at University of Illinois in Urbana, Illinois, United States
Job Description
Assistant Director of Graduate ProgramsDepartment of Bioengineering
The Grainger College of Engineering
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
The Department of Bioengineering in The Grainger College of Engineering seeks applicants for an Assistant Director of Graduate Programs position. Reporting to the Associate Director of Operations and the Associate Head for Graduate Programs, the Assistant Director of Graduate Program leads and manages the administration and operation of the MS and Ph.D. programs within the Department of Bioengineering, is responsible for the programs' recruitment, admissions, administration, and projects, and provides academic advising to support the personal, academic, and professional development of Bioengineering students within these programs.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Program Administration
• Advise the Associate Head of Graduate Programs to support effective decision making, providing guidance on university policy, and recommending policy and action plans to support the department's academic mission.
• Organize meetings of the Graduate Executive Committee, the Graduate Admissions Committee, and other committees associated with the graduate degree programs.
• Perform program assessment, including evaluation and analysis of overall effectiveness and the collection and interpretation of statistical data on admissions, students, and graduation. Communicate application and admissions data to the Associate Director of Operations on a regular basis. Create reports and presentations in collaboration with the Associate Head and Department Head.
• Oversee the comprehensive planning and execution of the Annual Research Symposium and departmental awards program for graduate students, ensuring seamless coordination and alignment with institutional objectives. Take a co-leadership role in strategizing and implementing innovative approaches to enhance the quality and impact of these events.
• Determine nomination opportunities, facilitating the nomination package process, and ensuring students are informed of key details and deadlines for prestigious awards from the College, University, and external organizations.
• Manage and strategize the budgetary framework and expenditures for the Bioengineering Graduate Programs, ensuring fiscal responsibility and alignment with program objectives.
• Develop and implement programming relevant to graduate students that provides professional development and/or opportunities for them to interact with other graduate students, faculty, and representatives from industry and academia.
Re cruiting & Admissions
• Process graduate student applications promptly for admission to the University. Follow up with applicants on missing items, receipt of required documentation, and admission decisions.
• Establish and lead the fellowship nomination procedure within the department, reviewing criteria for nominations, matching students, and assisting new and continuing graduate students in their fellowship applications; compile necessary documentation for submission to the Graduate College.
• Direct the graduate student research/teaching assistant selection process and prepare decision correspondence.
• Oversee and execute comprehensive orientation programs tailored to the needs of incoming graduate students. Organize new student orientation for graduate students.
• Alongside Bioengineering and Grainger marketing and communications staff, co-create and distribute diverse recruitment materials, aiming to attract high-quality graduate student prospects.
• Lead the development and implementation of strategic recruitment initiatives aimed at attracting top-tier candidates, ensuring alignment with departmental goals and objectives. Manage all aspects of the process from conceptualization to implementation. Collaborate with support staff to craft detailed itineraries, coordinate meetings, and facilitate travel arrangements to maximize the effectiveness of recruitment efforts.
• Proactively engage with prospective applicants, providing comprehensive support and guidance throughout the recruitment process. Participate in recruitment events such as graduate school fairs, prestigious conferences, and other relevant gatherings to effectively showcase the program and attract exceptional talent. Serve as the lead for the annual BMES conference, including planning and logistics.
Advising
• Serve as the primary staff advisor and contact for graduate students during their academic career. Track progress and provide communication and guidance on course selection, registration, and related policies; explain and illustrate registration procedures. Approve student changes to academic status (petitions, withdrawals, course changes). Certify graduate degrees. Maintain all graduate student records online using the Graduate Records application in the Engineering Portal.
• Perform degree audits, thesis reviews, petition submissions, coordinate graduate student annual reviews, and direct qualifying, preliminary, and final examination processes. Process requests for all preliminary and final exams through Graduate College (Thesis Office) and provide approved exam paperwork to students.
• Serve as a liaison to ISSS regarding CPT/OPT applications and visa renewals.
• Serve as a liaison to campus units responsible for English proficiency exams (EPI, EPT).
• Anticipate and take initiative in discovering and resolving graduate student problems in consultation with the appropriate faculty member(s).
Special Projects
• Develop an alumni relations program for students in the graduate program.
• Compile data for benchmarking activity through peer comparison, student surveys, and other sources. Analyze data to identify areas in need of improvement. Utilize data and analysis for strategic planning purposes.
• Travel occasionally for conference and other special event purposes.
• Assume additional appropriate related graduate program duties to further the mission of the department.
Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree
• 3-5 years professional work experience in the following fields: academic advising, academic program management, college admissions or recruiting, higher education administration, or career development
Preferred Qualifications:
• Master's degree in a related field (Higher Education, STEM disciplines)
• Previous experience in academic program management
• 5+ years professional work experience in the following fields: academic advising, academic program management, college admissions or recruiting, higher education administration, or career development
• Comprehensive understanding of policies and procedures related to the administration of graduate programs
• Experience in graduate programs and/or working directly with graduate students, including student advisement and recruitment
• Proficiency in Banner software, SLATE, ad-hoc query of the Enterprise Data Warehouse, and Grainger Engineering portal applications
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
• Ability to organize and manage diverse program activities involving people, data, and other resources.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, strong verbal and written communication skills, and a proven track record of customer service with particular emphasis on interactions with faculty and graduate students.
• Proficient computer skills, especially the ability to use Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and Outlook.
• Ability to work an adjusted work schedule and/or work outside of the normal work hours for special events.
• Ability to travel occasionally to conferences and other special events.
APPOINTMENT INFORMATION
This is a full-time academic professional position appointed on a 12-month service basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the closing date. Applicants may be interviewed before the closing date; however, no hiring decision will be made until after that date. The minimum salary is $65,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Employees hired into this position will be expected to work onsite on a full-time basis with the possibility of hybrid work options available. Work authorization is not available for this position. This position may require occasional travel to conferences and other special events. In accordance with applicable University policies , Bioengineering is excited to provide a one-time sign-on incentive of 5% of the salary offer for this position.
APPLICATION PROCEDURES AND DEADLINE INFORMATION
Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (CST) on March 7, 2024. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Please upload your cover letter, resume, and names/contact information for three references. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Amy Meharry at amym@illinois.edu . For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify .
Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal , or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu .
Requisition ID: 1023201
Job Category: Administrative
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu
