Associate Dean of Education and Student Development

Title: Associate Dean of Education and Student Development

Executive Area: Academic Affairs

College/School/MBU: Social & Behavioral Sciences

Department: Dean - Social & Behavioral Sci

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full Time

Work Arrangement: Onsite

Job Summary

The Associate Dean for Education and Student Development is a 12-month faculty leadership position in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences (SBS). The position reports directly to the Dean of SBS and serves as a member of the College's leadership team.

Essential Functions

College-Wide Academic Leadership
Provides strategic leadership for undergraduate education across SBS departments and interdisciplinary programs.
Partners with the Dean and senior leadership to align educational priorities with College and University strategic goals.
Oversees implementation and continuous improvement of undergraduate academic policies, standards, and procedures.
Leads college-wide assessment and review efforts related to curriculum, student outcomes, and academic performance metrics.
Supervises a team of student success faculty and staff, including two Assistant Deans, the Executive Director of Career and Professional Development, the Director of Student Success, the Director of SBS RISE, and the Associate Director of Professional Education.

Student Success and Advising
Provides oversight of the SBS Pathways Center and related student success initiatives.
Collaborates with advising leadership and departments to advance a holistic, equity-focused approach to undergraduate academic, experiential, and professional development.
Monitors and analyzes data related to retention, progression, time-to-degree, and student achievement. Leads targeted interventions where appropriate.
Develops and implements high-impact practices that support student engagement and career readiness.

First-Year Experience and Academic Programming
Provides leadership for the SBS First Year Seminars program and related transition-to-college initiatives.
Collaborates with departments to ensure high-quality curricular offerings that meet student demand and strategic enrollment priorities.
Supports the development and review of new academic programs, curricular revisions, and interdisciplinary initiatives in coordination with relevant governance bodies.

Faculty Collaboration and Governance
Works closely with department chairs, undergraduate program directors, and faculty to strengthen curricular coherence, instructional quality, and student support structures.
Serves as a key liaison between SBS and central administrative units including the Provost's Office, Registrar's Office, Enrollment Management, Student Success, and other key units.
Represents the College on relevant university councils, committees, and working groups related to undergraduate education, curriculum, academic standards, and student success.

Equity, Access, and Inclusive Excellence
Advances equitable student outcomes through data-informed strategies and collaboration with campus partners.
Supports instructional equity initiatives and inclusive pedagogical practices across SBS.
Ensures consistent and transparent implementation of academic policies across departments.

Strategic Planning and Stewardship
Contributes to College-wide strategic planning, implementation efforts, and leadership.
Supports data-informed resource stewardship related to academic advising and student success initiatives.
Leads initiatives to enhance enrollment in SBS majors.
Leads or participates in special projects and cross-unit initiatives as assigned by the Dean.

Other Functions

Performs other duties as assigned by the Dean.

Serves on internal or external committees or advisory groups as appropriate to the role.

Minimum Qualifications

Must hold a PhD or terminal degree.

Must be a current UMass Amherst faculty member of any rank or title.

Demonstrated record of excellence in teaching and engagement with undergraduate education.

Experience in academic leadership, program direction, or administrative services.

Experience working collaboratively with faculty, staff, and students in a complex academic environment.

Evidence of commitment to student success, inclusive excellence, and data-informed decision-making.

Strong leadership, organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Ability to manage complex initiatives across multiple units.

Capacity to analyze and interpret academic and student outcome data.

Ability to build consensus and advance strategic initiatives in shared governance environments.

Preferred Qualifications

Three years of progressive leadership experience in academic administration at a research university.

Experience overseeing advising, first-year programs, student success initiatives, or curricular review.

Experience working with enrollment management and/or strategic planning processes.

Additional Details

This is an internal, on-campus recruitment. Eligibility is limited to current university faculty members.

This position is a 12-month, non-unit faculty administrative appointment, with the faculty base appointment remaining in the candidate's home department.

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, 40 hours per week, 12 months per year.

Occasional evening events may be required.

Salary Information

This position's salary range will vary widely depending on the applicant's rank and discipline. The starting salary will be determined by the candidate's academic-year base salary, plus an additional 2/9ths conversion and an administrative stipend.

Special Instructions for Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a CV, cover letter, and statement of educational leadership philosophy. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references. References will be checked at the finalist stage. To ensure full consideration, we encourage you to submit your application by Monday, April 6, 2026.

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.