POSITION OBJECTIVE

As a key member of the School of Graduate Studies team, the Manager of Programs and Special Projects will oversee and execute a variety of projects and programming initiatives. This role supports graduate student success through strategic programming, including collaboration with the Graduate Professional Development Center, Spoken English Language Program, academic departments, and individual schools/colleges. The manager will also provide project support for the Vice Provost and Dean, and Senior Associate Dean of Graduate Studies. The manager will ensure smooth execution of key initiatives, including new student orientation, the Three Minute Thesis competition, professional development events, SELP workshops, and Graduate Studies events. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

Graduate Professional Development Programming and Academic Support and Success: Develop and implement strategic communications and outreach efforts for the Graduate Professional Development Center, working to enhance departmental and student engagement with resources, events, and professional opportunities. Partner with faculty, academic departments, student affairs departments, the Spoken English Language Program, and external vendors to design and deliver programming that fosters academic success, persistence towards degree completion, retention, mentoring, student wellness and overall satisfaction. Develop and oversee the training, scheduling, tracking, and evaluation of mentor training programs across schools, ensuring that all elements are effectively communicated and executed. Coordinate and execute key programs such as ULRI STEM Pathways Program and similar student grant/fellowship initiatives. Maintain and update web content for the Graduate Professional Development Center. Analyze student participation and feedback to assess program impact and refine offerings to remain responsive to evolving student interests and national trends. Prepare detailed reports and presentations on program outcomes, highlighting key findings and recommendations. (45%)

Event Planning and Implementation: Manage end-to-end planning and execution of key events, including but not limited to new student orientation, the Three Minute Thesis competition, professional development events, SELP workshops, and Graduate Studies events. Responsible for budgeting, vendor contract negotiations, logistics management (including venue booking, catering, parking, and A/V needs), event staffing, and evaluation. Maintain website content for all signature programs, including application guidelines, event dates and deadlines, and profiles of finalists, participants, and winners of competitions. Conduct benchmarking and research to assess the effectiveness of existing events and generate ideas for new event opportunities, keeping in line with the School of Graduate Studies¿ strategic vision. Develop and maintain a data-driven evaluation system to monitor event success and recommend strategies for improvement. (30%)

Fellowship, Scholarship, and Conference Activities: Actively promote fellowship opportunities and facilitate information sessions and workshops (e.g., NSF GRFP, NIH F31, Fulbright) to graduate students and other targeted groups. Administer the application and selection process, and coordinate travel logistics for the AAAS annual meeting, and other student conferences. (15%)

Office Management: Oversee office supply management and ensure adequate inventory for all departmental needs. Prepare and process travel expense reports and manage reimbursements, including for the Verhosek Fund, Graduate Student Travel Awards, and academic awards for the Graduate Awards Ceremony, and Three Minute Thesis Competition. Manage the calendar for department events, including conference rooms and the Tomlinson Lobby, coordinating with the campus community to ensure all logi