Graduate Program Manager

The Graduate Program Manager in the Department of Computer Sciences supports the administrative activities and career support services for the suite of Computer Sciences Professional Master's Degree Programs. These programs include a bachelor to professional master's degree track program, two professional master's degree programs, and a third shared master's degree offered in partnership with another department.

The role works in collaboration with the other department professional program staff, the broader department graduate program team, and a faculty-led professional program committee. In partnership with faculty and staff, the Graduate Program Manager assists with developing program procedures and priorities, coordinates academic program reviews, and supports the overall strategic vision and direction to enhance program effectiveness and quality. Key responsibilities also include developing and offering career support services, tracking program outcomes, organizing student community events, and monitoring student academic progress and addressing student concerns as they arise.

The Graduate Program Manager supports a caseload of approximately 150 graduate students, many of whom are international students, with a strong focus on promoting belonging, building rapport and meaningful relationships. This role provides academic advising and career development support through individual appointments and group sessions.

Successful applicants will demonstrate an ability to work both independently with little oversight as well as cooperatively with staff and faculty in the department, the Graduate School, as well as other academic programs.

The Graduate Program Manager hired into this role will join the UW-Madison advising community, a strong campuswide network of advisors working to help students navigate their experience. Participation in this community involves training, on-going professional development, mentoring, and committee service.

Advising at UW-Madison is guided by clear philosophical principles and competencies. Interested candidates should be familiar with the Guiding Principles for Academic Advising at UW-Madison and the UW-Madison Advising Core Competencies. These competencies apply to graduate students as well. Candidates should visit www.advising.wisc.edu/facstaff to learn more about advising at UW-Madison.

This role is primarily on site and in person, but may offer some flexibility from time to time. This position is full time, 100%.

• Maintains compliance with graduate program(s), school/college, and university requirements and technology systems related to admissions, assessment, academic degree progress/requirements, and program review. Makes policy and procedure recommendations and/or changes

• Oversees staff and/or graduate program functions

• Serves as the expert resource for applicants, current students, faculty, staff, and other stakeholders of an academic program

• Manages the response, support, and advocacy for graduate students while continuously improving the student experience and overall graduate program

• Stay current with trends, opportunities and resources related to careers in computer sciences

• Provides individual and group career advising expertise to students regarding the job search process, interviewing, resume, and letter writing, and other areas of career planning

• Oversees programming, services, and events to promote professional development and academic success

• Provides comprehensive advising services promoting graduate student success, retention, and degree completion. Advises on programs, graduate education, and university policies, processes, and procedures. Monitors degree progress and assists students in navigating resources and systems throughout the student lifecycle from matriculation to degree completion

College of Letters & Science, Computer Sciences

The Department of Computer Sciences is one of three dynamic departments within the School of Computer, Data, and Information Sciences (CDIS), a division of the College of Letters and Sciences. Together with the departments of Statistics and the Information School, these programs are experiencing rapid growth with evolving student populations. In Fall 2025, CDIS will mark an exciting milestone with the opening of Morgridge Hall, a state-of-the-art facility that will bring all three departments together under one roof, fostering greater collaboration and innovation.

Within the Department of Computer Sciences, the graduate program manager team works closely with faculty and staff to support a vibrant and diverse graduate student community. This dedicated team plays a vital role in promoting academic achievement and enhancing the overall graduate student experience.

The starting salary for this position is $70,000 - $85,000 depending on qualifications and experience. Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays and paid time off; competitive insurances and saving accounts; and retirement benefits.

• Either 3-5 years of experience working in a higher education administration- such as academic advising, career services, program administration, or other student support roles- or at least 2 years in career services or corporate recruitment management in computer science related fields.

• An understanding of student academic and career needs, particularly needs of international students.

• Experience providing direct advising or counseling services to student populations.

• Demonstrated commitment to contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment.

• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines with a strong attention to detail, prioritize tasks and work collaboratively with students, faculty and staff.

• Excellent interpersonal skills with a focus on promoting belonging, building rapport and relationships.

• Experience working in Microsoft Outlook and Excel, Zoom, Google Documents, and web-based software.

• Prior experience working in a graduate school program, career or industry related work, or in a position that had an increasing level of responsibilities.

• Certified as Global Career Development Facilitator or other career development training courses.

• Ability to run reports, organize, and analyze data.

• Experience working with international students.

• Excellent problem-solving skills and independence in decision making.

• Effective communication skills, with the ability to explain complex policy or curriculum information clearly and accurately to students and colleagues both verbally and in writing.

• Experience with career awareness education efforts.

Bachelor's degree required

Master's degree preferred

We are eager to learn more about how your experience and passion may align with this position. You will be asked to upload a resume and cover letter as part of the application process.

Your cover letter must include:

• A statement describing your current skills and knowledge related to providing career services to students in computer science fields, or a description of your interest and motivation for developing these skills

• A statement detailing how your previous knowledge and experiences align with the stated qualification requirements.

Selected applicants will receive an invitation to participate in virtual interviews. Those moving on to second round interviews will be invited to an in-person interview at UW-Madison. Once final applicants are identified, they will be asked to provide names and contact information for at least three professional references, including a current or former supervisors. References will not be contacted without advanced notice.

University sponsorship is not available for this position, including transfers of sponsorship. The selected applicant will be responsible for ensuring their continuous eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of an employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment.

Cindy Fendrick, cindy.fendrick@wisc.edu

Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.

Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.

For more information on diversity and inclusion on campus, please visit: Diversity and Inclusion

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence by acknowledging skills and expertise from all backgrounds and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and to view federal and state required postings, click here.

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