University of Massachusetts Amherst
Senior Director Employee Engagement (Hybrid/Remote)
University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, us, 01002
Senior Director Employee Engagement (Hybrid/Remote) We are seeking a visionary and strategic Senior Director of Employee Engagement to lead a newly created portfolio designed to strengthen the employee experience, foster organizational development, and support Human Resources transformation at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
About UMass Amherst
The flagship of the Commonwealth, UMass Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, the university sits on nearly 1,450 acres in Western Massachusetts and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges with 100 undergraduate majors. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued — and thrives. Job Summary
UMass Amherst is seeking a Senior Director of Employee Engagement to lead a portfolio that strengthens the employee experience, supports HR transformation, and modernizes the HR function. This role oversees employee engagement strategy and surveys, talent management consulting, workforce planning, succession planning, organizational development, performance management, HR communications, and learning and development programs. A key deliverable is the development and launch of a new HR Academy to transition from a decentralized model to a unified, embedded HR services framework. This position reports to the Vice Chancellor and Chief Human Resources Officer for an initial period of up to two years, after which the reporting structure may evolve as part of the transformation plan. Essential Functions
Drive the transition from decentralized HR functions to a centralized, embedded HR services model that is strategic, data-informed, and service-oriented. Serve as a culture change agent, aligning people strategies with institutional goals and preparing the organization for future workforce needs. Elevate HR as a strategic partner across the University through consistent programs, messaging, and development offerings. Employee Engagement & Strategy
Design and lead the implementation of a comprehensive employee engagement strategy, including the launch and management of a university-wide engagement survey. Analyze survey data, present findings, and partner with campus leadership to drive actionable improvements that support a culture of inclusion, collaboration, and innovation. Talent Management Consulting & Workforce Planning
Serve as a trusted talent management advisor to senior leaders, providing strategic consulting on organizational effectiveness, leadership development, and team dynamics. Lead workforce planning efforts that align talent pipelines with university priorities and support future-focused staffing and skills strategies. Organizational Development & Succession Planning
Lead enterprise-wide organizational development initiatives to support continuous improvement, HR transformation, and culture change. Develop and implement a comprehensive succession planning framework to identify and develop future leaders and critical talent. Performance Management
Oversee modernization of the university’s performance management systems and tools to foster accountability, development, and achievement. Partner with HR business partners and leaders to implement consistent, fair, and forward-looking performance processes. HR Events, Recognition, and Culture Building
Design and implement employee recognition programs, appreciation events, and culture-building initiatives that enhance morale and drive engagement. Champion initiatives that reinforce the university’s mission and values. HR Marketing & Communications
Lead HR communications and employer branding strategies to increase transparency, strengthen engagement, and support major change initiatives. Partner with University Relations to ensure HR campaigns align with institutional voice and identity. Learning & Talent Development
Develop and lead a comprehensive Learning & Talent Development strategy for staff, managers, and leaders. Create and launch the Human Resources Academy to build capabilities during HR transformation and enable a unified, embedded service delivery model. Deliver scalable, inclusive learning experiences that support leadership readiness, change agility, and cross-functional collaboration. Other Functions Performs other duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications
Master’s degree in Human Resources, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Organizational Development, or a related discipline. Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in human resources, organizational development, employee engagement, or talent strategy. Proven success leading employee engagement initiatives, learning and development programs, or HR transformation efforts. Strong analytical skills and experience using engagement or workforce data to drive action. Strategic thinking and people-centered leadership with the ability to align HR services with organizational goals. Exceptional communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills, with the capacity to engage stakeholders at all levels and drive innovation. Preferred Qualifications
Experience in higher education or large, complex, matrixed or public-sector organizations. Experience creating or managing a learning academy or enterprise-wide Organizational Development programs. Expertise in change management, workforce planning, and leadership development. Physical Demands/Working Conditions Typical office environment. Work Schedule Monday – Friday 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM. Hybrid and remote work options may apply per University policy for non-unit or professional positions. Salary Information Level 35 — Exempt Hiring Ranges. Special Instructions to 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 professional references. Early applications are encouraged. The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.
Hit Apply below to send your application for consideration Ensure that your CV is up to date, and that you have read the job specs first. #J-18808-Ljbffr Remote working/work at home options are available for this role.
The flagship of the Commonwealth, UMass Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, the university sits on nearly 1,450 acres in Western Massachusetts and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges with 100 undergraduate majors. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued — and thrives. Job Summary
UMass Amherst is seeking a Senior Director of Employee Engagement to lead a portfolio that strengthens the employee experience, supports HR transformation, and modernizes the HR function. This role oversees employee engagement strategy and surveys, talent management consulting, workforce planning, succession planning, organizational development, performance management, HR communications, and learning and development programs. A key deliverable is the development and launch of a new HR Academy to transition from a decentralized model to a unified, embedded HR services framework. This position reports to the Vice Chancellor and Chief Human Resources Officer for an initial period of up to two years, after which the reporting structure may evolve as part of the transformation plan. Essential Functions
Drive the transition from decentralized HR functions to a centralized, embedded HR services model that is strategic, data-informed, and service-oriented. Serve as a culture change agent, aligning people strategies with institutional goals and preparing the organization for future workforce needs. Elevate HR as a strategic partner across the University through consistent programs, messaging, and development offerings. Employee Engagement & Strategy
Design and lead the implementation of a comprehensive employee engagement strategy, including the launch and management of a university-wide engagement survey. Analyze survey data, present findings, and partner with campus leadership to drive actionable improvements that support a culture of inclusion, collaboration, and innovation. Talent Management Consulting & Workforce Planning
Serve as a trusted talent management advisor to senior leaders, providing strategic consulting on organizational effectiveness, leadership development, and team dynamics. Lead workforce planning efforts that align talent pipelines with university priorities and support future-focused staffing and skills strategies. Organizational Development & Succession Planning
Lead enterprise-wide organizational development initiatives to support continuous improvement, HR transformation, and culture change. Develop and implement a comprehensive succession planning framework to identify and develop future leaders and critical talent. Performance Management
Oversee modernization of the university’s performance management systems and tools to foster accountability, development, and achievement. Partner with HR business partners and leaders to implement consistent, fair, and forward-looking performance processes. HR Events, Recognition, and Culture Building
Design and implement employee recognition programs, appreciation events, and culture-building initiatives that enhance morale and drive engagement. Champion initiatives that reinforce the university’s mission and values. HR Marketing & Communications
Lead HR communications and employer branding strategies to increase transparency, strengthen engagement, and support major change initiatives. Partner with University Relations to ensure HR campaigns align with institutional voice and identity. Learning & Talent Development
Develop and lead a comprehensive Learning & Talent Development strategy for staff, managers, and leaders. Create and launch the Human Resources Academy to build capabilities during HR transformation and enable a unified, embedded service delivery model. Deliver scalable, inclusive learning experiences that support leadership readiness, change agility, and cross-functional collaboration. Other Functions Performs other duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications
Master’s degree in Human Resources, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Organizational Development, or a related discipline. Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in human resources, organizational development, employee engagement, or talent strategy. Proven success leading employee engagement initiatives, learning and development programs, or HR transformation efforts. Strong analytical skills and experience using engagement or workforce data to drive action. Strategic thinking and people-centered leadership with the ability to align HR services with organizational goals. Exceptional communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills, with the capacity to engage stakeholders at all levels and drive innovation. Preferred Qualifications
Experience in higher education or large, complex, matrixed or public-sector organizations. Experience creating or managing a learning academy or enterprise-wide Organizational Development programs. Expertise in change management, workforce planning, and leadership development. Physical Demands/Working Conditions Typical office environment. Work Schedule Monday – Friday 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM. Hybrid and remote work options may apply per University policy for non-unit or professional positions. Salary Information Level 35 — Exempt Hiring Ranges. Special Instructions to 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 professional references. Early applications are encouraged. The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.
Hit Apply below to send your application for consideration Ensure that your CV is up to date, and that you have read the job specs first. #J-18808-Ljbffr Remote working/work at home options are available for this role.