Graduate Program Coordinator

Job Classification Title: Program/Project Specialist
Job Code: 1897

Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

Overtime or consecutive Sunday work are not conditions of employment.

Work Location/Modality:
Hybrid The Graduate Program Coordinator will be in person (Minneapolis campus) with limited hybrid schedule capabilities. Can work a hybrid schedule up to two days a week and will report to the Anthropology Department Administrator.

Appointment Details:
This position is a 100%-time, 12-month, Labor-Represented position represented by the AFSCME Clerical Union. The Graduate Program Coordinator can work a hybrid schedule up to two days a week and will report to the Anthropology Department Administrator.

The standard schedule for this position is Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM, occasional evening or weekend work may be required on a very infrequent basis to meet program needs.

Job Responsibilities:
Graduate Program Operations and Student Support (60%)

• Serve as the primary contact for all inquiries regarding graduate programs. Field and respond to requests for program information, including data requests.
• Serve as a liaison with central offices, graduate program networks, and relevant departments and units.
• Develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive program data within the departmental database(s), including information on student progress, applicants, alumni, and placement.
• Interpret and provide guidance on applicable department, college, University program and policies for departmental faculty, staff, and students.
• Initiate and review program policy and prepare recommendations on new policy or changes in program requirements.
• Advise students and faculty on program requirements, academic and degree progress and planning.
• Monitor academic and degree progress ensuring information is up to date in systems such as GPAS and the Laserfiche Annual Progress Review (APR) system, assist with preliminary exam and dissertation defense logistics.
• Maintain department and program policies, guidelines and processes in compliance with college and University policies, such as the department's Graduate Handbook.
• In collaboration with the Department Administrator and the Director of Graduate Studies, plan and coordinate graduate assistant assignments each semester.
• Coordinate graduate assistant appointments, including creating offer letters in the CLA HR Hiring Workflow tool and TDX appointment submissions. Maintain graduate assistant appointments throughout the academic year.
• In collaboration with the Director of Graduate Studies and the Graduate Committee, coordinate the departmental scholarship award process. Work with the fiscal accountant to set up scholarship award disbursement, and submit fellowship appointments using CLA HR Hiring Workflow tool and TDX.
• Assist with internal and external fellowship application nominations, guidance, and submission for current students.
• Assist international students with general questions related to the international student experience and refer them to International Student and Scholar Services as appropriate.
• Serve as Plan Level Coordinator and process all relevant paperwork for the Anthropology graduate program. Maintain all graduate student records.
• Collaborate with the Director of Graduate Studies to coordinate workshops and initiatives each academic year.
• Identify, recommend solutions, and implement process improvement efforts to enhance department and program efficiency and effectiveness.
• Represent the program by attending applicable network and collegiate meetings and training/information sessions, such as GPCN, AAN, and CLA GPC.

Graduate Program Admissions and Recruitment (25%)

• Serve as primary contact for prospective students and respond to program inquiries. Advise on program requirements, the admissions process, and application materials.
• Assist the Director of Graduate Studies in coordinating in the full-cycle admissions review process and facilitating faculty involvement.
• Monitor application submissions in Slate, enter admissions decisions, and check compliance with University and program admissions requirements.
• Develop and communicate onboarding materials for new graduate students. Guide new students on preparing for arrival and post-arrival.
• Coordinate a department orientation event for incoming graduate students.
• Manage program requirements and applicant communications in Slate.
• Manage graduate program advertising materials and distribute through email and Slate Deliver.
• Prepare admission offer letters and funding packages for admitted students.
• Assist with recruitment fellowship nominations, guidance, and submission for admitted students.
• Coordinate major recruitment events for prospective and admitted graduate students.

Finance Support (10%)

• Track all program financial commitments and funding expenditures.
• Participate in strategic planning efforts related to graduate program funding.
• Work with the CLA Fiscal and Department Administrator to manage all graduate program budgets.

Administrative Support (5%)

• Manage the visiting scholar process. Coordinate onboarding and office space in collaboration with the Office Manager.
• Gather information and data regarding graduate program as requested by various stakeholders.
• Maintain the graduate program content on the departmental website and program intranets.
• Coordinate articles from department faculty and graduate students in consultation with the CLA Web Team.
• Monitor emails sent through the Anthropology graduate student listserv and maintain membership.
• Assist the Office Manager with the annual updating of department display cases in the Humphrey School and Blegen Hall.
• Direct work of undergraduate student office assistants, as needed.
• Serve as the back up in the main front desk office, rotating with other staff to ensure office coverage during business hours.
• Other duties as assigned according to departmental and collegiate needs.

** The employer reserves the right to change or assign other duties to this position**

Required Qualifications:

• High School Diploma/GED and five years related experience to include project management. Coursework in a related field may substitute for some years of experience.
• Computer experience including databases, spreadsheets, word processing and email. Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel, Google Suite, and Adobe.
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage multiple priorities, follow through with accuracy and attention to detail, and exercise sound professional judgement.
• Demonstrated written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience managing multiple office responsibilities simultaneously; completing tasks that require attention to detail, prioritizing workload, working independently, and meeting deadlines.
• Strong customer service skills
• Experience working with confidential student records and information
• Demonstrated ability to manage time effectively and efficiently.
• Demonstrated organizational, and problem solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced environment and prioritize multiple competing demands.
• Experience with or quick ability to learn database and enterprise systems used for student records, advising, and reports.
• Ability to display accountability and responsibility in determining priorities and implementing processes that will match the mission and values of the department and University.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, collaboratively with a team, and with supervision.
• Experience working in an academic environment with a particular focus on student services.
• Experience working with Oracle databases, PeopleSoft student records systems, Slate, Zoom, and application systems.
• Experience creating and interpreting policies/procedures and communicating these to various constituents.
• Previous experience working in graduate programs and higher education.

The Department of Anthropology comprises 17 faculty, 2-3 staff members, and anywhere between 40-65 graduate students. As a lean department, all of our department staff work closely together. The Department of Anthropology provides training in archaeology, biological anthropology, and sociocultural anthropology. Our faculty offers a rich array of courses that cover many topics related to human life and history-from skeletal analysis to the culture and society of India to language evolution. As anthropologists, we encourage our students to use skills learned in the classroom in every aspect of their lives. We prepare over 2,200 undergraduate students each year for careers in many professions, such as medicine, law, public policy, cultural resources management, heritage preservation, and business, as well as advanced graduate study

Pay Range: $28.40 hourly / $59,072 annual - $31.27 hourly / $65,041.60 annual; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

Priority Deadline Note: The application review will begin on 5/12/26.

Bargaining unit consideration begins on 4/21/26 and ends on 4/28/26.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

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