Graduate Program Specialist - Chicago, United States - Concordia University, Chicago

Description

Job Description

Concordia University Chicago (CUC) invites applications for the full-time, exempt position of Graduate Program Specialist. This position reports directly to the Director of Graduate Student Services and is located in River Forest, IL.

The Graduate Program Specialist provides comprehensive advising services to graduate students enrolled in Concordia University's graduate programs. This individual will serve as a representative of the Graduate Student Services department to graduate students and faculty departments, disseminating information regarding graduate degree programs and providing support as needed.

Responsibilities/Duties:

• Manages and monitors students' degree progress and enrollment starting from recruitment through matriculation and graduation
• Serves as a liaison for the Graduate Student Services department when meeting regularly with faculty departments and program leaders
• Communicates regularly with students via email, automated phone systems, and the student portal
• Conducts regular on and off campus site visits to all cohort locations as a representative of Concordia University Chicago
• Disseminates information regarding admission, enrollment, payment, registration, financial aid, textbook purchasing, and IT services
• Provides graduate event support as needed
• Plans projects and completes other duties as assigned for the department
• Candidates must support and be committed to the mission and identity of Concordia University Chicago, a university of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod (LCMS)

Skill Sets:

• Strong administrative skills, including related computer and technology skills (Microsoft Office Suite)
• Superior verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Enthusiastic supporter of Lutheran higher education and Concordia University Chicago
• Demonstrated ability to organize, plan, and perform multiple tasks simultaneously
• Strong commitment to student service and customer service
• Ability to work independently as well as function as part of a team and collaborate
• Demonstrated time management skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects while consistently meeting deadlines
• Must have valid driver's license and reliable transportation for visiting off campus sites and willingness to travel locally

Minimum Experience Required:

• 1 year of advising experience or student personnel experience with knowledge of curriculum structure is required
• 1 year of experience working with adult learners is preferred

Education Requirements:

Master's degree or equivalent experience required

Compensation and Benefits:

Starting range is dependent upon individual qualifications and experience. Concordia University Chicago benefit options include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and/or Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Disability and Survivor Plan (Basic Life Insurance)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Retirement Pension Plan
• Retirement 403(b) Savings Plan
• Supplemental Life Insurance
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
• Accident Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Tuition benefits (available for employees and their qualified dependents)

Application Information:

Interested individuals should include a cover letter, resume and references with their online application.

Concordia does not discriminate in the employment of individuals on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, disability, sex or age. As an institution of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, however, and to the extent allowed by law, Concordia University reserves the right to give preference in employment based upon religious affiliation.

Concordia University Chicago does not generally sponsor for employment visas except for positions that oversee, teach or support our international programs.

About Concordia University Chicago:

Concordia University Chicago is a liberal arts-based Christian university founded in the Lutheran tradition. Through its College of Theology, Arts & Humanities, College of Business, College of Education, and College of Health, Science & Technology, Concordia-Chicago offers more than 160 areas of study in small classes taught by professors who are passionate about teaching and student success. All undergraduate and graduate degrees are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Concordia University Chicago has been recognized as a College of Distinction since 2010, and is consistently ranked among the Best Regional Universities-Midwest by U.S. News & World Report. For more than a decade, combined undergraduate and graduate enrollment has exceeded 5,000 students. Concordia University Chicago is located in River Forest, 10 miles west of downtown Chicago. Learn more about our commitment to higher education, rooted in the Gospel, at

Steadfast in Jesus Christ as revealed in the Holy Scriptures, Concordia University Chicago promotes academic rigor in its liberal arts and professional programs; grounds students in objective truth, integrity, and excellence; and practices faithfulness to the Confessional teachings of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod, as it forms students for vocations in church, family, and the world.