Program Coordinator

Department: School of Professional Studies
Salary/Grade: EXS/5

Job Summary:

The project coordinator supports the Office of Professional Development (PDP) in planning, developing, promoting, and implementing all aspects of professional development education offered by the School of Professional Studies. This position manages key elements of academic operations and is a primary point of contact for PDP prospects, students, faculty, and industry associations. You will oversee the day-to-day operations of select PDP certificates and responsibilities include: prospect, student, faculty, and program management, curriculum implementation, new program development, and professional association/corporation collaboration. You will ensure high-quality programming and market responsiveness and be responsible for excellent student and faculty support while working in a fast-paced, innovative, and entrepreneurial-focused environment.

Our team works in a hybrid remote and in-office model on Northwestern's Chicago campus and requires availability and willingness to work occasional early mornings and early evenings, in support of programming.

Specific Responsibilities:

Administration

• Manages day to day operations.
• Ensures that program/project mission, values, guidelines, policies & procedures are implemented & maintained.
• Manages design and development of program databases; compiles & analyzes data; prepares reports.
• Reviews processes and recommends changes to incorporate state-of-the-art technology as appropriate into administrative, recruitment, marketing, and educational components.
• Identifies service improvement opportunities that will better enable program/project to achieve its goals and objectives.

Budgets & Financial

• Participates in budget preparation.
• Maintains budget & associated analysis & reports.
• Troubleshoots problems; performs vendor/account research as needed; obtains additional information or provides instruction & guidance by phone, US- or e- mail from customers/vendors; corrects or escalates.

Communication, Outreach & Recruitment

• Creates and nurtures relationships with organizations to develop a network of enthusiastic organizations engaged via active participation in the success of program/project.
• Reviews market trends to recommend future plans to increase revenue, participation, engagement, etc.

Evaluation

• Observes program sessions and interacts with participants for purpose of gaining consumer insight, growing and strengthening program knowledge, and optimizing client satisfaction.
• Coordinates the collection, analysis & reporting of required information for surveys, review documents, public information documents, etc.
• Analyzes evaluation data from instructors, students, participants, etc. to assist in program/project development and updates.
• Implements corrective actions required as a result of surveys or other indicators.

Events

• Develops plans and arranges meetings, workshops, events, etc. designed to exchange information, promote research objectives, and to build internal and external relationships within NU.
• Ensures that event details including communication, venues, presenters, travel arrangements, materials, refreshments and technology are arranged and completed in an appropriate and timely manner.

Faculty Support

• Coordinates faculty recruitment, appointment & credentialing processes including placing ads, candidate communication & visit.
• Supports faculty in development and approval of new courses, faculty payments, classroom coordination, evaluations, and grading.

Program Development

• Manages program/project curriculum, seminars, presentations, workshops, learning experiences, chat rooms, websites, social networking, etc. based on goals/objectives.
• Manages academic quality and continued growth and expansion.
• Identifies & obtains external expertise as needed and works with content experts for current and new programs.
• Reviews programs/projects to increase efficiencies to support growth.
• Leads program/project updates and improvements.

Strategic Planning

• Participates with area/unit senior staff in the conceptualization, development and presentation of materials used in functional operations.

Student Support

• Completes program/project logistical details such as scheduling, curriculum, facilities, technology, registration, enrollment, audits, etc.
• Advises students regarding admissions, academic, and career and development matters.
• Implements strategy regarding structure, process, & staff support of students in compliance with NU policy.
• Resolves administrative issues (RAS forms, stipends, monitors fellowships, etc.)
• Tracks data entry of grades into CAESAR, assuring faculty completes process by deadline.

Miscellaneous

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree; OR appropriate combination of education and experience.
• 1 year program/project administration or other relevant experience.

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to build relationships and influence others to effectively execute initiatives
• Problem Solving: Formulates realistic plans and contingencies and establishes appropriate measurements of anticipated results
• Communication: Communicates effectively one-on-one, in small groups, and in public speaking contexts; writes precise, well-organized emails and memos while using appropriate vocabulary and grammar.
• Customer focus: Regularly monitors student and faculty satisfaction; provides suggestions to improve quality and value to students and faculty
• Efficiency: Effectively performs duties and responsibilities; displays attention to detail; supports organizational policies; anticipates demands/pressures of assignments and adjusts accordingly
• Organization: Plans, organizes and schedules in an efficient, productive manner; anticipates contingencies and pays attention to detail; targets projects or initiatives that require special attention and focuses on key tasks when faced with limited time and/or resources
• Computer Proficiency: Successfully uses multiple software programs independently
• Business Acumen: Possess business savvy and demonstrates the activity to foster and lead cost-efficient initiatives without sacrificing quality or core values.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree
• 5-7 years of work experience
• Previous work experience in higher education
• Previous work experience managing educational programs internationally
• Previous work experience working with adult learners

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Knowledge of academic planning policies, procedures, administration and budgeting of educational programs.
• Proven project management skills
• Excellent decision making skills
• Demonstrated ability to multi task effectively
• Strong organizational skills
• In-depth knowledge of a variety of computer skills including: Access, Word, Excel, etc.
• Outstanding time management skills
• Creativity: Explores alternatives to existing products and services; identifies opportunities to improve procedures and practices; shows imagination

Target hiring range for this position will be between $55,500 to $58,000 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

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.