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Program Manager for Thesis / Dissertation

Northeastern University

Northeastern University

Operations
Boston, MA, USA · Boston, MA, USA
Posted on Oct 22, 2024

About the Opportunity

JOB SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Associate Director of Operations the Dissertation Program Manager in the College of Professional Studies provides outstanding program management for doctoral programs. The primary focus of this position is to ensure quality program delivery of all aspects of the dissertation, excellent customer service and support to students and faculty. Responsibilities include serving as a liaison for internal stakeholders such as CPS Marcomm, registrar, advising and admissions; collaborating with advising, operations and lead faculty on dissertation committee assignments; tracking, monitoring and milestone schedules, and other program administrative responsibilities to support a first-class student experience and a life-long learning connection with the university.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & ACCOUNTABILITIES

60% Program Operations

  • Document tasks, responsibilities in best practice efforts for continuous improvement of operational procedures and business continuity.
  • Work with advising to determine dissertation course sections and corresponding CRNs needed for students registering for dissertation
  • Create and maintain a spreadsheet/other tracking system of student milestone completion by chair
    • Coordinate the process of verifying and collecting milestone information from chairs at the start and end of each term.
    • Facilitate the process of bulk uploading milestone information from chair rosters into banner or salesforce.
    • Maintain accurate student rosters in eportfolios
    • Upload new students (from 0265) into eportfolios at the start of fall, winter, spring
  • Maintain a public calendar of dissertation defenses
  • Serve as the Proquest administrator which involves corresponding with students on any final formatting requirements for upload to Proquest

30% Faculty Relations

  • Field part-time faculty inquiries regarding Program, College, and University policies and best practices related to the dissertation
  • Serve a liaison role for faculty, connecting them to relevant College and University resources, stakeholders, and departments
  • Maintain accurate chairing records of faculty credentials, dissertation chairing contract history, and availability
  • Maintain accurate second reader records of faculty credentials, second reader contract history and availability
  • Engage in ongoing communication with faculty to convey important dates, deadlines, and important updates.

10% Program Liaison

  • Serve as first point of contact and program representative for internal stakeholders such as Career and Academic Coaches, Learner Services, Admissions, Canvas Academic Technology Services, Registrar's office, NU Bookstore, and campus staff across the global university system
  • Assist faculty in accessing Canvas shells or equivalent system
  • Collaborate with program managers, advisors, faculty leadership, and operations staff to share best practices, provide troubleshooting and support, and ensure dissertation scheduling and staffing efficiency

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION

  • Bachelor's degree with two to three years of experience in higher education, preferably with adult learners or in a high customer service environment required.
  • Must be highly collaborative and able to work well with multiple constituencies: students, faculty, academic coordinators, and program offices from Deans to support staff.
  • Exceptional customer service skills.
  • Teamwork and strong organizational and interpersonal skills are essential.
  • Ability to balance multiple timelines and priorities.
  • Attention to detail a must.
  • Strong Microsoft Office skills required.
  • Experience with Salesforce, Workday, and Banner a plus.

Position Type

Academic Administration

Additional Information

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.

Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation. Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information.

Northeastern University is an equal opportunity employer, seeking to recruit and support a broadly diverse community of faculty and staff. Northeastern values and celebrates diversity in all its forms and strives to foster an inclusive culture built on respect that affirms inter-group relations and builds cohesion.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

To learn more about Northeastern University’s commitment and support of diversity and inclusion, please see www.northeastern.edu/diversity.