A job seeker speaks with an Amherst College representative at the Five Colleges Job Fair on June 5, 2025.
The Five Colleges Job Fair is a regular opportunity for local talent to connect with hiring managers from the consortium schools: Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, Smith College, and UMass Amherst.
Held this year at Amherst College, the fair advertised ‘hundreds of jobs’ at the Five Colleges, and brought together staff from departments like facilities, dining, IT, administration, and academic support.
The event drew hundreds of attendees from across the Pioneer Valley, including recent graduates, career changers, and longtime residents seeking new opportunities in higher education.
Links to Five College employment pages
The different colleges regularly hire for a wide range of staff positions, from student affairs and residential life to library and custodial services. Details on open roles can be found on the colleges’ Human Resources websites.
Here’s a full list of employment opportunity pages for the five colleges:
- Amherst College – Human Resources Job Openings
- Hampshire College – Employment Opportunities
- Mount Holyoke College – Careers at Mount Holyoke
- Smith College – Careers at Smith
- UMass Amherst – Employment Opportunities at UMass Amherst
- Five Colleges, Inc. – Employment
The Five Colleges Consortium also posts shared job opportunities and joint programs on its official site, supporting collaboration and career development across the member institutions.
How to find work at the Amherst College & Other Colleges in the area
A few useful tips to help you land a job at one of the five colleges:
1. Bookmark the job pages
Bookmark the links above and return to them frequently.
2. Check consortium-wide listings.
The Five Colleges website includes openings that involve shared services and inter-campus roles.
3. Tailor your application.
Do your research so you don’t blindly send the same cover letter to different institutions. Mention specific departments, values, or initiatives of the institution you’re applying to. Consider reading mission and other statements to align your cover letter.
4. Be open to a variety of roles.
There’s a wide range of job types; from IT and facilities to admissions, research support, and event planning. You don’t have to be an academic to work at a college.
5. Go to local job fairs.
Events like the Five Colleges Job Fair often happen in early summer. They’re good opportunities to meet HR representatives and ask questions. Check the UMass events calendar or follow local websites like the Amherst Now Community Noticeboard for announcements.
6. Ask around.
This is a small town with a strong academic community. If you know someone who works at one of the schools, don’t hesitate to ask them about open positions or how they got their job.
7. Check out Magnetworks.
Magnetworks is a referral-based local job platform specifically designed for Western Massachusetts. It lists job openings from employers across the region, including higher ed, nonprofits, and small businesses. It’s another solid tool to keep in your job search kit.
