The Genetic Counseling Program in the Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development is seeking a program coordinator. This role will partner with the Program Director to support students from program acceptance through graduation.
The pay range for this position is $48,000 - $56,000 annually.
Job Duties:
Advising: 40% Provides primary program support for approx. 20 graduate students in the Molecular, Cellular, Developmental Biology & Genetics M.S. Genetic Counseling Graduate program, directing students to the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) or their faculty advisor as appropriate. Advises prospective and current graduate students on program requirements, milestones, and planning strategies, including admissions and the application process; transitions from other programs and/or readmission to the program; campus visits and relocation; registration; funding options (fellowships and assistantships); non-resident tuition waivers; and health insurance. Refers graduate students to mental health resources on campus as needed (Boynton Mental Health Clinic, Student Counseling Services, Disability Resource Center, ISSS). Monitors graduate student progress, including via the Graduate Planning & Audit System (GPAS). Initiates contact with students and faculty, bringing concerns to the attention of students, the DGS, faculty advisors, and student committees as appropriate. Works with the DGS, faculty advisors, student review committee, and/or chair of the department to recommend solutions to academic and programmatic difficulties as necessary. Meets as needed with each graduate student cohort to review expectations of timely progress toward degree, and to assist in planning steps toward that end. Maintains graduate student records and permanent files. Uses Box, Google Drive, UM Reports, Reporting Center, PeopleSoft system, Coursedog, Advisor center, department website and intranet, and other software (word processing, database systems, etc.) to complete responsibilities. Responds to program inquiries, including policy and procedure questions, by email, phone, and in-person.
Program Management and Administration: 40% First point of contact for the Molecular, Cellular, Developmental Biology & Genetics M.S. Genetic Counseling Graduate program. Serves as a resource for faculty, staff, and students on graduate program policy, including applicable CBS/Medical School- and Graduate School-level policies. Coordinates policy evaluation and review as needed, including consultation with students, faculty, departmental administration, and the Graduate School. Initiates and prepares analyses and recommendations on new policy or changes in current policy in consultation with program faculty, and participates in developing department-level policies and procedures regarding graduate students with assistance from the Deansâ™ offices. Responds to requests for program information, data, and/or reports from department administration, CBS/Medical School, the Graduate School, and others (Finance, HR, Preaward) as needed. Maintains data on all aspects of the graduate program, including but not limited to fieldwork rotations, applicants, current and former students, graduate student placement, and funding commitments. Functions as a liaison with relevant academic departments, programs, and units. Manages graduate program admissions process, including application processing in Slate; Graduate School application requirements; file review; fellowship nominations; letters of offer, rejection, or waitlist; recruitment event planning; and all inquiries. Coordinates process with the MCDBG Admissions team, DGSs, and department head. Collaborates student representatives and faculty, who help coordinate campus visits. Manages graduate program fieldwork process, including mandatory trainings such as HIPAA; fieldwork requirements such as vaccinations and background checks; and all inquiries from supervisors or healthcare systems about student rotations. Establish and manage guest speakers and fellows in fellowship-related events. Monitor and track student participation in events including professional development and grant related efforts. Coordinates annual supervisor, advisory committee, strategic planning, admissions, and curriculum meetings. Initiates and facilitates processes for graduate student competitions and/or awards, including collection, completion, and submission of applications for the Richard King Fund. Also includes ensuring documentation of the decision-making process for competitive awards (for audit purposes). Processes departmental tuition waivers and health insurance authorizations for applicable graduate students. In collaboration with the Communications and IT teams, ensures accuracy and clarity of up-to-date information on the departmentâ™s graduate program web and intranet page(s). Organizes and creates the UMNGCP Communications, a weekly newsletter that showcases both student and faculty events, UMN events, DEI events, and additional information. Monitors and meets applicable deadlines. Identifies data collection and operational problems and develops solutions as appropriate. Independently troubleshoots and manages the day-to-day operations of the graduate program office. Generates and distributes permission numbers for graduate courses to students outside of the department. Manages the undergraduate course scheduling in conjunction with the director of teaching Consult with OCM/AHC on room scheduling and resolve any classroom issues that may arise, utilize CCS to control class sizes, adjust enrollment as needed, and assign course instructors. Review and make edits to current courses in ECAS. Advise faculty on policies and procedures for new courses and grade submission Annually update PCAS to ensure the graduate program has the correct requirements in place to feed the Graduate Program & Auditing System (GPAS)
Program Planning: 15% Works with the MS DGS and leadership team to manage the graduate program, including: Participates on the following committees: Executive, Student Review, Admissions, Recruitment, Alumni,and Curriculum to establish agendas, meet deadlines, and provide additional support needed in areas throughout the graduate program. Plans, designs, and coordinates presenters for the new student Fall Orientation program. Annually reviews and updates the Genetic Counseling Program related Handbooks and standard operating procedures. Meets regularly with the program faculty leadership team to address graduate student questions and/or concerns regarding the program. Initiates, manages, and supports program and department-wide DEI initiatives, and projects relating to the graduate program. Participates in graduate student recruitment events such as National Society of Genetic Counselors and Graduate School Online Fair
Other: 5% Work independently and as a team member with limited supervision. Coordinate and work collaboratively with other department staff. Attends and participates in department staff meetings and strategic planning. Attends meetings and participates in the work of the Graduate Program Coordinator (GPC) Network. Member of the Graduate Program Coordinator Network Leadership Committee Other departmental duties and responsibilities as assigned and/or required. Maintain office supplies, equipment, and materials Communicate with Facilities Management regarding genetic counseling office space
Required Qualifications:
BA/BS degree or a combination of education and relevant work experience to equal at least four years. At least 6 months of experience working with a graduate program.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience working with healthcare related educational program Completed the Mental Health Advocate Training
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