Job Summary

The Program Manager of Academic Advising is embedded under the Graduate Student Services (GSS) division. The position directly reports to the Assistant Dean of Graduate Student Services and will work collaboratively with all four service areas independently but also interdependently. This role is charged to work with new and existing current students in the GSS MBA and MS academic portfolio.   The main functional areas of oversight are as follows: (1) Academic advising, (2) Course planning and forecasting (3) Operations (4) Student engagement (5) Enrollment Yield Support and (6) Additional GSS duties as assigned.

The Program Manager serves as a primary contact for incoming and current graduate students in the MBA/MS academic portfolio.   The role will require seamless collaboration between the academic department heads, GSS team, and external offices within the University (Graduate College, EMSS, Provost Office, etc.).  The Program Manager supports all yield activities and focuses all efforts on optimizing confirmed and current advisor relationships as well as funnel conversion rates in the achievement of stated goals (headcount, quality, revenue, and composition).

The initial length of this appointment is 2 years with the possibility of becoming permanent or being extended.

Essential Functions

This position connects directly to the University and LeBow’s strategic plan that calls for the focus on student success and retention. The role will have oversight of the below areas that will contribute to student development, success and retention.

Academic Advising 45%

Course Planning & Forecasting 15%

Operations 15%

Student Engagement 10%

Enrollment Yield Support 10%

Additional GSS Duties 5%

Deposited Student Outreach

• Establish relationships with incoming students to increase matriculation conversation.
• Manage all plans of study for each advisee and manage time to degree completion. Meet with each advisee to establish a plan and provide updates in AVT.
• Manage completion of new student survey and provide relevant data to appropriate parties.
• Oversee academic standing for each advisee in conjunction with the Graduate College, work with the academic director to adhere to policy and probation and dismissal status for students.
• Participate and support coordination efforts related to all activities related to orientation. Communications, scheduling, program content building, etc.
• In conjunction with the academic director plan and manage course scheduling and forecasting for partnership programs. This will also include working directly with LeBow’s academic planning and operations team.
• Manage Gateway course tracking which requires reviewing week 5 all courses and current grades for academic standing.
• Work closely with the Career representative from GSS for the program to promote student success.
• Be able to manage timely return communication that has high volume - re provide timely communication, updated status reports, individual student updates, etc.
• Work with LeBow Instructional Technology to support remote / ONL students needs
• Plan, coordinate, and execute all necessary engagement activities from application to alumni engagement. This can be social and co-curricular. Because each partnership is different this will require working on/off campus in addition to non-traditional business hours.
• Active development and management of the Graduate Student Resource Center via BlackBoard Learn, including the creating of the “Navigating Drexel” video tutorial series
• Social media support (Instagram, student Microsoft Teams channels, MBA/MS LinkedIn student page)
• Communication and Marketing support: graphic development, current student newsletter development and management, streamline academic advising communications, website support
• Represent GSS at external University committees
• Attend all intercollege advising meetings and trainings
• Strong organizational and project management skills required and ability to thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment with frequent interruptions.
• Ability to work on multiple projects at the same time while meeting tight deadlines.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or Equivalent
• 3 years’ experience in recruitment, enrollment, counseling, or advising experience with graduate students of diverse backgrounds
• Experience in and understanding of student development
• Experience with project management, problem-solving, and meeting deadlines
• Understanding of how-to best handle time-sensitive projects and student issues
• Ability to work collaboratively and effectively in a team environment
• Excellent human relations, interpersonal, organizational, written, and oral skills are essential
• Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, Hyperion, Slate, Banner, Blackboard Learn
• Unquestionable discretion and strict understanding of confidentiality and the ability to handle sensitive information
• Ability to navigate a large scale university with multiple offices and student service entities

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree or equivalent in education, counseling, business, and/or relevant work   experience
• 3 to 4 years of experience in a higher education or related Experience with Hyperion, Slate, Banner, and/or AVT, Microsoft Suite

Location

University City, Philadelphia, PA

Additional Information

This position is classified as Exempt with a salary grade of J. For more information regarding Drexel’s Professional Staff salary structure, https://drexel.edu/hr/career/ducomp/salstructure/

Please review the Benefits Brochure for some information on our benefits offerings.

Special Instructions to the Applicant

Please make sure you upload your CV/resume and cover letter when submitting your application.

Review of applicants will begin once a suitable candidate pool is identified.