Career Center

The Program Associate researches, develops, implements, assesses, and maintains programming related to the Graduate’s School academic and professional development support for graduate students from years one through six, and across research disciplines.  To do so, the Program Associate works closely with stakeholders, University units and staff, career services offices, students and graduate faculty to define and prioritize key programming (e-courses, badging opportunities, webinars, videos, conferences, retreats) that focuses on the new technological landscape of 21st-century student-centered graduate education that is intellectually, socially, and emotionally supportive. 

The Program Associate provides similar support for the Graduate School’s Faculty Initiatives, helping to ensure that programming reflects the strategic priorities of the Graduate School and the needs of graduate faculty, especially in their roles as Directors of Graduate Studies and advisors. This is achieved through collaboration and consultation with stakeholders, including University units and staff, students, and graduate faculty to define and prioritize key programming and resources (e.g., training modules, videos, webinars, workshops) that promote inclusive advising practices at the department/program and individual faculty levels.

This is a 100%, 12 months annually renewable appointment in the Academic Professional series (classification 9754S2, Education Program Specialist 2).

JOB DUTIES:

Program Development and Assessment (50%):

• Research needs and develop programming related to academic (dissertation writing, prelim exams, publishing) and professional development (transferable skills, diverse careers, job search).
• Create programming specifically for international and first-generation college students in graduate programs.
• Research and develop online and in-person training and tools to assist students with navigating different stages of the graduate experience.
• Apply elements of instructional design, user experience design, accessibility/universal design, and audio/video recording and editing to create end-t0-end online learning tools
• Track metrics, conduct surveys, focus groups, and usability testing to seek input from students, faculty and staff on content to develop and maintain programs.
• Manage communication, meetings, tasks and logistics of the university-wide Graduate School Professional Development Advisory Board and Transferable Skills Working Group.
• Assist with proposal writing to seek financial support for program development.
• Design and conduct assessments to evaluate program effectiveness, and recommend and implement changes to advance program goals and outcomes.

Online Resource Development and Maintenance (25%):

• Research, build, and maintain existing online resources such as GEAR 1, GEAR + the Individual Development Plan and the Graduate School Essentials.
• Identify in-demand transferable skills based on academic and market trends and develop online tools for graduate students to gain competencies in identified skills.
• Discover new technological needs, digital behaviors, feedback mechanisms of student users.
• Create digital badging/micro credentialing opportunities that revolve around transferable skills development.

Support for Faculty Initiatives (25%):

• Research needs, develop, and maintain online and in-person training and tools for graduate programs, faculty, and staff that promote best practices in graduate education related to Graduate School strategic priorities (e.g., inclusive advising, diversity, promoting diverse career pathways).
• Apply elements of instructional design, user experience design, accessibility/universal design, and audio/video recording and editing to create faculty and staff training and tools.
• Assist with assessment of the use and effectiveness of training and resources for faculty and staff learning, and recommend strategies for improvement.
• Employ appropriate/relevant methods (e.g., research, tracking of metrics, focus groups, surveys, useability testing) to seek out and incorporate information and input from multiple sources and stakeholders to assist with the evaluation of the success of Faculty Initiatives training and resources in achieving stated outcomes and goals.

SALARY: The expected salary for this position is between $60,000 and $75,000. For a maximally qualified hire, the salary is $75,000. The University offers an impressive benefits package, in addition to salary.

WORK MODE: Graduate School staff are currently working in a hybrid mode (some time remote and some time on campus) and are currently required to be on campus on Wednesdays (this arrangement is subject to change).

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree and four years of ful-time professional experience with program development to include creating online resources, or a BA/BS degree and six years of ful-time professional experience with program development to include creating online resources.
• Experience using or demonstrated ability to learn Canvas, Articulate and other technology platforms.
• Familiarity with practical assessment and evaluation strategies and techniques with the ability to assist with the collection, analysis, and utilization of qualitative and quantitative data to assess the effectiveness of initiatives and programs.
• Knowledge about assets and challenges of students from diverse cultural backgrounds in graduate/higher education.
• Exceptional writing, communication, presentation and facilitation skills, demonstrated by presenting, facilitation and/or teaching experience.
• Demonstrated ability to work under minimal supervision, and as part of a collaborative team.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• PhD/PhD candidate.
• Familiarity with UMN units and resources.
• Proven track record of working collaboratively within a graduate/higher education context.
• Experience working with faculty and/or staff in a higher education setting.
• Proficiency in web content strategy and grant writing.
• Proficiency in the use of social media, learning management systems, Drupal, e-authoring software, Google Analytics, video and audio editing, and web accessibility.

About University of Minnesota, Twin Cities

The University of Minnesota, founded in the belief that all people are enriched by understanding, is dedicated to the advancement of learning and the search for truth; to the sharing of this knowledge through education for a diverse community; and to the application of this knowledge to benefit the people of the state, the nation, and the world.

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