Appointment Type: Full-time, 12-month academic administrative appointment. This position is intended to be held by a current UMass Amherst faculty member and is structured in accordance with MSP provisions and University policy governing faculty administrative appointments and return rights.
Reports to: Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
Job Summary
The Dean & SVP is the senior academic official responsible for the advancement and administration of graduate education at UMass Amherst. They are a visionary and collaborative leader committed to advancing the mission of the Graduate School. This role plays a critical part in enhancing graduate student recruitment, support, success, and professional development through fellowship and grant programs, mentor training, and career development initiatives. In addition, the Dean & SVP serves as the chief advocate for graduate education—on campus and with external stakeholders.
Essential Functions
Key responsibilities include convening the Graduate School leadership, guiding strategic planning efforts, and ensuring responsible stewardship of the school’s resources.
The Dean & SVP is also responsible for compliance with Board of Trustees policies and accreditation requirements of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
In addition, the Dean & SVP holds final authority over graduate admissions decisions and reviews nominations for Graduate Program Directors and Graduate Faculty Status.
When necessary, the Dean & SVP provides guidance on academic grievance cases and sets expectations for best practices in graduate program administration and funding.
The Dean & SVP sits on the Research Council, convenes the Associate Deans of Graduate Education, and works closely with the Graduate Council to review, refine, and develop policies in response to evolving needs and challenges. The Dean & SVP collaborates extensively with the Deans of the Schools and Colleges; the Dean of Students Office; Global Affairs; Student Affairs and Campus Life; IT; and leadership across more than 90 graduate programs to drive continuous improvement and ensure an exceptional graduate student experience.
The Dean & SVP reports to the Provost, serves on the Provost’s Leadership Team, and partners with the Provost to provide oversight and strategic direction for all aspects of graduate education. This includes new program development, program review, curricular innovation, recruitment and admissions, and student support—ensuring alignment with university strategic priorities and emerging student needs.
Required Qualifications
- A tenured faculty member at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
- A demonstrated commitment to graduate education and student success.
- A demonstrated commitment to furthering inclusive excellence at the graduate level.
- Experience in leading and managing change using data-informed and evidence-based approaches.
- Demonstrated ability to maintain successful collaborative relationships at all levels, from students to deans and vice chancellors.
Preferred Qualifications
- Attainment of the rank of full Professor.
- Management experience, including hiring, supervising, and evaluating personnel.
- A strong knowledge of contemporary issues in graduate education including recruitment, professional development, financial support, student persistence and timely progress toward degree completion for all learners.
Working Conditions
Typical office environment with regular use of computers and standard office equipment. Occasional evening or event-related work may be required. This is a 12-month appointment with expectations of year-round engagement aligned to the academic calendar.
Application Materials
Email the following materials to Jo Allen-Oleet (@email) by March 23, 2026
- A letter of application that explains your interest in this position and discusses how you meet the required and any preferred qualifications listed above.
- A current CV that includes any administrative or leadership roles you have held in addition to your scholarship and teaching.