Graduate Program Coordinator - Online MSW

The School of Social Work (SSW) is seeking a Graduate Program Coordinator (Student Services Professional 2) to provide support to administrators, faculty, students, and alumni within the School of Social Work online MSW Program. This is a 12-month annually renewable position at the SSW on the St. Paul Campus.

This position provides critical support in the areas of admissions, student advising and support, program management, and faculty support for the SSW's online MSW program, with the goal of promoting the welfare of students and ensuring the quality of the education offered. Duties include assisting the Director of the online Master of Social Work (MSW) Program with administrative and program management responsibilities, student advising, and assisting with course and curriculum planning for the online MSW social work program. This work includes the development and implementation of innovative strategies to continuously strengthen SSW's relationships with key stakeholders and improve services.

This position requires in-depth knowledge of and experience with the extensive body of rules, procedures, and operations of the University, Graduate School, and College of Education & Human Development (CEHD) as well as multiple University enterprise systems.

The ideal candidate will work both independently and collaboratively, use independent judgment to solve complex problems with minimal guidance, and provide high-quality student and faculty services.

Hybrid position - flexible work environment.

Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

The University of Minnesota encourages a healthy work-life balance for employees. CEHD is committed to an excellent employee experience, offering a flexible work environment that meets the needs of students, staff, faculty, and the communities we serve. Flexible work arrangements may include flexibility in schedule and/or work location. Please note that 100% remote work requires approval prior to offer.

Job Responsibilities:

Student support (35%)

• Serve as the primary contact for online MSW students for all logistics related to study in the online MSW Program, including advising, program requirements and milestones, and degree plan review.
• Advise students on registration process and deadlines; advise students on available elective courses that meet program requirements.
• Create a degree plan and meet with each student on a yearly basis and as needed.
• Counsel and advise students on academic program policies, course selection and registration, graduate school processes and paperwork and other issues.
• Advise international students on University policies and resources; assists with issues related to student visas.
• Monitor students' academic progress throughout the program.
• Regularly communicate with students regarding upcoming deadlines, program changes, and extra-curricular learning opportunities.
• Advise students on incomplete grade requests and resolutions, personal leaves of absence, returning from leaves, etc.
• Counsel and refer current MSW, dual degree, and non-degree-seeking students with vocational, financial, housing, social, or cultural concerns, and other issues as needed.
• Audit and process MSW and student forms, monitor MSW student progress, and report issues on student progress, as needed, to the appropriate program administrator for resolution.
• Triage current and prospective student inquiries. Provide final answers as able, and recommendations to others, such as faculty, as appropriate.
• Evaluate student records and proactively counsel students to resolve issues that may impact student graduation clearance.
• Provide documentation on clinical content for MSW students and alumni of the MSW Program seeking licensure through the Minnesota Board of Social Work.
• Review, approve, or route for approval as necessary verification of degree completion, student status, loan deferment, etc., for social work graduate students and alumni.

Program Support (35%)

• In collaboration with program leadership, assign faculty advisers to online MSW students and complete documentation necessary for the Graduate School regarding adviser assignments.
• Implement strategies to manage enrollment in online MSW classes, such as distributing permission numbers or setting enrollment limits.
• Maintain program-related communication with students using a variety of media outlets, including University email, various mass-email software, social media, non-course websites such as Canvas, and the SSW's website.
• Create and oversee the distribution of program material that outlines policies and procedures, such as the MSW student handbooks.
• Write text for and provide critical review of online MSW Program descriptions that appear in public places such as the University catalog or the School of Social Work website.
• Manage information on online MSW students, including creating necessary queries and generating reports from databases.
• Plan and carry out events specifically targeted to MSW students and interested applicants, new student orientations, social work licensing workshops, library orientations, and the college graduation.

Faculty Support (20%)

• Advise the Director of the online MSW Program about necessary policy changes for SSW's social work graduate programs, offer strategies for implementing necessary procedural changes, and oversee implementation of procedural changes when required.
• Inform faculty and administrators of timelines, deadlines, and procedural issues in developing, reviewing, and approving graduate courses.
• Provide information regarding degree and program requirements to appropriate administrators and to graduate faculty advisors, as needed.
• Advise the Director of the online MSW Program on the implementation of policies that govern graduate education at the University of Minnesota.
• Develop materials for, schedule, and host information sessions on registration and steps to graduation.

Other Duties as Assigned (10%)

• Attend and/or appoint a representative to attend for the following meetings: MSW Program Committee, SSW Council, and any other College, Graduate School, or University meetings related to policies governing graduate education.
• Provide administrative support for SSW-wide events.
• Promote online MSW student representation on School-wide committees.
• Maintain communication with student support representatives from other University units, as needed.
• Provide back-up coverage of systems used by other program staff during times of high work volume or staff absences.
• Seek out and attend training to keep current on all University systems and procedures.

Required Qualifications:

• Demonstrated commitment to advocating for an inclusive environment for all backgrounds and identities.
• Bachelor's degree plus at least two years of related experience in higher education or a combination of education and experience to equal six years.
• Ability to work some evenings and occasional weekends.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in student affairs, social work, or related field.
• Five years of experience in student services or higher education settings.
• Familiarity with online higher education programs.
• Working knowledge of rules, procedures, and operations of the University, Graduate School, and CEHD.
• Proven experience with university enterprise systems including PeopleSoft, GPAS, APLUS, Canvas, etc.
• Experience with using Google Suites.
• Demonstrated excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to present to small and large groups.
• Ability to work independently and manage competing deadlines.
• Experience in planning events for small and large groups.

The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), the University's third largest college, contributes to a just and sustainable future through engagement with the local and global communities to enhance human learning and development at all stages of life. We know diversity is necessary to do our best work and foster our humanity. That's why the CEHD community is collectively dedicated to cultivating an inclusive and equitable environment, embracing and celebrating all identities of our students, staff, and faculty. These values are also a moral imperative requiring continuous proactive measures and a firm stance against prejudice, discrimination, and systemic injustice.

Pay Range: $50,000 - $65,707; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Required application materals: resume and cover letter.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.