Academic Support Services Specialist

UMB School of Nursing (SON), Office of the Academic Deans (OAD) drives the academic mission by coordinating all programs—BSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN, DNP, and PhD—and provides a critical support structure for student success.

About the role

The Academic Support Services Specialist provides primary support to the PhD program and secondary support to other programs in OAD. The role involves independent work, contributing to program development and evaluation, and resolving significant matters with creativity and analytical thinking. Key responsibilities include curriculum support, admissions coordination, student progress monitoring, financial aid assistance, policy translation, and academic dean support.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Associate Dean for the PhD Program in managing the PhD program, including supporting students and faculty members.
• Contribute to assignments and projects requiring monitoring and evaluation; provide solutions to issues outside pre-established guidelines.
• Oversee daily operations, organize program activities, and help set priorities under guidance from the Associate Dean.
• Monitor and facilitate the use of program funds to support needed resources.
• Collaborate with UMB School of Graduate Studies (SGS) and UMSON Admissions and Registrar’s Offices to manage PhD students’ admissions, academic progression, and graduation requirements.
• Make recommendations to the PhD Academic Dean on fund usage.
• Provide routine and non-routine technical support, problem-solving assistance, and answer questions from students and faculty.
• Interpret program goals and policies; provide administrative support.
• Assist in conceptualizing, developing, and preparing written products such as training materials, website content, reports, and promotional materials.
• Recommend resources for program improvement.
• Prepare and analyze program financial statements, expenditures, and budgets for management or outside agencies.
• Assist in developing and implementing recruiting plans for program participants, members, and volunteers.
• Develop and facilitate workshops or meetings, including logistics, scheduling, and participant communications.
• Evaluate program effectiveness; devise evaluation methodology, analyze results, and recommend or take appropriate action.
• Formulate, affect, interpret, or implement policies or procedures to ensure effective program operation.
• Conduct online searches and research tasks to address complex and unique information requests.
• Develop and maintain internet web site files and/or listings.
• Interact and maintain liaison with students, faculty, staff, and outside/community agencies to facilitate program objectives.
• Manage electronic file records of students’ progression and other program-associated files using academic applications.
• Serve as a primary contact and think critically to resolve questions and make program-related decisions.
• Prepare or assist in preparing funding grant proposals or continuations from outside sponsors.
• Provide cross-coverage for other OAD programs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Two (2) years of program administration experience, preferably in higher education or healthcare.
• Coordination experience.
• Ability to prepare financial statements and budgets.
• May consider a combination of directly related experience and education.
• Designated as a Campus Security Authority (CSA) under the Clery Act; compliance with Clery Act requirements is mandatory.

Skills

• Knowledge of position requirements, regulations, and laws.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams, Planner).
• Skill in effective use of applicable technology/systems.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work cooperatively with others and independently.
• Ability to demonstrate, understand, apply, and adhere to UMB Core Values: Respect and Integrity, Well-being and Sustainability, Equity and Justice, and Innovation and Discovery.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package prioritizing wellness, work/life balance, and professional development.
• Retirement program (selection required upon hire).
• Generous paid leave: over 4 weeks of vacation accrued annually, 15 paid holidays, 3 personal leave days, and unlimited sick time.
• Comprehensive health insurance.
• Professional learning and development programs.
• Tuition remission for employees and dependents at any University System of Maryland school.
• Flexible work schedules and teleworking options (if applicable).

Pay

$61,786 - $61,978; commensurate with education and experience.

UMB is a public university and constituent institution of the University System of Maryland. All employees are expected to work primarily within the State of Maryland.