Academic Program Coordinator

MSU Careers Details • East Lansing, MI

7d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Academic Program Coordinator is the primary point of contact for graduate student programs in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, including master's and doctoral programs in Food Science and Human Nutrition, the master's program in Nutrition and Dietetics, and the master's program in Food Regulatory Affairs. The coordinator manages graduate admissions, student services, academic administration, and program operations, guiding students throughout their academic journey and working with faculty, university offices, and departmental leadership to administer programs in accordance with university policies.

As part of the department's administrative team, the coordinator organizes and coordinates program events and collaborates across functional areas to support shared operations, continuity, and continuous improvement. The position also provides backup support for undergraduate program administration and coordinates office operations and departmental resources.

The position is designated remote-friendly, with a hybrid remote schedule available after successful completion of the probationary period. The standard work schedule is 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; occasional evening and weekend hours may be required for event management.

Requirements

• Knowledge equivalent to the first two or three years of college, such as an associate degree in a business-related field.
• One to three years of related, progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in university, college, or academic admissions, or a related administrative position.
• One year of related, progressively more responsible or expansive work experience with Microsoft 365 products, including Word, Excel, Outlook, OneDrive, Forms, and Teams; presentation software and/or desktop publishing; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Attention to detail and ability to work well in a fast-paced team environment.
• Willingness and ability to take initiative and solve problems through critical thinking.

Nice To Haves

• Working knowledge of Enterprise Business Systems (EBS), including SAP HR/Payroll and Kuali Financial System (KFS).
• Working knowledge of student information system (SIS), graduate admissions management system (SLATE), Grad Plan, and eGradFel.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a primary resource for master's and doctoral students and coordinate graduate student services and academic administration.
• Support the Graduate Program Director and the department Graduate Affairs Committee; attend relevant Graduate School and CANR graduate coordinator meetings; and serve as staff advisor for the FSHN Graduate Student Organization.
• Coordinate annual student reviews, comprehensive examinations, dissertation proposal defenses, dissertation defenses, and graduation requirements.
• Coordinate graduate recruitment and admissions, including application management, applicant correspondence, and guidance for prospective students from pre-application through enrollment.
• Coordinate and participate in assistantship and scholarship application and selection processes, degree audits, and program milestones in SIS.
• Provide prospective, admitted, and incoming students with guidance on admissions, funding, enrollment, and program requirements.
• Coordinate graduate student financial support across funding sources; manage graduate assistant appointments and assistantship actions; maintain funding records; and process fellowships, awards, and conference and research funding.
• Liaise with students, faculty, staff, parents, alumni, and other constituents on behalf of the graduate programs.
• Advise students, faculty, and staff on graduate policies and procedures, registration, degree requirements, university travel requirements, and program deadlines.
• Maintain graduate student files and records of awarded funds, conference support, and research fellowships; maintain confidential records, monitor degree progress, complete degree audits and GradPlan reviews, and process academic forms and course overrides.
• Collaborate with the Business Manager, faculty, and administrative staff on graduate funding, operational processes, shared documentation, and departmental initiatives.
• Collaborate with the Graduate Seminar Committee to plan, coordinate, and run the annual fall Seminar Series.
• Arrange department travel for speakers and coordinate host responsibilities.
• Plan, coordinate, oversee, and execute the G. Malcolm Trout annual lecture and graduate student events; co-organize the FSHN Spring Awards Ceremony with the Undergraduate Coordinator.
• Serve on departmental committees as appropriate.
• Maintain an understanding of undergraduate programs and provide backup support for undergraduate actions, including degree changes, grade changes, and overrides.
• Provide backup support for the undergraduate Dietetics program, including degree verification statements and obtaining student contact information.
• Coordinate office operations, including supplies, mail, copying, meetings, seminars, events, and unit travel authorizations and reimbursements; maintain shared departmental resources.
• Contribute to process improvements, provide operational support and backup as needed, and assist with special projects and other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree