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Title: Clerk IV (Assistant to the Director Rudd Adoption Research Program) Executive Area: Academic Affairs College/School/MBU: College of Natural Sciences Department: Psychology and Brain Sci Work Location: Amherst Schedule: Part Time Work Arrangement: Hybrid Job Summary The Assistant to the Director is a part-time, temporary benefited position which works directly with the Rudd Director in coordinating the Rudd program, assisting the director with community facing events, communications, and general organizational tasks. Essential Functions Works with the director to recruit people with lived experience of adoption and foster care for our consultation groups. This includes advertising opportunities, responding to inquiries, offering advice and information about the role/function of group members, helping people make an informed decision about participating in the group, and considering the need for representation of different groups.
Responsible for keeping records of group members' details and managing this data securely. Reviews requirements with group members to ensure they make informed decisions and give consent for any public engagement activities e.g. speaking at events or in videos.
Serves as the central point of contact/communication for consultancy group members and bridge between the Director and group members.
Offers individual and group support to consultancy group members to enable their participation in Rudd Program events and consultations, including managing the payment and expense reimbursement of group members and supporting them with the potential emotional impact of the role.
Organizes and facilitates online consultation events with lived experience and professional groups, alongside the other Rudd program staff.
Keeps records of consultancy meetings to clearly capture the views, suggestions and experiences of group members. Preparing clear feedback to group members summarizing their suggestions and showing how the Rudd program responds to these.
Contributes suggestions and ideas about community engagement activities of the program.
Aids in the organization and running of other Rudd Program community engagement events (including webinars, conferences and training programs), including coordinating of input and communication among team members and supporting students who may assist with events.
Works alongside the director and program manager to help develop and maintain excellent connections with foster care and adoption community organizations regionally and nationally.
Works with the director and program manager on other practical and organizational matters related to the operation of the Rudd program as needed e.g. liaising with colleagues in finance, purchasing and expenses, making arrangements for refreshments and venues for community events, liaising with academic advisory group, assisting with preparation of reports.
Serves as back up for program manager as needed. Other Functions Work collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, equality and inclusiveness.
Work in partnership with colleagues within the CNS community and across the campus to support the Dean's strategic priorities.
Perform other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of the College of Natural Sciences. Minimum Qualifications Three (3) years of experience in a support role in the human services field.
High school diploma.
Two (2) years or more experience in a community/social care, health or educational setting.
Excellent interpersonal and relationship building skills.
Maintain a highly professional and welcoming presence.
Ability to work with a wide range of people, including marginalized groups.
Passionate about supporting people with lived experience to contribute to service and program development.
General understanding of adoption and foster care systems and families.
Excellent organizational and communication skills, including competence in email and word processing, spreadsheets, file storage systems, and communications software. Preferred Qualifications Previous experience of involvement/consultation work with people with lived experience, including group facilitation skills.
Professional qualification in social care, health or education work.
Previous experience of community liaison and event management work.
Previous experience of working in foster care and/or adoption (or similar) organizations. Additional Details This is a one (1) year temporary benefited position, contingent on funding.
At UMass Amherst and in CNS, we strive to be a community where every individual feels a sense of belonging, where every individual is included, and where every individual is valued. These values and goals are reflected in the College of Natural Sciences' Inclusive Excellence framework and in the UMass Amherst's For the Common Good: 2024-2034 Strategic Plan. Working Conditions Work is performed in a standard office or indoor university environment and involves minimal physical exertion. Work Schedule and Work Arrangement Work schedule to be agreed with the director. This position has the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule, which is defined by the University as an arrangement where an employee's work is regularly performed at a location other than the campus workspace for a portion of the week. As this position falls within the University Staff Association, it is subject to the terms and conditions of the University Staff Association collective bargaining agreement. Salary Information Pay Grade: USA/MTA Grade 13 Classified Step Scale Special Instructions for 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. 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.
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UMass Amherst
Jan 23, 2026