Program Manager

Case Western Reserve University, United States

Updated: 15 days ago
Location: Campus, ILLINOIS
Job Type: FullTime

POSITION OBJECTIVE

The Program Manager will work with a high degree of independence and under the general direction of the Executive Director to advance the mission of Professional Programs at the School of Engineering. The Program Manager will also be responsible for the strategic direction and business development for new and existing partnerships for credit-bearing non-traditional graduate programs at Case Western Reserve University. The Program Manager will manage the LEAP international program, including budgeting, administrative and operational activities, and reporting. The Program Manager will lead the design and execution of new and existing international programs, workshops, and events for the Office of Professional Programs and act as the internal and external point of contact for these programs and partnerships. The Program Manager will also perform a key role in the development and implementation of the strategy to recruit more diverse and international graduate students into the professional programs at the Case School of Engineering. Additionally, this position will enhance the experience of non-traditional graduate students at the Case School of Engineering by supporting individual students and full cohorts to develop a robust and meaningful connection to the university community through an integrated approach to academic and career/post-graduation planning as well as encouraging meaningful experiential education, social and extracurricular connections. The Program Manager will be dedicated to supporting students coming to the Case School of Engineering from India through the program and partnership with LEAP. This position will facilitate course registration and engagement with extracurricular programs to foster immediate and long-term social and professional success; encourage strong student-advisor relationships; intervene quickly when problems arise; introduce academic and support resources available that address specific needs and goals of non-traditional graduate students at the university; and help students develop a Case Western Reserve University experience plan by the end of their first semester on campus.

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Independently establish and manage the annual budget and administrative operations for the partnership programs, day-to-day reporting activities, and scholarship and financial aid disbursements. Work to review quarterly expenses, budget, and forecast to ensure the program is performing within the approved budget. Track and calculate funds disbursement for partnership programs, in line with contractual terms. Maintain accurate and complete program records including detailed demographic information on partnerships, students, and alumni. (10%)
  • Develop strategic goals for the growth of new partnerships for credit-bearing non-traditional graduate programs, including contract negotiation and management. Serve as a member of the senior development staff and assist with the development and implementation of program strategies and overall departmental development plans to fulfill the mission of the university. (10%)
  • Manage the international partnerships, ensuring timely and responsive communication with LEAP and other partners. Communicate to stakeholders and relevant parties as necessary. Contribute to messaging and marketing including at conferences, relevant meetings, websites, and associated events. Coordinate with the university and University Marketing and Communications in sharing content towards the development of high-quality marketing materials, including web content, social media, graphic design, print production, and photography/videography. Lead and engage in partner marketing and recruitment events like webinars and program launches, with international travel to partner locations, as needed. (20%)
  • Manage a caseload of approximately 150 non-traditional graduate students from application through graduation, including support for post-graduation career placement. Guide admitted students through the process of securing all required materials, including visa requirements, for successful enrollment as a Case Western Reserve University student. Implement an integrated approach to academic and career/post-graduation planning and assist students with making meaningful experiential education, and social and extracurricular connections. Determine appropriate services, support, and resources to increase academic readiness, progress, and success through assessment of student needs and a comprehensive knowledge of graduate-level academic programs, student support services, experiential learning options, career resources, and mentoring opportunities available at Case Western Reserve University. (25%)
  • Serve as a resident expert to guide non-traditional graduate students in navigating campus life by developing and implementing a structured communication protocol. Foster peer relations and orchestrate and manage engagement programs, workshops, and activities. Facilitate a host of diverse connections to relevant support contacts and resources. Design, plan, and host community workshops and experiential learning opportunities. (15%)
  • Using a comprehensive and integrated record-keeping platform, document the student experience and ensure relevant updates reach the appropriate faculty advisors and administrators. Regularly audit academic records, monitor and track the retention and progression toward degree completion for all students within their assigned cohort, and provide regular, customized feedback. Provide periodic grade reviews and mid-semester checks to review grades; meet with students who are having academic difficulty or who are on academic probation. Intervene, provide support, and develop the next steps for students facing academic problems. Collaborate with colleagues across the university to develop outcomes and plans for continuous improvement and to create an inclusive environment that acknowledges the unique needs of all students, including neurodiversity, underrepresented minorities, first-generation, LGBTQ, non-traditional, and international students. (15%)

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    NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Stay current regarding knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations as they affect international students. (2%)
  • Serve on select committees in support of the university’s strategic objectives. Perform other duties as assigned. (3%)

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    CONTACTS

    Department: Regular contact with the Executive Director, Directors, and colleagues in the Office of Professional Programs (participate in weekly staff meetings, ongoing training, and occasional retreats) pursuing shared goals and collaborating to achieve immediate operating results and strategic priorities.

    University: Regular contact with faculty advisors and department heads in the Case School of Engineering. Regular contact with mentors and colleagues in the School of Graduate Studies, Graduate Admissions, Office of General Counsel, General Accounting, University Marketing and Communication, Procurement, Registrar’s Office, Human Resources, Financial Aid and Student Financial Services, Student Affairs, Kelvin Smith Library, Career Services, International Student Services/Visa Office and International Affairs; and occasional contact with college/school leadership to support cohort students.

    External: Frequent contact with vendors, independent contractors, consultants, recruitment agencies, online program managers, and specifically LEAP and any potential future partners. Occasional contact with alumni and employers representing the university to exchange program information.

    Students: Daily interactions with students to provide coaching/counseling as they navigate complicated issues, helping them to resolve emotional, academic, interpersonal, and crisis-level matters related to their university experience.

     

    SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

    No direct supervision of staff employees. Supervise the work of student interns and student employees.

     

    QUALIFICATIONS

    Experience: 5 years of relevant work experience, preferably in higher education. Experience with diverse populations and international students is required.

    Education: Bachelor’s degree required. Prefer a Master’s degree in higher education, social sciences, or related fields required.

     

    REQUIRED SKILLS

  • Strong interpersonal skills; ability to work and communicate with various individuals from a broad spectrum of disciplines, technical and educational backgrounds within the department, school, and university, and with individuals outside the university.
  • Professional and effective oral and written communication skills; strong writing and editing skills, must demonstrate the ability to effectively and accurately relay information.
  • Proficient public speaking and presentation skills are essential for effectively representing the university during marketing, recruiting, and orientation events. Additionally, the capacity to deliver engaging webinars to substantial audiences is a valuable asset.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills; must demonstrate sound judgment and effective decision-making; ability to identify and implement alternative resolutions and strategies; effective conflict management skills.
  • Ability to work effectively independently and collaboratively within a team; must be highly motivated, responsible, dependable, and a self-starter.
  • Strong organization skills; ability to multitask, prioritize and meet deadlines; must demonstrate attention to detail and accuracy, time management skills, and proven ability to successfully follow through on assigned projects; ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Effective management skills; ability to lead, train, work with, and elicit cooperation from team members and staff.
  • Must demonstrate flexibility and ability to work under pressure; must be able and willing to work in a fast-paced, changing environment, and conform to shifting priorities, demands, and timelines.
  • Requires excellent interpersonal and supervisory skills with experience in conflict resolution and an emphasis on internal and external customer service.
  • Ability to meet consistent attendance.
  • Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and customers face to face.

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    WORKING CONDITIONS

    Typical office environment with some public speaking engagements. Eligible for Hybrid-Work Program. Regional and international travel is required for meetings, workshops and conferences and other university business. Occasional evenings and weekends are required.

    This position is eligible for hybrid work arrangement up to two remote days per week at the discretion of the department. New employees may begin a hybrid schedule upon approval from the supervisor, successful completion of an orientation period and signing the remote work checklist certification form.

    In employment, as in education, Case Western Reserve University is committed to Equal Opportunity and Diversity.  Women, veterans, members of underrepresented minority groups, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

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    Case Western Reserve University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities.  Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the Office of Equity at 216-368-3066 to request a reasonable accommodation.  Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicant will be made on a case-by-case basis.

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