Associate Director of Strategic Initiatives

Job no : 528642

Work type : Staff Full Time

Location : UMass Amherst

Department : Provost's Office

Union : Non-Unit Exempt

Categories : Administrative & Office Support

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 valuedand 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 Associate Director of Strategic Initiatives for the Provosts Office serves as a strategic advisor and operational partner to the Provosts Leadership Team, including the Executive Deputy Provost, Senior Vice Provosts, and Vice Provosts. The role leads executive-level initiatives, manages cross-functional projects, and ensures alignment across the Provosts extensive portfolio. Operating with significant independence, the Associate Director anticipates challenges, engages stakeholders, and translates strategic goals into actionable results.

Essential Functions

• Strategic Initiative Leadership

Leads planning, execution, and evaluation of high-impact initiatives across the Provosts Office portfolio, including projects led by the Provost, Executive Deputy Provost, Senior Vice Provosts, and Vice Provosts.

Develops and presents analyses, policy briefs, and recommendations to inform Provost Office leadership decisions.

Facilitates collaboration across academic and administrative units on initiatives led by the Provosts Leadership Team.

Prepares executive-level presentations, briefings, and reports for internal and external audiences.

Oversees operational functions tied to strategic initiatives, including policy and governance alignment, planning, and evaluation of cross-unit outcomes.

Manages complex and confidential issues of institutional significance with sound judgment and discretion.

Other Functions

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

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

Physical Demands / Working Conditions

Additional Details

Work Schedule

Salary Information

Salary Level 28

Exempt Hiring Ranges

Special Instructions to 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. Applications will be reviewed on a continuous basis until the position is filled. Early submissions are encouraged.

The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.

Advertised : Oct 2 2025 Eastern Daylight Time

Applications close : Jan 4 2026 Eastern Standard Time

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