Graduate Program Manager - Mechanical Engineering

Position Title
Mechanical Engineering Graduate Program Manager
The Opportunity

The Mechanical Engineering (ME) Graduate Program Manager will support the academic progression of Mines Mechanical Engineering and associated Interdisciplinary Graduate Program (IGP) graduate students in collaboration with the IGP Program Managers by providing academic support and advising that fosters the development and educational goals of individual students and encourages and assists them toward the successful completion of degree requirements in a timely manner. In addition, the ME Graduate Program Manager will administer various academic support services, recruiting and retention efforts, and supplemental instruction offerings in collaboration with academic faculty and administration. This position manages, coordinates, and facilitates the contracting, funding and funding processes for graduate students and their faculty advisors. The ME Graduate Program Manager will uphold established national standards for academic advising and academic support while upholding the Mines mission. This is a full time, 12-month, administrative faculty professional exempt position. The ME Graduate Program manager reports directly to the ME Department Head.

Responsibilities

The ME Graduate Program Manager will serve to primarily support graduate students in Mechanical Engineering and -- in collaboration with the IGP Program Managers -- associated IGPs by providing support for students, faculty members, the Department Head, and administrative team to help educate, train and prepare students for successful careers in their chosen field. This position primarily supports graduate students connected to their faculty advisors, especially those funded by Research and/or Teaching Assistantships (RAs and TAs). This position provides support to the faculty members who are advising these students or those who are supported by them (TAs). The position will manage and execute these procedures and tasks with a high degree of independence in decision making and functioning to create leadership and clear communication between the ME Graduate Program Manager’s office, the ME Department, and the IGP directors.

Program Management: This function is to serve as the ME department administrative lead for the ME Graduate Program and associated IGPs, in collaboration with the IGP Program Managers.

• Manage the ME Department Teaching Assistant (TA) budget to include developing the annual budget allocation, forecasting year end expenditures, and expense management.
• Serve as the leader and manager to the ME department graduate program, to include serving as the administrative non-voting member on the department Graduate Applications and Recruitment Committee (GARC) and Graduate Curriculum Committee (GCC).
• Serve as the department liaison to the Mines Office of Graduate Studies, Graduate Student Association, Graduate Council, and Graduate Curriculum Committee.
• Manage data related to the program such as graduate student degree program information, student progress information, graduate student space, plan of study progress, programmatic changes made in committee and any other data related to supported programs and degrees.
• Serve as recruiting manager for all ME TA and RA positions each semester.
• Planning and execute department graduate student events such as:
  • Annual ME Graduate Student Fall BBQ and Spring Luncheon
  • MEGN 503 class competitions
  • ME Fellow Breakfasts
  • Graduate Visit Day

Student Advising and Services: This function is to promote student success through advising and support services and will include, but is not limited to, the following:

• Advise students, serving as the primary point of contact for certificate programs, MS non-thesis, MS thesis, and PHD graduate student body related to general degree requirements, university processes, procedures, etc. Develop and utilize a wide variety of advising and communication tools to improve overall services.
• Host new student orientations for incoming students each Fall and Spring semesters, and as needed. Host TA orientations to help students transition into their TA roles.
• Provide accurate and timely assistance/guidance to over 300 graduate students on an individual basis throughout their program of study. Guidance to graduate students is complex and based on specific field of study.
• Process graduate student employment contracts and advise faculty on funding for their students.
• Work with graduate faculty committees to make significant catalog changes and ensure new program proposals are submitted for Graduate Council review.
• Assist graduate students, in collaboration with Director of Graduate Studies, in navigating conflicts with other faculty members, students, etc. to act as a neutral mediator when necessary.
• Ensure students are knowledgeable about things such as hiring opportunities internal and external to the university, internship opportunities, and fellowships.

Marketing and Recruitment: This cyclical but essential function is to develop recruiting and marketing events and materials for ME and associated IGPs – in collaboration with the IGP Program Managers which will include, but is not limited to, the following:

• Serve as the main point of contact for prospective student inquiries and visits. This includes the development and maintenance of marketing materials, inquiry tracking system, and communication plans.
• Develop programs and services used to recruit and retain students.
• Develop graduate process material and information for orientations, recruiting, information sessions, group visit days, and events that support the vision of the ME Department and associated IGPs – in collaboration with the IGP Program Managers.
• Coordinate Graduate Student Recruitment weekend visits which involves large-scale planning and coordinating across campus – connecting current students and faculty with prospective students and larger campus-wide events.
• Analyze data, identify problem areas, and devise solutions and procedures for the ME department and associated IGPs.

Admissions : This cyclical but essential function is to manage the admissions process from prospective student information through admission and funding decisions and notifications which includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• Support ME committees with the admission process, utilizing the admission tools to create applicant data queries, setting up applicant bundles, reviewing graduate student applications and making admission decisions.
• Provide timelines for application reviews, make all application decisions based on feedback and review of graduate student applicants, and draft and send out award letters and communication to accepted students. Review and make application decisions on combined degree applications for ME and associated IGPs.
• Manage and provide admission decisions on over 400 applications for a Spring/Fall admission cycle.

Minimum Qualifications

• A masters’ degree in business, management, leadership, higher education administration, educational leadership, educational psychology, curriculum and development, or related field.
• Three years of professional experience in an advising, mentoring, or leadership role.
• Professional oral and writing communication skills, strong organizational and project management skills, strong public speaking skills and proficiency with computer software.
• Three years of experience in managing programs and program budgets -- to include budget allocation, projection, and expense management.

Preferred Qualifications

• A master’s degree in a STEM-related field.
• Significant event/programming planning skills and experience.
• Advising or teaching experience in STEM education.
• A demonstrable commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity, inclusion and access.
• Strong supervisory skills and experience.

About Mines & Golden, CO

Mines is consistently ranked among the top engineering colleges in the United States and ranks number one as the best public school in the state for best value colleges. Mines is located in the heart of Golden, Colorado, a western suburb of Denver. The campus location offers a small-town ambiance with close proximity to all that the Denver metropolitan area has to offer with an abundance of cultural events, museums, theaters and sporting venues. An arid climate and an average 300 days of sunshine per year make the area an ideal place to live, work and play. We seek individuals who value a diverse and inclusive community – offering different perspectives, experiences, and cultures that enrich the educational and work experience.

Equal Opportunity

Colorado School of Mines is committed to equal opportunity for all persons. Mines does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, gender (including gender identity and gender expression), ancestry, creed, marital status, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status or current military service. Further, Mines does not retaliate against community members for filing complaints regarding or implicating any of these protected statuses.

Mines’ commitment to nondiscrimination, affirmative action, equal opportunity and equal access is reflected in the administration of its policies, procedures, programs and activities and in its efforts to achieve a diverse student body and workforce.

Through its policies, procedures and resources, Mines complies with federal law, Colorado state law, administrative regulations, executive orders and other legal requirements to prevent discrimination (including harassment or retaliation) within the Mines campus community and to address potential allegations of inequity or concerns for safety.

Pay Range

$60,000 - $67,800

Mines takes into consideration a combination of candidate’s education, training and experience as well as the position’s scope and complexity, the discretion and latitude required in the role, work location, and external market and internal value when determining a salary level for potential new employees.

Total Rewards
Mines is proud to provide exceptional benefits that include pay, health & wellness and work/life balance offerings. Our portfolio of benefits includes medical, dental, vision, disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, and retirement savings plans. Additionally, Mines employees are eligible for tuition benefits (for employees and dependents), generous paid holidays and leaves and discount programs. For more information, visit Mines benefits .
How to Apply

Applicants will be asked to complete an online application (personal information, demographic information, references, veterans status) and upload a resume and cover letter (required).

Contact Kathleen Feighny in HR with questions at kfeighny@mines.edu

Background Investigation Required
Yes

Advertised: May 26, 2023 Mountain Daylight Time
Applications close: May 31, 2023 11:55 PM Mountain Daylight Time