Graduate Program Director Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Position Summary
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)
Duties and Responsibilities
Student Support and Advising (60%)
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.
Program Management and Administration (30%)
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 and MURP 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 (PeopleSoft, APLUS, GPAS) to maintain accurate student records, track degree completion milestones, and manage leaves of absence or incompletes.
Coordinate specialized programmatic logistics, including capstone juries, guest speaker series planning, faculty meeting agendas and minutes, and the annual alumni survey.
Communication, Liaison, and Onboarding (10%)
Serve as a key operational liaison between CSS, departmental 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.
 

Required Qualifications
Bachelors degree and at least five years of professional experience in graduate academic advising, student retention, or student services; OR Masters degree and at least three years of relevant experience.
Demonstrated experience interpreting complex academic policies, managing degree audits, and resolving complex student advising cases with empathy.
Proven ability to build authentic, collaborative working relationships across professional staff teams and academic faculty.
Strong technical proficiency with student databases (e.g., PeopleSoft, APLUS, GPAS or equivalent higher education systems) and digital tools (Google Workspace).
Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in working with diverse student, faculty, and staff populations.
Excellent interpersonal, problem-solving, and communication skills, with a track record of exercising sound independent judgment.
Preferred Qualifications
Masters degree in public policy, urban and regional planning, higher education administration, counseling, or a related field.
Demonstrated interest in or familiarity with the fields of public policy, civic engagement, or urban and regional planning.
Experience with graduate accreditation metrics and standards (NASPAA, PAB) or higher education program reporting.
Experience with web content management and digital onboarding portals.

Pay Range: $70,000 - $75,000;depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A 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

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 have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume or CV.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail jobcentr@umn.edu.

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, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.