Physics and Astronomy Academic Programs Manager

Physics and Astronomy Academic Programs Manager

The Academic Programs Manager strengthens the student experience and supports departmental effectiveness by coordinating the systems, records, communications, and processes that support student recruitment, progress, retention, academic milestones, and graduation. The position works closely with faculty leaders, department staff, college administration, and university offices to ensure that undergraduate and graduate academic programs operate clearly, consistently, and effectively.

Faculty retain responsibility for academic judgment, curriculum, admissions decisions, mentoring, and degree-program policy; the Academic Programs Manager supports those decisions through coordination, documentation, communication, tracking, and implementation.

What you'll do in this position:

• Plan and coordinate undergraduate and graduate recruitment activities.
• Organize new student orientation programs.
• Monitor undergraduate and graduate student progress toward degree completion, identify missing requirements or delayed milestones, and coordinate communication among students, faculty advisors, and department leadership.
• Connect students with campus resources, including College Advisement, Career Services, CAPS, Financial Aid, and other support offices.
• Promote initiatives that foster student engagement, belonging, and retention.
• Manage graduate admissions, qualifying examinations, annual evaluations, thesis/dissertation milestones, and graduation clearance processes.
• Maintain academic records, program documentation, and student communications.
• Prepare and compile reports related to enrollment, recruitment, retention, graduation, and assessment.
• Serve as an administrative resource to the Undergraduate Advisement Committee and Graduate Council by preparing materials, tracking action items, and coordinating follow-up.
• Collaborate with faculty, department leadership, college administration, and university offices to support student success and academic program effectiveness.
• Provide primary front-office support and serve as the initial point of contact for students, visitors, faculty, and general inquiries.
• Train, schedule, and supervise student employees who support the department office.
• Coordinate daily front-office operations, departmental communications, and office procedures.
• Support recruitment, orientation, outreach, and other department events in collaboration with faculty, staff, and student employees.
• Monitor front-office expenditures and maintain office equipment and supplies in compliance with university policies.

What qualifies you for this role:

• A firm commitment to the mission of BYU.
• Bachelor's degree and 3 years of progressively responsible administrative experience in higher education, student services, academic programs, or a closely related professional setting
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
• Ability to train, schedule, and evaluate student employees
• Ability to develop clear, consistent administrative processes and documentation
• Ability to contribute effectively as a member of a leadership team
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to interact professionally with students, faculty, staff, and external partners
• Demonstrated empathy and professionalism in student interactions
• Commitment to exceptional customer service
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications
• Ability to interpret and explain academic policies and procedures accurately while recognizing when faculty, college, or university-level decisions are required

Preferred:

• Bachelor's degree and 6 or more years of progressively responsible higher education administrative experience, including student services or advising, office coordination, confidential records, and undergraduate and graduate program administration
• Experience working appropriately with confidential student records and applying policies related to student information and privacy
• Experience compiling, analyzing, and reporting program or student-success data
• Experience learning and using student information systems, degree-audit tools, enrollment reports, or similar enterprise systems

What we offer in return:

• 401k. BYU automatically contributes 8% at no cost to you. Additionally, if you contribute 5%, BYU adds an additional 4% (Rehires may qualify for different retirement plans)
• Generous vacation and sick time, plus 13 paid holidays
• Employee assistance program, available to the employee and all members of their household
• Tuition benefits for employees and eligible family members
• Access to athletic facilities
• Excellent medical/dental benefits
• Short/long term disability benefits
• Paid parental and maternity leave
• Wellness program
• Free on-campus parking
• Free UTA passes for employee, spouse, and qualified dependents
• Discounts at the BYU Store and for many events at BYU

Pay Grade: 49

Typical Starting Pay:

$22.50 to $29.25/hourly

$47,500 to $61,500 annually

The actual compensation…