Graduate Program Coordinator; MPP & MURP

About the Job

The Graduate Program Coordinator (GPC) plays a pivotal role in leading student-centered academic advising, proactive retention initiatives, and program operations for the Master of Public Policy (MPP) and Master of Urban and Regional Planning (MURP) degree programs. Operating with high autonomy, this role serves as a primary student advocate and functional expert, guiding students through degree progress while actively building collaborative, trust-based relationships with faculty leaders, including the Directors of Graduate Studies (DGS).

Situated within the Career and Student Success (CSS) team, this role works alongside higher education professionals to foster an inclusive academic environment. In addition to direct advising, the Coordinator manages program administration, accreditation reporting, and cohort onboarding. This position requires a unique blend of technical proficiency in student systems, collaborative relationship-building skills, and a strong interest in the fields of public policy and urban planning.

Work Location /

Schedule:

Hybrid-eligible (typically 3 days on-campus, 2 days remote, based on operational needs)

• Serve as the primary, trusted coordinator for MPP and MURP students throughout their academic journey, providing guidance on course planning, degree progress, capstone experiences, and self-designed concentrations aligned with career goals.
• Help international students through the transition to the U.S. by connecting them with essential campus and community resources.
• Lead bi-annual academic progress audits to proactively identify at-risk students, address degree completion barriers, and design personalized retention and intervention plans.
• Guide students through complex academic policies, degree planning worksheets (PPWs), GPAS exceptions, and administrative holds,connecting them to specialized campus resources.
• Host cohort-based advising and information sessions to deliver timely program updates, build student community, and address concerns.
• Build collaborative partnerships across CSS, career services,faculty, and student organizations to enhance student support, and oversee faculty advisor assignment processes for incoming cohorts.

• Partner closely with the MPP and MURP Directors of Graduate Studies(DGS) to align program priorities, address student standing issues, refine curricula, and update Student Handbooks.
• Manage annual data collection, tracking, and reporting for MPP andMURP program accreditations (NASPAA, PAB) and collect performance metrics for the MURP strategic plan.
• Support DGSs in conducting self-studies and preparing documentation for periodic re-accreditation of programs.
• Utilize institutional databases (People Soft, APLUS, GPAS) to maintain accurate student records, track degree completion milestones, and manage leaves of absence or in completes.
• Coordinate specialized programmatic logistics, including capstone juries, guest speaker series planning, faculty meeting agendas and minutes, and the annual alumni survey.

• Serve as a key operational liaison between CSS, department faculty, and central college administration offices to ensure seamless program delivery.
• Lead program-specific onboarding and event elements for Fall Orientation, Fall Preview Days, and Admitted Student Days(in-person and virtual) in collaboration with the CSS team.
• Maintain digital orientation materials, incoming student Google sites, and program web pages in alignment with CSS standards and Communications team guidelines.

• Bachelor’s degree and at least five years of professional experience in graduate…