"BME Graduate Program Coordinator - SS Pro 3-Academic Program Svc"

The Department of Biomedical Engineering is hiring a Graduate Program Coordinator (GPC) to serve in a key position of graduate program leadership, having a direct impact on graduate student recruitment, admissions, advising, funding, retention, program completion, and quality of experience. The GPC is a partner with our Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) in strategizing, designing, implementing, and refining program initiatives. The GPC is also an advocate for our graduate student body in advising and counseling individual students, supporting our student groups, and actively championing DEI and mental health efforts.

This position reports to the BME Administrative Manager and allows for hybrid work. It does require 1-2 multi-day recruitment conference trips per year, as well as occasional events on evenings (3-6 per year) and weekends (1-2 per year).

Job Duties

• Graduate Program Management and Advising - 55%
  • Serve as primary, expert resource for students, faculty, and staff regarding interpretation and application of University, college, and program policies and procedures.
  • Manage caseload of ~180 active MS/PhD students: maintain student records, advise on course and committee selection, monitor milestones, and track progress in GPAS, APLUS, and annual progress reports to ensure timely degree completion and compliance with department/training program requirements.
  • Develop and maintain internal website for current students with policy handbooks, procedures, and well-being resources.
  • In partnership with DGS, recommend, design, and develop programming and initiatives to enhance the graduate student experience and achieve strategic planning goals.
  • Provide first point of contact for students struggling with issues related to academics, advisor relationships, mental health, etc., and advise or refer to appropriate department/campus resources.
  • Manage, schedule, and lead onboarding, orientation, and lab rotation processes for incoming students each August.
  • Coordinate, track, and submit internal fellowship nominations and teaching assistant assignments.
  • Plan and coordinate graduate commencement events.
  • Manage graduate faculty governance, including quadrennial reviews, terminations, new appointments, and curriculum/policy votes.
  • Collect data and generate reports as needed for national surveys, training grants, and other internal requests from University, college, and/or department personnel.
  • Regularly attend meetings and serve on committees related to graduate education (e.g., Graduate Program Coordinators Network, Graduate School Advisory Board, Registrar’s Advisory Committee, etc.) for continued professional training, policy updates, and best practices.
• Admissions and Recruiting - 40%
  • Manage graduate application and admission processes for ~300 applicants annually using Slate for the PhD, MS, and Integrated Degree programs.
  • Serve as primary, expert resource for prospective students regarding application requirements, review process, and decision timeline.
  • Develop and maintain effective modes of marketing and communications to potential graduate including hosting recruitment webinars and attending national conferences.
  • Coordinate travel, accommodations, individualized meeting schedules, and activities for ~45 admitted PhD recruits during virtual interviews and/or in-person visit weekends each spring.
  • Monitor recruiting budget and authorize expense reimbursements.
• Instructional and Department Support - 5%
  • Supervise graduate student ambassadors, and liaise with BME graduate student organizations.
  • Submit and track proposals in Coursedog for new/updated graduate coursework and curricula.
  • Collaborate with staff to coordinate department-wide events, and provide back-up support at undergraduate program activities as needed.
  • Actively participate on committees and pursue training related to DEI and mental health initiatives.
  • Assist with special projects and activities as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS degree with at least four years of related experience, or Master’s degree plus at least two years of relevant experience.
• Computer experience required, with demonstrated proficiency in Google Workspace and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Previous experience advising or assisting students at a post-secondary institution.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and experience working with diverse individuals and groups.
• Advanced written and verbal communication skills.
• Applicants must submit both a resume and a cover letter to be considered for this position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience using graduate application management and review systems.
• Previous experience with data management and reporting systems.
• Previous event planning experience.
• Previous experience with course scheduling and/or classroom management.

About University of Minnesota Twin Cities: The University of Minnesota, founded in the belief that all people are enriched by understanding, is dedicated to the advancement of learning and the search for truth; to the sharing of this knowledge through education for a diverse community; and to the application of this knowledge to benefit the people of the state, the nation, and the world.