"Graduate Program Manager"

Job Summary

The Comparative Biomedical Sciences (CBMS) Program Coordinator is the point person and staff advisor for the graduate program in the School of Veterinary Medicine (SVM). The coordinator provides resources and guidance for the whole of the graduate student experience from recruitment and admissions, to degree milestones and graduation, for students and their faculty mentors. The Coordinator works closely with the Comparative Biomedical Sciences (CBMS) Graduate Program Faculty Director and the Academic Committee to carry out and improve all administrative, financial and programmatic needs of the CBMS Graduate Program.

In this role, you will:

• Serve as the staff advisor for MS, PhD, and Dual Degree DVM/PhD students in the CBMS program, and for 100+ faculty mentors
• Oversee the graduate admissions process for ~100 applicants annually, including recruitment, communications with prospective students, coordinating applications for Academic Committee review, developing and improving review rubrics, and serving as a non-voting member of the admissions committee
• Organize recruitment and welcoming events for each incoming class
• Foster a supportive and personalized advising experience for ~50 students to ensure successful progress toward degree
• Experience the breadth of research programs and projects in the department by coordinating a weekly graduate seminar during Fall and Spring semesters
• Work with student organizations to develop community-building events to bring together CBMS students who are pursuing research in departments across campus
• Be a liaison between the CBMS program and Graduate School to have the most up-to-date information on policies and opportunities and to maintain relationships with key partners for providing student supports

Key Job Responsibilities

• (10%) Provides comprehensive advising services promoting graduate student success, retention, and degree completion. Advises on programs, graduate education, and university policies, processes, and procedures. Monitors degree progress and assists students in navigating resources and systems throughout the student lifecycle from matriculation to degree completion
• (10%) Oversees programming, services, and events to promote professional development and academic success
• (5%) Oversees staff and/or graduate program functions
• (10%) Manages the response, support, and advocacy for graduate students while continuously improving the student experience and overall graduate program
• (20%) Maintains compliance with graduate program(s), school/college, and university requirements and technology systems related to admissions, assessment, academic degree progress/requirements, and program review. Makes policy and procedure recommendations and/or changes
• (5%) Manages program seminar series schedule, logistics, and evaluations
• (10%) Manages graduate student funding including, but not limited to, fellowships, scholarships, training grants, or assistantships from department, university, and/or outside sponsors. May prepare and/or submit funding proposals
• (30%) Serves as the expert resource for applicants, current students, faculty, staff, and other stakeholders of an academic program

Department

University of Wisconsin, Madison - School of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Pathobiological Sciences

Education

BA or BS required, Biological Sciences degree preferred. Master's Degree preferred

Required Qualifications

• 2 years of experience in graduate student services for domestic and international students
• Strong interpersonal communications and problem-solving skills
• Experience with providing student support for 40+ students at various stages of degree progress
• Experience with graduate program admissions
• Experience interpreting and implementing policies/guidelines in higher education
• Strong organizational and analytical skills with a high level of attention to detail and accuracy
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite, Google Apps, Box, and Zoom

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in advising MS and PhD students
• Experience with graduate program funding (scholarships, assistantships, fellowships)
• Event planning experience

How to Apply

To begin the application process, click the "Apply" button. Please submit a resume and cover letter that speak to your interests in the CBMS Program Manager Coordinator position. Please describe how your interests, experiences, and qualifications align with the job responsibilities as described herein. The search committee will review all application materials after the posted deadline, 10/15/25.

Contact Information

For questions about this position, please contact Jenny Dahlberg (jenny.dahlberg@wisc.edu) or Lyric Bartholomay (lyric.barholomay@wisc.edu)