serving students from historically underserved or underrepresented populations.

Demonstrated experience with program development, strategic planning, assessment, and continuous improvement.

Demonstrated understanding of the value of equity and inclusion within higher education and of barriers that can affect undergraduate student success, engagement, and belonging.

Commitment to student leadership and advocacy and a holistic approach to student development, mentoring, and learning.

Excellent presentation, interpersonal, and verbal/written communication skills
Demonstrated ability to develop productive relationships and work collaboratively with students, faculty, staff, alumni, and other stakeholders.

Ability to use data and assessment to evaluate program effectiveness and inform programmatic and strategic decisions.

Knowledge of FERPA, Title IX, and relevant University academic rules and regulations.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience leading a college- or university-level student success, access, belonging, or engagement program.

Experience with grant development or donor-supported programs.

Additional Details

This position is subject to final budgetary and administrative approval.

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, 8:30am to 5:00pm.
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 28

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.