Graduate Program Coordinator

This Graduate Program Coordinator (GPC) position provides primary support for two graduate programs within CFANS: the Animal Science Graduate Program and the Bioproducts and the Biosystems Science, Engineering and Management (BBSEM) Graduate Program. This position provides support for the Directors of Graduate Studies (DGS), program faculty, and students related to graduate education.

Job Duties

Program Administrative Support (30%)

• Work within University systems such as Slate, PeopleSoft Campus Solutions, MyU, Coursedog, and Reporting Center.
• Manage graduate program faculty membership and voting processes, including reviews, appointments, and curriculum/policy updates.
• Coordinate, track, and submit fellowship nominations for University, college, and program awards.
• Develop effective communication strategies to provide continued support and oversight for students and program faculty.
• Plan and coordinate graduate program events.
• Assist with special projects and activities as assigned, in collaboration with faculty, staff colleagues, and college administration.

Graduate Student Support & Retention (30%)

• Manage, schedule, and lead the program onboarding and orientation process for incoming students.
• Advise students regarding policies and procedures to meet degree requirements.
• Maintain student records, monitor milestones, and track progress in University systems to assist with timely degree completion and compliance with program requirements.
• Manage degree plan approval process, add transfer coursework, and process exceptions in University systems.
• Advise students on financial aid awards (benefits, non-financial terms), and understand policies related to fellowships and assistantships.
• Provide first point of contact for students struggling with issues related to academics, advisor relationships, mental health, etc., and advise or refer to appropriate resources.
• Guide international students through their unique processes and work with ISSS to assure proper paperwork and compliance throughout the program.

Admissions & Recruitment (30%)

• Guide prospective students, applicants, and admitted students through the admission process, communicating program admissions requirements.
• Manage graduate application submissions, routing, committee review, and admission processes.
• Support faculty and admissions committees involved in final admission decisions and pre- and post-admission recruiting.
• Represent the program at recruitment events.

Collegiate Support and Service (10%)

• Represent the graduate program and/or DGS on collegiate committees and workgroups.
• Collaborate with other CFANS graduate programs to adopt efficient systems and participate in the development of policies and initiatives to better serve students.
• Attend regular CFANS and GPC Network meetings and workgroups to share information and maintain awareness of college and graduate school updates.
• Serve and support the broader CFANS graduate programs and network of GPCs on an as-needed basis.

*This position offers a hybrid schedule, although in-person office hours are required each week, with a presence in both programs. The schedule is flexible based on program and employee needs and preferences. Both programs are located on the St. Paul campus.

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS degree with at least two years of related experience, or a combination of education and related work experience equal to six years.
• Demonstrated commitment to inclusive excellence, and experience working with diverse
  individuals and groups.
• Advanced written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities with high attention to detail.
• Effective time management and organization skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience advising or assisting students at a post-secondary institution.
• Previous experience using Google Workspace and graduate application management and review systems.
• Ability to explain complex policies and procedures to a wide range of audiences.
• Creative problem-solving skills.
• Previous experience with data management and reporting systems.
• Previous experience as a Graduate Program Coordinator at the University of Minnesota or other accredited post-secondary institution.

About the Animal Science Graduate Program

The Department of Animal Science is recognized for its excellent research, teaching, and extension programs in animal agriculture and animal biology. The graduate program offers MS and PhD degrees focused in the areas of Genetics, Nutrition, Physiology, and Production Systems. The graduate program has 35-40 students typically enrolled each year.

About the Bioproducts and Biosystems Science, Engineering and Management Graduate Program

The BBSEM program offers MS and PhD degrees, as well as a minor program. The program provides a strong foundation in the basic sciences, engineering, and management. Students pursue research opportunities in areas such as renewable energy, biomaterials, food safety and security, land and water resources, and precision agriculture. The graduate program has 35-40 students typically enrolled each year.

Pay Range: $26.50 - ($55,120) - $29.33 ($61,000); depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).