Ph.D. Program Manager

The Ph.D. Program Manager plays a pivotal role in the academic and operational success of the doctoral program. This position serves as the staff Ph.D. advisor who plans, coordinates, and administers advising, recruitment and admissions, job market process, scholarships, and student engagement activities. Acting as a key liaison between graduate students, faculty, and department leadership, the Ph.D. Program Manager ensures smooth communication and alignment across all stakeholders. The position also contributes to strategic planning and continuous improvement of the Ph.D. program in collaboration with the Academic Program Director.

In this role, you will:

• Serve as the staff advisor for the Ph.D. program (140+ students) and Ph.D. student organizations.

• Oversee and coordinate all aspects of the graduate admission process (600+ applications annually), including recruitment, prospective student communication, creating and analyzing lists of eligible students, virtual and in-person events, funding, and serving as non-voting member of faculty admissions committee.

• Manage the administration of preliminary exams.

• Oversee and coordinate all aspects of the job market program including creating student application files, prospective employer communication, setting up job-related events, coordinating with the DGS, tracking all results.

• Support Ph.D. scholarship programs and assist with funding processes.

• Generate and analyze reports using program and university databases for internal and external stakeholders.

• Advise and support the Graduate Student orgs.

• Stay informed on graduate education policies and best practices by attending meetings, participating in trainings, and serving on relevant committees.

• Organize and attend program events, including occasional evening or weekend activities.

• In conjunction with the Academic Program Director, develop the annual PhD program budget.

• Foster a supportive environment by engaging effectively with students from a variety of cultural and academic backgrounds.

• Maintains compliance with graduate program(s), school/college, and university requirements and technology systems related to admissions, assessment, academic degree progress/requirements, and program review. Makes policy and procedure recommendations and/or changes

• Manages graduate student funding including, but not limited to, fellowships, scholarships, training grants, or assistantships from department, university, and/or outside sponsors. May prepare and/or submit funding proposals

• Provides comprehensive advising services promoting graduate student success, retention, and degree completion. Advises on programs, graduate education, and university policies, processes, and procedures while continuously improving student experience and overall graduate program . Monitors degree progress and assists students in navigating resources and systems throughout the student lifecycle from matriculation to degree completion

• Oversees programming, services, and events to promote professional development and academic success

• Serves as the expert resource for applicants, current students, faculty, staff, and other stakeholders of an academic program

• Manages the response, support, and advocacy for graduate students while continuously improving the student experience and overall graduate program

• Oversees staff and/or graduate program functions

• Manages the job market process from student declaration to employment outcome

Letters & Science/Department of Economics

The typical starting salary for this position is $60,601 - $70,000 depending on qualifications and experience. Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays and paid time off; competitive insurance and saving accounts; and retirement benefits.

• 3 years of experience in higher education student services

• 2 years of experience advising a case load of 100+ students

• Strong organizational, communication, multi-tasking and problem-solving skills

• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in MS Office Suite, especially Excel

• High level of attention to detail and accuracy in a fast-paced environment

• Excellent public speaking skills for large and small audiences

• Ability to interact effectively with students, faculty, staff, and external partners; paying particular attention to engage with international students from a variety of cultural backgrounds

• Experience interpreting and implementing policies/guidelines in higher education

• Experience with using on-line and/or cloud-based higher education software

• Proficiency preferred, but will consider working knowledge level in Microsoft Access

• Experience with graduate program funding (scholarships, assistantships, fellowships)

• Event planning experience (10-200 guests)

• Experience in advising PhD students

• Experience in higher education PhD student services

• Experience with graduate program admissions process

• Experience with graduate program job market process

• Bachelor's degree required

• Master's degree in higher education administration or similar field preferred

We are eager to learn more about how your experience and passion may align with this position. You will be asked to upload a resume and cover letter as a part of the application process. Your cover letter and resume should reflect your experience for this position related to the qualifications section. Both materials will be used during our evaluation to determine your qualifications as they relate to the job. Please note, your application materials may be used as a writing sample.

Selected applicants will receive an invitation to participate in interviews the week of October 13th. Second round interviews may be needed, but will be determined at a later date. Once final applicants are identified, they will be asked to provide names and contact information for at least three professional references, including a current/former supervisor. References will not be contacted without advanced notice.

University sponsorship is not available for this position, including transfers of sponsorship. The selected applicant will be responsible for ensuring their continuous eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of an employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment.

For questions on the position, contact: Becca George, becca.george@wisc.edu, 608-263-3879

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