Departmental Assistant - Civic Initiative Mentor

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 valued-and 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 University of Massachusetts Donahue Institute (UMDI) Civic Initiative (CI) business unit is dedicated to promoting democracy through education in both the U.S. and abroad. Select groups of students, scholars, and professionals from around the world come to the UMass Amherst campus and travel to other regional sites for various short term exchange programs. Programs are designed for attendees to improve their leadership skills, increase their subject knowledge, and learn about U.S. culture. Programs are based on engaging participants through active learning, integrating classroom readings, lectures, and discussions with community-based, collaborative projects that offer practical, real-life experience.

Mentors at UMDI CI provide administrative and organizational assistance to the Civic programs, assisting with the day-to-day functions. This will include, but not be limited to, supporting the academic director and program manager with administrative tasks and communication, and assisting with planning and organizing the schedule for each day. Mentors will have a unique opportunity to host small and large group sessions on social, cultural, and academic issues. In addition to facilitating participants' programming (virtual and/or in-person) and creating a positive environment for the participants, mentors are expected to be present and engaged with the participants during small group and project activity. The mentors provide participants with the opportunity to learn more about American culture, norms, and discuss program content areas in an informal setting; similarly, mentors are able to learn about the participant's home countries. This cross-cultural exchange represents an important aspect of the CI's mission, by developing more substantive connections and understandings of different cultures, norms, and values.

Essential Functions

The listing of Civic Initiative Mentor functions include, but are not limited to:

• Conduct work in a collegial environment where mentors are expected to maintain regular communication with supervising manager(s), program participants and fellow mentors.
• Assist the programs' academic directors with planning and organizing daily activities, including virtual and/or in-person events.
• Assist with meeting management and activities.
• Assist with administrative and office tasks pertaining to the program such as answering questions; technical help; posting talks and discussions; and collating assessments and surveys.

Other Functions

• Mentors are expected to learn and understand aspects of the participant's history and culture.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

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

• Ability to work during non-standard work hours.
• Mentors must be developmentally, culturally, and linguistically responsive demonstrating open-mindedness, patience, and cultural sensitivity to participants who come from different ethnic, socioeconomic, religious, cultural, and political backgrounds.
• Demonstrated attention to detail and strong organizational skills required.
• Ability to multi-task and work as a member of a team in a fast-paced work environment.
• Ability to organize work priorities and work efficiently in relation to work quality and requested timelines.
• Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
• Ability to present documentation establishing authorization to work in the United States.

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

• A valid domestic driver's license.
• Experience in a leadership or mentorship role.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Work environment is fast-paced, and requires flexibility and responsiveness in timing and task.
• Access to a reliable and strong internet connection and a professional looking background.
• Work sites are varied and may include: online, program residence, classrooms, the UMDI CI office, and events at public and private locations.
• During in-person site visits and study tour, travel may be required on an as-needed basis within Massachusetts and in some instances outside of the Commonwealth to accompany program participants.
• Must have the ability to work non-standard work schedule.
• The physical/mental demands and work environment factors described above are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Additional Details

• This position is funded by grants and/or contracts, and is contingent upon funding.
• This is an hourly position.

Work Schedule

• This position is seasonal and day-to-day schedules will vary depending upon program needs. Mentors will work 10 or more hours per week based on program structure and timeline. This program may include virtual sessions that must take place within participant time zones.
• This is a temporary, non-benefited position.

Salary Information

• $15.00 per hour.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume.

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.