General Summary: 

Reporting directly to the Vice Chancellor for Inclusive Excellence and Belonging (VCIE&B), Special Assistant to the VCIE&B provides complex and at times confidential administrative support to the VCIEB. Additionally, this position will develop, coordinate, implement and manage effective and data-informed communication strategies and practices specific to committees, projects and initiatives as assigned by the VCIEB. This position is involved in planning, facilitating and/or coordinating department-wide initiatives, projects and committees. Working independently or collaboratively with the Vice Chancellor, this position organizes, supports and coordinates activities and projects that advance the initiatives, needs and goals of the department. General responsibilities also include the development, supervision and management of a student worker to ensure appropriate office coverage, customer service and internal departmental responsiveness and the coordination of business meeting meals (of the Vice Chancellors many committees including the Restorative Justice Commission). This person is expected to work collaboratively with student leadership, internal groups, campus-wide departments and organizations, and demonstrate a working knowledge of sound budget management skills. This is a 12-month full-time, benefited, non-unit, administrative appointment.

Examples of Duties: 

Provide direct administrative support for the VCIEB to include but not limited to: 

• Serve as the first point of contact for the Vice Chancellor to the campus community and the external community. Competent performance of this public-facing role is critical to the success of the Office of Inclusive Excellence and Belonging.
• Scheduling and anticipating schedules for diverse and complex appointments, meetings and travel. 
• Develop weekly meeting and travel itineraries including meeting agendas, plans, and briefings.
• Maintain the department’s website.  
• Develop, collate, write and format materials for meeting prep and presentations. 
• Creates department-wide key communication documents/presentations including the inclusive Excellence and Belonging Annual Report, Cabinet briefings, Board reports and presentations, and other reports as assigned.
• Assist with the research, and evaluation of Campus Climate Survey Data.
• Assist the Assistant Chancellor for Inclusive Excellence and Belonging in the development of the University’s Inclusive Excellence and Belonging strategic plan.
• Develop and implement processes to track and monitor training, presentations and other engagements with the university community.
• Work collaboratively with faculty and staff to expand cultural competencies across the university and work to promote a dialogue, facilitate interaction and strengthen alliances with external constituencies that represent and support Inclusion and Belonging at the university.
• Provide administrative support to the Restorative Justice Commission (RJC).

Qualifications: 

Bachelor’s degree, and a minimum of 3-5  years of administrative support experience, which includes experience in providing executive assistant or high-level lead administrative support required. Professional experience in a higher education setting is preferred. At the sole discretion of the University, an additional four (4) years of the above-described work experience that is deemed to be directly relevant may be substituted for the required bachelor’s degree. Advanced computer literacy including the Microsoft Office Suite is required. Previous project management and project planning skills experience is required. Previous budget management experience or equivalent professional experience is required. The incumbent will be required to staff and/or attend evening and weekend events. This role may include some travel offsite to meetings or conferences. Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong commitment to customer service;
• Organizational, collaboration and planning skills a must;
• Thorough working knowledge of college/university systems, preferably in a public/urban environment preferred; Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
• Knowledge and understanding of issues that affect a large, highly diverse student population;
• Ability to deal confidentially and sensitively with subject matter requiring privacy and respect;
• Ability to effectively communicate with internal and external constituents and outside agencies;
• Strong written and verbal communication skills;
• Strong attention to detail;
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills;
• Strong administrative skills, including budget forecasting and public relations.

Application Instructions:

Please apply online with your resume, cover letter and list of three references. 

Review of candidates will begin following the application closing date.

Salary Range: Commensurate with experience

This is a non-union exempt position. 

All official salary offers must be approved by Human Resources.

UMass Boston is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, we will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations for the hiring process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact HRDirect@umb.edu or 617-287-5150.