About the Job
This Graduate Program Coordinator (GPC) position provides primary support for the Water Resources Science Graduate Program as well as supporting Swenson College-wide graduate program initiatives through close collaboration with DGSs, faculty, and graduate students. In addition to work supporting WRS, the SCSE GPC will focus on financial and budgetary management for SCSE graduate programs as well as the undergraduate Swenson College Active and Innovative Learning (SAIL) program.
The schedule is typically Monday-Friday: 8:00am-4:30pm.
This 100% position reports to the Swenson Graduate Division Director. The application review will begin on 09/02/2026.
Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.
Program Administrative Support for WRS (50%)
- Work independently within University systems such as Slate, PeopleSoft Campus Solutions, WorkflowGen, MyU, Coursedog, and Reporting Center.
- Manage graduate program faculty membership and voting processes, including reviews, appointments, and curriculum/policy updates.
- Assist DGSs with cyclical program reviews, including 7-year external reviews and 4-year faculty membership reviews.
- Work with DGS and appropriate department heads to help coordinate program course scheduling.
- Provide administrative support for faculty committees and program meetings, including preparing agendas and recording minutes.
- Coordinate, track, and submit fellowship nominations for University, college, and program awards.
- Oversee international financial packages with the assistance of the International Student and Scholar Service (ISSS) department and ensure I-20 guidelines are met.
- Develop effective communication strategies to provide continued support and oversight for students and program faculty across campuses.
- Plan and coordinate graduate program events and assist with college-level events such as commencement.
- Assist with special projects and activities as assigned, in collaboration with faculty, staff colleagues, and college administration.
- Manage degree plan approval process, add transfer coursework, and process exceptions in University systems.
- Manage graduate application submissions, routing, committee review, and admission processes.
- Support faculty and admissions committees involved in final admission decisions and pre- and post-admission recruiting.
- Maintain student records, monitor milestones, and track progress in University systems to assist with timely degree completion and compliance with program requirements.
Budgeting and Financial Oversight (35%)
- Graduate programs financial oversight:
- Assist DGSs with preparing the yearly program budget; monitor and reconcile program accounts on a regular basis.
- Handle scholarships and expense reimbursements for students and program activities and forecast future expenditures.
- Track changes to student funding, coordinate with departmental staff, and administer program and University travel awards.
- Undergraduate Swenson Active and Innovative Learning program financial oversight:
- Coordinate with the Finance office, including monthly meetings, to assign budget numbers and track expenditures for individual faculty awards.
- Notify faculty of upcoming spending deadlines and assist Finance in sweeping awards that have passed the spending deadline
Collegiate Support and Service (15%)
- Attend regular SCSE and GPC Network meetings and workgroups to share information and maintain awareness of college and graduate school updates, including regular communication with GPC colleagues on the Twin Cities campus
- Update and maintain graduate program websites and other outward-facing materials for Swenson graduate programs
- Represent collegiate graduate programs at recruitment events.
- Maintain regular contact with students through advertised open office hours to ensure students are well supported and advised.
- Work with other SCSE GPCs and the Graduate Division Director on the updating and streamlining of graduate administrative policies, procedures, and processes.
- Work with other SCSE GPCs and the Graduate Division Director on tasks related to recruiting, retention, and support of graduate students.
- Other duties as assigned that are necessary for the continued success of SCSE graduate programs.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
- BA/BS degree, or a combination of education and relevant work experience to equal at least four years.
About the Department
Swenson College includes all the “STEM” disciplines (science, technology, engineering, math) at UMD.
The science departments include:
Biology
Chemistry & Biochemistry
Earth & Environmental Sciences
Mathematics & Statistics
Physics & Astronomy
The engineering departments include:
Chemical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Computer Science
Electrical Engineering
Mechanical & Industrial Engineering
We are the home of the:
Large Lakes Observatory
Iron Range Engineering Program
Integrated Biosciences graduate program
Water Resources Science graduate program
Advanced Materials Center
Air Force ROTC Aerospace Studies program
We also have close affiliations with the Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI) and the Minnesota Sea Grant program.
With more than 3,200 undergraduate and 200 graduate students, Swenson College is the largest college at UMD and the third largest in the University of Minnesota system.
Pay and Benefits
Pay Range: $20.49 – $27.14; depending on education/qualifications/experience
Time Appointment: 100% Appointment
Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff
Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.
The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
- Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
- Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
- Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
- University HSA contributions
- Disability and employer-paid life insurance
- Employee wellbeing program
- Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
- Financial counseling services
- Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.
How To Apply
Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.
Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your “My Job Applications” page and uploading documents in the “My Cover Letters and Attachments” section.
Required Application Materials:
- Resume
- Cover Letter
To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail jobcentr@umn.edu.
Diversity
The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.
The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu
Employment Requirements
Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.
