BME Graduate Program Coordinator - SS Pro 3-Academic Program Svc

The Department of Biomedical Engineering is hiring a Graduate Program Coordinator (GPC) to serve in a key position of graduate program leadership, having a direct impact on graduate student recruitment, admissions, advising, funding, retention, program completion, and quality of experience. The GPC is a partner with our Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) in strategizing, designing, implementing, and refining program initiatives. The GPC is also an advocate for our graduate student body in advising and counseling individual students, supporting our student groups, and actively championing DEI and mental health efforts.

This position reports to the BME Administrative Manager and allows for hybrid work. It does require 1-2 multi-day recruitment conference trips per year, as well as occasional events on evenings (3-6 per year) and weekends (1-2 per year).

Job Duties
Graduate Program Management and Advising - 55%
* Serve as primary, expert resource for students, faculty, and staff regarding interpretation and application of University, college, and program policies and procedures.
* Manage caseload of ~180 active MS/PhD students: maintain student records, advise on course and committee selection, monitor milestones, and track progress in GPAS, APLUS, and annual progress reports to ensure timely degree completion and compliance with department/training program requirements.
* Develop and maintain internal website for current students with policy handbooks, procedures, and well-being resources.
* In partnership with DGS, recommend, design, and develop programming and initiatives to enhance the graduate student experience and achieve strategic planning goals.
* Provide first point of contact for students struggling with issues related to academics, advisor relationships, mental health, etc., and advise or refer to appropriate department/campus resources.
* Manage, schedule, and lead onboarding, orientation, and lab rotation processes for incoming students each August.
* Coordinate, track, and submit internal fellowship nominations and teaching assistant assignments.
* Plan and coordinate graduate commencement events.
* Manage graduate faculty governance, including quadrennial reviews, terminations, new appointments, and curriculum/policy votes.
* Collect data and generate reports as needed for national surveys, training grants, and other internal requests from University, college, and/or department personnel.
* Regularly attend meetings and serve on committees related to graduate education (e.g., Graduate Program Coordinators Network, Graduate School Advisory Board, Registrar's Advisory Committee, etc.) for continued professional training, policy updates, and best practices.

Admissions and Recruiting - 40%
* Manage graduate application and admission processes for ~300 applicants annually using Slate for the PhD, MS, and Integrated Degree programs.
* Serve as primary, expert resource for prospective students regarding application requirements, review process, and decision timeline.
* Develop and maintain effective modes of marketing and communications to potential graduate including hosting recruitment webinars and attending national conferences.
* Coordinate travel, accommodations, individualized meeting schedules, and activities for ~45 admitted PhD recruits during virtual interviews and/or in-person visit weekends each spring.
* Monitor recruiting budget and authorize expense reimbursements.

Instructional and Department Support - 5%
* Supervise graduate student ambassadors, and liaise with BME graduate student organizations.
* Submit and track proposals in Coursedog for new/updated graduate coursework and curricula.
* Collaborate with staff to coordinate department-wide events, and provide back-up support at undergraduate program activities as needed.
* Actively participate on committees and pursue training related to DEI and mental health initiatives.
* Assist with special projects and activities as assigned.

Required Qualifications
* BA/BS degree with at least four years of related experience, or Master's degree plus at least two years of relevant experience.
* Computer experience required, with demonstrated proficiency in Google Workspace and Microsoft Office Suite.
* Previous experience advising or assisting students at a post-secondary institution.
* Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and experience working with diverse individuals and groups.
* Advanced written and verbal communication skills.
* Applicants must submit both a resume and a cover letter to be considered for this position.

Preferred Qualifications
* Previous experience using graduate application management and review systems.
* Previous experience with data management and reporting systems.
* Previous event planning experience.
* Previous experience with course scheduling and/or classroom management.

The Department of Biomedical Engineering (BME) at the University of Minnesota conducts innovative research, offers high-quality education, and has strong connections to the thriving Twin Cities medical device industry. BME is an academic unit of the College of Science and Engineering that administers biomedical engineering degree programs at all levels (bachelor's, master's, and doctoral).

Our Mission

• Conduct pioneering, high-impact research spanning basic science to clinical and technological application.
• Educate the next generation of trailblazers who will define new paths based on fundamental training and emerging knowledge.
• Foster an inclusive community that supports the growth and learning of all members.
• Accelerate and augment impact through our unique proximity to the biomedical industry and adjacent clinical medicine.

Pay Range: $62,000 - $70,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 75%-100% Appointment (If job description above does not specify appointment or expected weekly hours, assume a 100% appointment.)

Position Type: Faculty and P&A 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

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions.

Please complete the an online application for the position and attach the following materials:

• cover letter
• 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.

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.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).