Department: Graduate School Administration
Salary/Grade: EXS/6
The expected salary for this position is between $54,555 to $60,555 per year, in alignment with departmental equity and market data.
Job Summary:
The Senior Program Coordinator, Academic Affairs, oversees the effective, compliant, and efficient daily management of all operational functions of The Graduate School's Academic Affairs unit. The Senior Program Coordinator is viewed as an expert resource in managing administrative processes and represents TGS in cross-campus collaborations. The Senior Program Coordinator provides thought leadership and strategic counsel to the Director, Academic Affairs, and the Associate Dean for Academic Programs to advance various projects and initiatives. Specific administrative tasks include independently leading various fellowship and grant competitions, overseeing interdisciplinary graduate assistantships, managing the Dissertation Proposal Development program, planning the Academic Affairs Review process, and coordinating the interdisciplinary cluster initiative.
Please Note: This position follows current University guidelines regarding a hybrid work arrangement with an onsite average of three days per week.
Specific Responsibilities:
Administration and Financial:
- Manages the Academic Affairs Review process, which includes preparing agendas, coordinating and attending meetings, communicating and tracking follow-up items and meeting summaries.
- Assists with the administration of cluster budgets; enters appropriate expenses, purchases, and reimbursements, and monitors budget statements.
- Oversees the administration and funding of Interdisciplinary Graduate Assistantships and manages a single application cycle and process for over 30 campus partners.
- Tracks placements and solicits program feedback regarding Interdisciplinary Graduate Assistantships.
Strategic Planning and Program Development:
- Oversees the planning and execution of the annual Dissertation Proposal Development (DPD) Program. Assesses and innovates the program to achieve educational goals.
- Manages the logistics for individual and group meetings including high-level committee meetings, workshops, and events for directors of graduate studies.
Fellowships and Awards:
- Coordinates various fellowship competitions to recruit and retain top graduate students, including Mellon cluster, Ryan Fellowships, Office of Graduate and Postdoc Success Dissertation Fellowships.
- Manages the annual TGS recognition awards, soliciting volunteers and convening award committees to review nominations and select award winners.
Communication and Engagement:
Miscellaneous
Performed other duties and collaborates with other units/departments as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications: (Education, experience, and any other certifications or clearances)
- Bachelor's degree; or the equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
- Minimum 2 years relevant work experience, including administration, planning, and/or project management responsibilities
Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)
- Excellent interpersonal and collaborative skills with a dedication to fostering collegial relationships and the ability to work with all levels of an organizations
- Passionate self-starter willing to work independently and take ownership while able to handle every aspect of a project, from strategic planning to successful implementation to post evaluation and follow-up
- Outstanding organizational, and time management, and project management skills, with the ability to prioritize and work on multiple projects simultaneously
- Ability to work effectively across populations and advance effective working relationships and promote positive workplace engagement
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills; exhibits a high degree of sensitivity and tact in communication to students, staff, and faculty
- Strong attention to detail
- Ability to represent TGS in internal and external workgroups and collaborations
- Strong knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, email, and database software programs
Preferred Qualifications: (Education and experience)
- Master's degree in a related field
- Minimum 2 years of administrative experience in a higher education setting
Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)
- Experience working with student information systems
- Advanced skills in relationship management
Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.
Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.
Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.
Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.
#LI-IW1
Northwestern University
Apr 21, 2026