Senior Academic Program Services Specialist

Senior Academic Program Services Specialist

The Department of Geography, within the College of Arts and Sciences, seeks a Senior Academic Program Services Specialist to join our team. The Senior Academic Program Services Specialist serves as the main point of contact for the graduate program, and acts as liaison between the Department of Geography and the Graduate School. This role also serves as the primary customer service contact for the department office.

The Senior Academic Program Services Specialist coordinates the graduate admissions process from application through enrollment, managing applications and facilitating admission decisions for incoming cohort. This role plans and coordinates the preparation and submission of fellowship materials, including determining eligibility, recommending final nominees, and soliciting letters of support. This position maintains and updates graduate associate appointments each semester in partnership with the College of Arts and Sciences HR team. The Senior Academic Program Services Specialist utilizes the student information system (SIS) to aid students with all aspects of their education and progression, and counsels graduate students regarding department, college, and university policies and procedures. The Senior Academic Program Services Specialist manages all course scheduling responsibilities for undergraduate and graduate courses in the department, aids in graduate curriculum revision, and serves as department liaison to the Graduate School, Bursar, Registrar, and other university offices. This role maintains comprehensive student files and complies analytical data on graduate program metrics. The Senior Academic Program Services Specialist provides fiscal and administrative support to the department. This position initiates fiscal transactions in Workday and acts as liaison between department and vendors/contractors The Senior Academic Program Services Specialist coordinates department events including graduate recruitment visits, new student orientation, and GeoWeek events. This position maintains and updates department web pages, manages department social media pages, assists with branding and communication, and acts as liaison between the department and ASC Marketing and Communication. This role manages keys and access for department, and coordinates desk assignments for graduate students. The Senior Academic Program Services Specialist assists visitors, faculty, students, and staff as primary customer service contact for the department office, and performs other duties as assigned.

Performance Objectives

• Serve as the primary contact and liaison for the graduate program, supporting students, faculty, and university offices
• Manage admissions, scheduling, and curriculum support for undergraduate and graduate programs
• Advise students and maintain records, including tracking data and program metrics
• Coordinate fellowships, graduate appointments, and HR-related processes
• Provide financial and administrative support, including vendor coordination and transactions
• Plan and support events, recruitment, and orientation activities
• Manage communications, website, and social media content for the department
• Oversee department operations and customer service, including space, access, and front office support

Minimum Education Required

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.

Required Qualifications

Required:

• Minimum of 4 years of relevant experience
• Experience in program planning and administration required
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Adobe Suite
• Strong oral and written communication skills

Desired:

• Master's degree
• 4–8 years of relevant experience
• Experience supervising employees
• Experience with Workday and Student Information Systems (SIS)
• Knowledge of Ohio State administrative policies and procedures

How to Apply

To be considered, please submit your application electronically via Workday.

Application materials must include:

Cover Letter including why you are interested in this position

Resume or CV

The Department of Geography in the College of the Arts and Sciences is seeking a Senior Academic Program Services Specialist. The College of Arts and Sciences is the largest college and the academic heart of the university. The College hosts 81 majors. With 38 departments, 20+ world-class research centers, and more than 2,000 faculty and staff members, students have the unique opportunity to study with the best artists, scholars, and scientists in their field.

The pay range for this job profile is $55,700- $72,700 per year. The offer for this position will fall within this range based on internal equity, unit's available budget, and the candidate's qualifications.

Location:

Derby Hall (0025)

Position Type:

Regular

Scheduled Hours:

40

Shift:

First Shift

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.

The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.