Online and Graduate Program Specialist - SEMO Online and Graduate Services

Southeast Missouri State University•Cape Girardeau, MO

44d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Office of SEMO Online and Graduate Services at Southeast Missouri State University is dedicated to supporting student success and academic progress. The Online Program Specialist plays a vital role in advising, onboarding, and retaining online and domestic graduate students. This position requires a professional who thrives in a fast-paced, student-centered environment, can manage multiple priorities simultaneously, and is motivated by helping students achieve their educational goals. While this position primarily supports online learners, it is based on campus. A hybrid schedule may be considered after successful completion of training and demonstration of proficiency in job duties. This role operates in a fast-paced, student-centered environment that requires frequent multitasking, proactive communication, and attention to detail. While the work can be challenging and requires managing high volumes of student interactions, it is deeply rewarding - each day offers opportunities to help students reach their educational and career goals.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree required. A degree in counseling, higher education, student affairs, or a related area is a plus.
Demonstrated excellence in customer service.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and professionally, both written and verbally.
Strong time management skills.
Proficiency with technology and data systems, including Microsoft 365; ability to learn and navigate multiple software platforms efficiently.
Experience using data and reports to make informed decisions or improve processes.
Demonstrated problem-solving skills, including the ability to analyze situations, identify solutions, and implement effective action plans.
Demonstrated conflict-resolution skills, with the ability to manage emotional or stressful student situations calmly and constructively.
Demonstrated ability to prioritize multiple tasks effectively.
Strong organizational skills with accuracy and attention to detail.
Demonstrated ability to adapt to change, pivot quickly in response to shifting priorities, and maintain productivity.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, exercising sound judgment and initiative.
Knowledge of academic advising, student services, or a related higher education field, or supporting online or adult learners. Experience in one or more of these areas is a plus.
Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to supervise or mentor student employees or graduate assistants. Experience supervising or mentoring student employees or graduate assistants is a plus.

Nice To Haves

A degree in counseling, higher education, student affairs, or a related area is a plus.
Knowledge of academic advising, student services, or a related higher education field, or supporting online or adult learners. Experience in one or more of these areas is a plus.
Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to supervise or mentor student employees or graduate assistants. Experience supervising or mentoring student employees or graduate assistants is a plus.

Responsibilities

Provide academic advising to online and domestic graduate students through in-person, phone, email, and virtual appointments.
Guide students through the onboarding process, including transfer credit evaluations, course substitutions, and program selection to align with individual goals.
Support students facing academic, personal, or financial challenges by connecting them with appropriate university or community resources.
Implement proactive communication and retention strategies consistent with SEMO's flipped advising model.
Monitor student enrollment and progress, identify at-risk students, and take timely action to support retention and degree completion.
Collaborate with academic departments and colleges to coordinate course offerings and ensure timely degree progression.
Lead and supervise graduate assistants and student employees supporting online and graduate program initiatives.
Participate in recruitment activities, representing SEMO Online and Graduate Services at events and in communications with prospective students.
Maintain accurate and timely records and create and run reports using systems such as Banner, Degree Works, SupportNET, and Microsoft 365
Stay informed of best practices in distance education, online learning, and academic advising through professional development.
Serve as a liaison between SEMO Online and designated academic departments, sharing data, trends, and student insights to support institutional decision-making.
Maintain knowledge in distance education, online learning, and academic advising by attending workshops, conferences, webinars, and reviewing research.