The Graduate Program Administration Specialist works under the immediate supervision of the Department Head and the Graduate Program Chair. In this role, you will provide direct support to Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) faculty, staff and graduate students while administering and advising Master and PhD students in the in-residence graduate programs in FNR. This position serves as the direct contact to approximately 80 graduate students enrolled in the department’s graduate degree programs, which include PhD and MS in wildlife, forestry, fisheries and aquatic science, quantitative ecology, human dimensions, and sustainable biomaterials. You will be directly involved in program development and implementation of department, college and university policies and procedures while continually assessing and providing recommendations for improvement.

• Administer and manage the admissions processes for the graduate admissions committee(s)
• Oversee the preparation, processing, and approval of all offer letters
• May assess and recommend updates to program policies and processes to streamline and improve effectiveness
• Advise on plans of study, required and elective courses, registration, career planning, and other curricular and academic matters
• Monitor academic progress of graduate students in coursework, preliminary and prospectus examinations, dissertation/thesis research, and defense, and report related results to the Department Head, Graduate Program Chair, and Business Office
• Conduct preliminary and final audits of student records for graduation following established processes
• Work with prospective students to ensure complete applications, coordinating prospective student visits, and initiating/maintaining ongoing contact with prospective students and alumni
• Manage and Coordinate recruitment events, graduation, orientation, etc. as they relate to the graduate program
• In close collaboration with the Graduate Program Chair and the Graduate Committee, brainstorm, develop and implement marketing strategies and communication plans for graduate activities to further grow the graduate program in FNR
• Direct a coordinated recruitment and marketing program for the department’s in-residence graduate programs through web, print, and in-person visits.
• Coordinate with FNR Communications staff to share information with students, staff, faculty, and alumni regarding departmental events, university deadlines, and other reminders
• Serve as the liaison between the Business Office, Graduate School, the Grad Committee, and other relevant faculty/staff/student groups in FNR, the college, and the university
• Serve as the liaison between faculty and current/perspective grad students

• Bachelor’s degree
• 1 year of experience related to higher education, program implementation and administration and/or graduate program recruiting and management
• Knowledge of university regulations
• Knowledge of distance education or professional development trends, issues and challenges
• Familiarity with Purdue Graduate School policies and procedures
• Ability to work independently and handle management responsibilities
• Strong organizational skills
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for working relationships with prospective students, alumni and faculty
• Some intermittent travel

Nice to Have:

• Experience with event management and implementing multiple projects concurrently to successful completion
• Experience working in higher education, business school, corporate roles or management education
• Knowledge of Purdue University

• Learn more about Purdue’s benefits summary, https://bit.ly/3sHGbls
• Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position
• A Background Check is required for employment in this position
• FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible For Overtime)
• Retirement Eligibility: Defined Contributions Waiting Period
• Purdue University is an EOE/AA employer. All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply

All university employees are afforded a generous benefits package, https://www.purdue.edu/hr/benewell/index.php, including medical/dental/vision insurance, paid time off, and retirement contributions. As part of Purdue University’s expansive employee benefit package, the University is proud to offer its employees the opportunity to grow, learn, and advance by offering a tuition remission opportunity at both Purdue University and Purdue Global.

Take Your Next Giant Leap

We never stop, we keep going, because Discovery is in our DNA, and we want you to discover a Career at Purdue University! Come work alongside a family of diverse culture with faculty, students, and staff who come together to become one, Boilermakers! Our greatest adventures are yet to come, and we want to include you.

Come take your Next Giant Leap and Discover your next career!