Academic Program Services Manager

The Ohio State University•Columbus, OH

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Academic Program Services Manager will independently administer the Military Community Advocate (MCA) Service Scholarship Program. This role involves recruitment, selection, onboarding, and ongoing participation management of over 36 MCA students. The manager will interpret program policies, assess participant eligibility and engagement, and collaborate with various university offices to enhance program effectiveness. Responsibilities include conducting regular meetings with participants to assess engagement and compliance, identifying concerns, and determining appropriate interventions. The role also oversees program-related financial activities, including expenditures and scholarship allocation, in collaboration with the Student Financial Aid Office. Additionally, the manager will develop and evaluate training for program leads, provide strategic guidance to participants on programming, and serve as a liaison among university departments to resolve complex program matters. Collaboration with development and alumni relations for donor stewardship and engagement is also a key aspect, as is representing the program through outreach activities. The position requires maintaining and analyzing program records and student data to monitor trends, assess effectiveness, and ensure compliance with university policies and regulations.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
4 years of relevant experience required.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in relevant field may be desirable.
4-8 years of relevant experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Independently administers the Military Community Advocate (MCA) Service Scholarship Program, exercising professional judgment in the recruitment, selection, onboarding, and ongoing participation of 36+ MCA students.
Interprets program policies and requirements, assesses participant eligibility and engagement, and makes recommendations to support program effectiveness in collaboration with colleges, campuses, and support offices across the university.
Conducts regular individual and group meetings with MCA participants throughout the academic year, independently assessing engagement, performance, and compliance with program expectations.
Identifies concerns, evaluates participant needs, and determines appropriate interventions, referrals, or corrective actions to support student success and program outcomes.
Oversees and analyzes program-related financial activities, including expenditures, reconciling funding, and evaluating scholarship allocation processes.
Collaborates with the Student Financial Aid Office to ensure accurate application of scholarship awards in compliance with university guidelines and requirements.
Develops, coordinates, and evaluates training and resources for college and support office leads (faculty and staff at MCA host sites).
Interprets program standards, provides consultation on implementation, and recommends process improvements to promote consistency and program effectiveness across campuses.
Provides strategic guidance and consultation to MCA participants as they design and implement programming and projects for military-connected students.
Evaluates proposed activities for alignment with program goals, assesses outcomes and impact, and provides recommendations to enhance engagement and student support efforts.
Serves as a primary liaison among colleges, campuses, and central offices, independently analyzing operational and administrative issues, interpreting policies and procedures, and facilitating resolution of complex program matters.
Coordinates cross-functional efforts and recommends solutions to improve communication, service delivery, and program operations.
Collaborates with development, alumni relations, and external stakeholders to support donor stewardship and engagement initiatives.
Assesses opportunities for partnership enhancement, prepares program information and impact data, and contributes recommendations to strengthen program visibility.
Represents the program and Military and Veterans Services through outreach and engagement activities, exercising independent judgment in presenting program information, responding to inquiries, and identifying opportunities to advance program objectives and support military-connected students.
Maintains, analyzes, and interprets program records and confidential student data to monitor trends, assess program effectiveness, support reporting requirements, and inform recommendations for continuous improvement.
Ensures compliance with university policies and applicable regulations while providing student-focused guidance and support related to program participation.
Performs other duties as assigned.