Academic Program Spec I

Academic Program Specialist I

The Academic Program Specialist reports to the Program Director of the online Master of Urban and Regional Planning degree. The position works closely with department faculty, department administrative support staff, and the Chair of URP. The position is responsible for several key programs and functions including student recruitment, retention, and advising; program administration, data management, and record-keeping; marketing and promotion; coordination with related university branches (e.g. Registrar, Bursar), departments (e.g. Architecture, Engineering), and programs (e.g. GIS Certificate). The position also fulfills administrative roles for the department’s GIS Certificate for Urban and Regional Planners.

This position is eligible for a hybrid work structure. The employee must be able to physically be on campus a minimum of 2 days per week for intra-university liaising, team meetings, and collaboration. Remaining work duties can be completed off-site and/or during non-traditional hours (i.e. outside of 9am-5pm ET).

• Assisting with recruitment and retention, including collecting and maintaining applicant data
• Ensuring students enrolled in the online program have full knowledge of their academic opportunities and responsibilities;
• Ensuring student success, satisfaction, and retainment through academic advising;
• Registering students for requested courses as appropriate for their academic progression each semester;
• Providing the Admissions Committee complete information about online program applicants;
• Matriculating newly admitted students into the program;
• Assisting with program data reporting and record-keeping (e.g. SACS, PAB)

• Lead strategic planning for applicant recruitment, and student retention;
• Serve as a part of the program’s administrative and leadership team;
• Advise students on their academic progress including course progression, course registration, and academic performance;
• Facilitate graduation of students who have met academic requirements;
• Maintain e-learning course shell for The Square ongoing term repository for information about
• Master of Urban and Regional Planning program so that information is accessible, relevant, current, and complete at all times;
• Attend conferences annually to represent and promote the department and degree program;
• Respond to inquiries from potential students;
• Liaise between students and other university departments such as the Registrar, Bursar, Student Financial Affairs, and the Graduate School;
• Maintain student records (of students in online program and in GIS certificate program) including enrollment and grades;
• Manage application process (of applicants to the online program and to the GIS certificate program) including supporting applicants in providing complete information, providing complete information to the Admissions Committee, and problem-solving as necessary with other campus departments;
• Register students (in online program and in GIS certificate program) for courses;
• Certify student graduation or certificate completion (for students in online program and in GIS certificate program respectively) for courses;
• Assist with gathering data about the online program and internship for reports as needed including the annual report to the Planning Accreditation Board and the Planetizen publication; and
• Other responsibilities as the Program Director assigns. 

$48,000-$56,000 commensurate with education and/or experience

Bachelor's degree and two years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Experience with UF data management, academic delivery, enrollment, and application systems (i.e. Canvas, myUFL/SIS, Slate, GIMS, Qualtrics);
• Academic advising experience in higher education; ability to communicate effectively in person and using tools such as telephone, email, and videoconferencing;
• Bachelor’s degree in planning; ability to balance multiple priorities at once to achieve outcomes and meet deadlines; graphic communication skills (e.g. Adobe);
• Social media management experience (e.g. Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn).

This position has been reposted. Previous applicants are still under consideration and need not reapply.

In order to be considered, you must upload your cover letter, resume and references.

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.