Academic Program Specialist

• Locations 4202 E Fowler Ave, Tampa, FL, 33620, US

Organizational

Summary:

The Zimmerman School at the University of South Florida, the fastest rising university in the nation (U.S. News & World Report, 2021), is a leader in advertising and mass communications education. Working alongside scholars and professionals in the classroom and practitioners in the field, Zimmerman School students receive hands‑on training and gain in-depth knowledge and understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects of mass communications.

The Zimmerman School offers innovative undergraduate programs in integrated public relations and advertising, multimedia news, and video production. At the graduate level, we offer a Master of Science degree in advertising with a focus on analytics and a Master of Arts degree in mass communications with specializations in strategic communication management and media studies.

Position Summary:

Assist in the administration of the Zimmerman School graduate programs. Provide support for Zimmerman School full‑time and adjunct faculty, course scheduling, internships, scholarships, space planning and file maintenance. Assist with office duties, events and meetings.

Starting Salary: $40,000 ($19.23 per hour) - non‑negotiable at this time

Graduate Program Responsibilities:

• Support the Director of Graduate Programs and Research in administration of the graduate programs.
• Assist prospective students with admission questions, providing detailed information about the graduate programs and entrance requirements.
• Maintain and process applications and admission files for Graduate Committee review.
• Correspond with candidate regarding admission decisions.
• Communicate with graduate students about academic program requirements, course requirements, prerequisites and course enrollments.
• Process course permits, maintain student files and records, conduct graduate checks and certify students for graduation.
• Notify students regarding issues related to academic standing (e.g., substandard grades).
• Assist students with forms required for progression and graduation.
• Coordinate new student and graduate student orientations and assist with other events and meetings.
• Assist in hiring graduate assistants and processing evaluations.
• Maintain graduate student handbook and alumni database.
• Maintain graduate records in digital files. Maintain and update directories, webpages, email lists, checklists, etc.
• Prepare reports as required. Collaborate with ZAP program staff in MUMA on accelerated master's program.
• Assist with graduate student recruiting and marketing.
• Prepare reports as needed.
• Unlock (8:00 a.m.) and lock (5:00 p.m.) office, classrooms and labs daily.
• Input and update undergraduate and graduate course schedule in BANNER.
• Maintain spreadsheet schedule of ZSAMC classes.
• Provide support for adjunct faculty (e.g., hiring process, teaching resources).
• Provide support for hiring, onboarding and credentialing faculty and staff.
• Enter internship permits as required by Internship Director.
• Assist with scholarship process, including announcements and application reviews.
• Provide support for recruiting and marketing, events and meetings (e.g., planning, preparing materials, setting up, invitations, taking minutes).
• Provide support for annual awards banquet.
• Facilitate and support faculty in completing book orders and submitting midterm and final grades.
• Assist in scheduling classrooms and space for classes, student group meetings, special events, etc.
• Assist in ordering keys and providing building access for faculty and staff as needed.
• Serve as contact and provide support for student groups.
• Collect and file course syllabi. Facilitate FERPA compliance. (e.g., request and file student forms).
• Perform clerical duties as needed (e.g., answering office phone, copying, posting information, processing mail, posting lab and conference room calendars).
• Assist Academic Services Administrator and School Director as needed.

Perform additional duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

This position requires a high school diploma or equivalent, with four years of experience in office or administrative…