Campus Compact VISTA - University of Massachusetts Amherst

This position will support UMass Amherst Basic Needs Initiatives in expanding sustainable, evidence-based systems that help lower-income students identify needs, access critical supports (e.g., SNAP, emergency aid, FAFSA assistance, essential supplies, case management), and persist to graduation. The VISTA will strengthen cross-campus partnerships, training and curriculum, outreach, and data visualization to increase the scale and effectiveness of basic needs services, ensuring accessible support both in person and virtually. They will develop a comprehensive resource map and collaboration toolkit linking campus units and community agencies, and co-design high-impact initiatives such as Just-in-Time One-Stop Days, competency-based training modules, a peer mentor curriculum, and an asynchronous Canvas mini-course that improve students' ability to navigate basic needs resources. The position will also create communication assets, presentation materials, and an annual implementation plan.