"Online and Graduate Program Specialist - SEMO Online and Graduate Services"

Position Summary

Online and Graduate Program Specialist
SEMO Online and Graduate Services
Full-Time

The Office of SEMO Online and Graduate Services at Southeast Missouri State University is dedicated to supporting student success and academic progress. The Online Program Specialist plays a vital role in advising, onboarding, and retaining online and domestic graduate students. This position requires a professional who thrives in a fast-paced, student-centered environment, can manage multiple priorities simultaneously, and is motivated by helping students achieve their educational goals.

While this position primarily supports online learners, it is based on campus. A hybrid schedule may be considered after successful completion of training and demonstration of proficiency in job duties.

This role operates in a fast-paced, student-centered environment that requires frequent multitasking, proactive communication, and attention to detail. While the work can be challenging and requires managing high volumes of student interactions, it is deeply rewarding - each day offers opportunities to help students reach their educational and career goals.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Provide academic advising to online and domestic graduate students through in-person, phone, email, and virtual appointments.
• Guide students through the onboarding process, including transfer credit evaluations, course substitutions, and program selection to align with individual goals.
• Support students facing academic, personal, or financial challenges by connecting them with appropriate university or community resources.
• Implement proactive communication and retention strategies consistent with SEMO's flipped advising model.
• Monitor student enrollment and progress, identify at-risk students, and take timely action to support retention and degree completion.
• Collaborate with academic departments and colleges to coordinate course offerings and ensure timely degree progression.
• Lead and supervise graduate assistants and student employees supporting online and graduate program initiatives.
• Participate in recruitment activities, representing SEMO Online and Graduate Services at events and in communications with prospective students.
• Maintain accurate and timely records and create and run reports using systems such as Banner, Degree Works, SupportNET, and Microsoft 365
• Stay informed of best practices in distance education, online learning, and academic advising through professional development.
• Serve as a liaison between SEMO Online and designated academic departments, sharing data, trends, and student insights to support institutional decision-making.
• Maintain knowledge in distance education, online learning, and academic advising by attending workshops, conferences, webinars, and reviewing research.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required. A degree in counseling, higher education, student affairs, or a related area is a plus.
• Demonstrated excellence in customer service.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and professionally, both written and verbally.
• Strong time management skills.
• Proficiency with technology and data systems, including Microsoft 365; ability to learn and navigate multiple software platforms efficiently.
• Experience using data and reports to make informed decisions or improve processes.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills, including the ability to analyze situations, identify solutions, and implement effective action plans.
• Demonstrated conflict-resolution skills, with the ability to manage emotional or stressful student situations calmly and constructively.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize multiple tasks effectively.
• Strong organizational skills with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to adapt to change, pivot quickly in response to shifting priorities, and maintain productivity.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, exercising sound judgment and initiative.
• Knowledge of academic advising, student services, or a related higher education field, or supporting online or adult learners. Experience in one or more of these areas is a plus.
• Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to supervise or mentor student employees or graduate assistants. Experience supervising or mentoring student employees or graduate assistants is a plus.

Required Information & Deadline

Application Deadline: To ensure full consideration, application materials must be received by November 28, 2025. The position is available immediately and will remain open until filled.

To Apply: Complete the online application by clicking on the APPLY button at the top of the page. You must submit the following for your application materials to be complete:

• Letter of interest addressing required qualifications
• Current resume
• Names and contact information of three professional references may be asked for at a later date, if not submitted.

Additional Information

SEMO Online

About Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO): Founded in 1873 and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Southeast Missouri State University provides student-centered education and experiential learning with a foundation of liberal arts and sciences, embracing a tradition of access, exceptional teaching, and commitment to student success that significantly contributes to the development of the region and beyond. SEMO values access to high-quality, affordable education with a broadly representative student body, faculty, and staff that respects and celebrates a diverse learning community in a global society.

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