Manager, Program(s)

Job Summary

The MS Program Manager oversees the day-to-day planning, organization, and administration of the Department of Biomedical Informatics (DBMI) Master's (MS) and Certificate programs. This includes directing the operations and organizational functions of the MS and Certificate programs as well as assisting with the design, development, and implementation of new educational initiatives in collaboration with faculty, Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) for the MS program, and departmental leadership to support the department's education mission and goals. The MS Program Manager acts as a liaison with internal and external units to ensure the continuity and quality of the MS and Certificate programs. Additionally, they coordinate with a student population with varied academic and professional backgrounds to support their academic planning and progress. The role operates in a high-variability academic environment and is expected to exercise judgment in prioritizing work, resolving operational gaps, and ensuring continuity of program delivery. The role requires adaptability, including the ability to assume temporary, adjacent responsibilities commensurate with the position's scope and expertise during periods of transition, staffing changes, or evolving programmatic needs.

Responsibilities

1. Oversees the day-to-day administrative functions of DBMI's MS and Certificate programs as they pertain to newly admitted and currently enrolled students, including administrative and procedural advising (e.g., course sequencing, prerequisite navigation, and degree requirement tracking), coordination of faculty advising, academic record maintenance, program coordination, course planning, monitoring degree requirements and graduation eligibility, and ensuring efficient program operations. This responsibility primarily focuses on activities from admission through graduation. The role provides guidance on program requirements but does not determine academic pathways or approve course selections; such decisions remain under the authority of the Director of Graduate Studies. Questions requiring interpretation of academic policy, exceptions to requirements, or selection among elective or specialization options are referred to the DGS for determination.
2. Coordinates and manages the MS and Certificate program application processes from submission to final decision, including tracking and maintaining applicant data, serving as primary point of contact for prospective students and assisting faculty by preparing materials, and coordinating file reviewers and interviews.
3. Plans and executes educational activities and schedules, including onboarding and orientation for students; works collaboratively with the DGS.
4. Acts as a liaison with the Graduate School and other university departments, fostering collaborative relationships and serving as a key resource for admitted and currently enrolled graduate students to support a responsive and welcoming educational environment.
5. Stays current on relevant university policies and provides guidance and recommendations to departmental leadership regarding implementation strategies to ensure program compliance and alignment with institutional standards.
6. Identifies opportunities to enhance the MS and Certificate programs for admitted and currently enrolled students, develops recommendations for leadership consideration, and supports implementation of approved initiatives.
7. Evaluates student educational needs and concerns, providing findings and recommendations to advance continuous program improvement. Supports student engagement through coordinated communications and outreach efforts. Identifies and proposes strategies to enhance student success and retention, such as academic support services, peer mentoring programs, and student feedback mechanisms. Implements approved initiatives in coordination with departmental leadership and faculty to support a positive educational experience.
8. Collects and reviews data related to student performance and program effectiveness. Prepares reports for DGS and departmental leaders to inform decision-making and identify opportunities for program enhancement.
9. Serves as the MS and Certificate programs staff administrative representative (non-voting member) on the department's Curriculum Committee, contributing operational expertise and assisting with the coordination and implementation of committee-approved curricular and educational initiatives as they pertain to the MS program.
10. Serves as the administrative representative of the MS and Certificate programs on DBMI's Education Team, attending meetings and contributing operational expertise related to the MS and Certificate programs.
11. Attends external meetings and trainings pertinent to the implementation of assigned responsibilities and ongoing program administration.
12. In coordination with the Director of Graduate Studies, maintains and updates the MS program handbook and website, ensuring information is current, accurate, and aligned with approved program policies and curriculum.
13. Collaborates closely with departmental faculty, leadership, and staff across interrelated roles to ensure alignment of program operations, facilitate information sharing, and support coordinated delivery of educational initiatives within a small, team-oriented environment.
14. Performs additional duties as required to support department and organizational objectives, including time-limited assignments aligned with the role's competencies and institutional priorities, as needed to maintain program continuity.

This job description is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.Work Environment and Level of Frequency typically requiredNearly Continuously: Office environment.Physical Requirements and Level of Frequency that may be requiredNearly Continuously: Sitting, hearing, listening, talking.Often: Repetitive hand motion (such as typing), walking.Seldom: Bending, reaching overhead.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in a related area or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience). Four to six years of progressively more responsible management experience. Background knowledge of hiring department's area of specialization in order to analyze, plan and draw conclusions for recommendations to superiors. Demonstrated leadership skills in planning and directing employees and processes in order to effectively monitor and develop subordinates and to ensure the smooth operation of department. Completion of provided supervisory training within one year of employment may be required. Master's degree in a related area may be preferred.

Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

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