Assistant Director of Graduate Professional Programs

Categories: Great Lakes Region 5

Department:

Bioengineering

Institution:

University of Illinois

Date Posted:

Jan 28 2025 11:06AM

Close Date:

Mar 29 2025 12:00AM

 

Position Description

The Department of Bioengineering in The Grainger College of Engineering seeks applicants for an Assistant Director of Graduate Professional Programs position. Reporting to the Associate Director of Operations and faculty directors for the graduate professional programs, the Assistant Director of Graduate Professional Programs leads and manages the administration and operation of the graduate professional programs within the Department of Bioengineering, including the Master of Engineering (M.Eng), Master of Science in Biomedical Image Computing (MS BIC), and the AI in Medicine programs. This position is also responsible for the programs’ recruitment, admissions, administration, and projects and will provide academic advising to support the personal, academic, and professional development of students within the Bioengineering graduate professional programs.

Duties

Program Administration

Advise the Graduate Professional Programs faculty directors to support effective decision-making, providing guidance on University policy, and recommending policy and action plans to support the department’s academic mission. Organize meetings of the M.Eng Admissions Committee, the MS BIC Advisory Committee, and other committees associated with graduate professional programs. Perform program assessment, including evaluation and analysis of overall effectiveness and the collection and interpretation of statistical data on admissions, students, and graduation. Communicate application and admissions data to the Associate Director of Operations on a regular basis. Create reports and presentations in collaboration with the faculty directors and Department Head. Assist in the development and implementation of policies and objectives for the graduate professional programs. Assist faculty directors with soliciting industry partners for capstone projects and facilitate the contract process for capstone projects in accordance with University policies and procedures. Collaborate with faculty and staff on course scheduling needs related to graduate professional programs. Serve as the main contact for data collection and reporting pertaining to graduate professional programs, including surveys, departmental reviews, and data requests for policy discussions, proposals, and initiatives. Serve as the department’s representative in college and campus meetings and functions related to graduate professional programs. Develop and deliver graduate professional student programming that enhances the student experience and program reputation and that provides opportunities to interact with peers, faculty, and representatives from industry and academia.

Recruiting & Admissions

Process graduate professional student applications promptly for admission to the University. Follow up with applicants on missing items, receipt of required documentation, and admission decisions. Serve as a member of admissions committees, facilitate departmental admissions procedures, and provide recommendations on admissions decisions. Develop and implement comprehensive orientation programs tailored to the needs of incoming graduate professional students. Alongside Bioengineering and Grainger marketing and communications staff, co-create and distribute diverse recruitment materials, aiming to attract high-quality graduate professional student prospects. Lead the development and implementation of strategic recruitment initiatives aimed at attracting top-tier candidates, ensuring alignment with departmental goals and objectives. Manage all aspects of the process from conceptualization to implementation. Collaborate with support staff to craft detailed itineraries, coordinate meetings, and facilitate travel arrangements to maximize the effectiveness of recruitment efforts. Proactively engage with prospective applicants, providing comprehensive support and guidance throughout the recruitment process. Participate in recruitment events such as graduate school fairs, prestigious conferences, and other relevant gatherings to effectively showcase the programs and attract exceptional talent.

Advising

Serve as the primary staff adviser for all graduate professional degree students. Track progress and provide communication and guidance on course selection, registration, and related policies; explain and illustrate registration procedures. Approve student changes to academic status (petitions, withdrawals, course changes). Perform degree audits and certify graduate degrees. Maintain all graduate professional student records online using the Graduate Records application in the Engineering Portal. Serve as a liaison to ISSS regarding CPT/OPT applications and visa renewals. Serve as a liaison to campus units responsible for English proficiency exams (EPI, EPT). Other Duties Compile data for benchmarking activity through peer comparison, student surveys, and other sources. Analyze data to identify areas in need of improvement. Utilize data and analysis for strategic planning purposes. Serve as a backup administrator and adviser to the MS and Ph.D. graduate programs as needed. Travel occasionally for conference and other special event purposes. Supervise the graduate professional programs student hourly employees, as needed. Assume additional appropriate related graduate professional program duties to further the mission of the department.

Application Process

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

This is a full-time academic professional position appointed on a 12-month service basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the closing date. Applicants may be interviewed before the closing date; however, no hiring decision will be made until after that date. The budgeted salary range for this position is $70,000-$80,000. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. This position will be expected to work at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus on a full-time basis per the University’s Workplace Flexibility policy with the possibility of hybrid work options available. This position may require occasional travel to conferences and other special events. Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position. Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (CST) on February 12, 2025.

Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of the posting here: https://illinois.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/12952?c=illinois. Please upload your cover letter, resume, and names/contact information for three references. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered.

Institution Information

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Additional Information

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing [email protected].

Contact Information

For further information about this specific position, please contact Amy Meharry at [email protected]. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree 3-5 years professional work experience in the following fields: academic advising, academic program management, college admissions or recruiting, higher education administration, or career development

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree in a related field (Higher Education, STEM disciplines). Previous experience in academic program management 5+ years professional work experience in the following fields: academic advising, academic program management, college admissions or recruiting, higher education administration, or career development Comprehensive understanding of policies and procedures related to the administration of graduate or graduate professional programs Experience in graduate programs and/or working directly with graduate students, including student advisement and recruitment Proficiency in Banner software, SLATE, ad-hoc query of the Enterprise Data Warehouse, and Grainger Engineering portal applications. Experience working with external constituents

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Ability to organize and manage diverse program activities involving people, data, and other resources. Excellent interpersonal skills, strong verbal and written communication skills, and a proven track record of customer service with particular emphasis on interactions with faculty and graduate professional students. Proficient computer skills, especially the ability to use Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and Outlook. Ability to work an adjusted work schedule and/or work outside of the normal work hours for special events. Ability to travel occasionally to conferences and other special events.