Computer Science Online Graduate Program Specialist

This role serves as the advisor for online graduate students, currently Masters students using the Coursera platform, within the College of Engineering and Applied Science at CU Boulder (the MS-CS and MS-AI degrees). The position is responsible for proactive outreach and communication to prospective and current students, advising on degree requirements, and supporting student success through professional development and community-building opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Performs academic advising for online students, including:
  • Tracking student progress and maintaining records.
  • Maintaining and updating degree plans; advising on academic requirements and curriculum changes.
  • Using degree audit systems as appropriate.
  • Reviewing and processing student requests, ensuring timely communication.
  • Assisting with course registration issues, including late registration, changes, or leave of absence.
  • Serving as the liaison between online students and CS staff/faculty, communicating student petitions as needed.
  • Acting as the first point of contact for student questions or concerns.
  • Assisting students with problem-solving and connecting them to campus resources.
  • Escalating appeals or grievances to the Senior Graduate Program Manager as appropriate.
  • Creating scalable systems and documents to support a large student population.
• Supports recruitment, admissions, and communication by:
  • Collaborating with CS department staff to ensure accurate, compelling, and up-to-date program information on the website and recruitment materials.
  • Serving as the main point of contact in online recruitment meetings and attending events to reach diverse audiences.
  • Managing the degree conferral process and processing conferrals at the end of each session.
  • Sending regular messages via CRM systems, including timelines and announcements.
  • Conducting visual compliance for mandated reports.
  • Assisting in webinars and other recruitment efforts.
  • Advocating for student services and notifying students of opportunities to build community.
  • Planning online student events, including graduation recognition ceremonies.
• Supports the AI and CS online programs through:
  • Designing and coordinating student-focused events to promote community and increase retention.
  • Contributing to diversity and inclusion efforts, events, and talks.
  • Assisting with other assigned projects as needed.
  • Staying current on University and State of Colorado policies and procedures.
  • Participating in professional development and serving on unit, college, or campus committees.
  • Recommending and implementing process improvements to increase department efficiency.
  • Documenting processes and procedures for team accessibility.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree; equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute on a year-for-year basis.
• One year of experience in advising, student services, or other relevant experience (e.g., program administration, marketing/communications, admissions).

Skills

• Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels.
• Outstanding customer service skills.
• Ability to work as a team member in a collaborative environment.
• Strong organizational, planning, analytical, and technical skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize multiple projects, and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to meet timelines while managing multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to recognize cultural, political, and geographical differences and work effectively with diverse staff, faculty, and students.
• Demonstrated leadership in creating a welcoming and diverse environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and cloud-based services (e.g., Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive).
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings or weekends.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., higher education administration).
• Two to five years of experience supporting online learning, graduate, and/or adult learners.
• Familiarity with the MS-CS or MS-AI programs in the Department of Computer Science.
• Three years of experience with online advising, admissions, and recruiting cycles and processes.
• Familiarity with the Coursera platform.

Pay

$58,000 - $62,000 annually.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and retirement plans.
• Generous paid time off.
• Tuition assistance for employees and dependents.
• ECO Pass for local transit.
• Access to world-class outdoor recreation and additional perks through the CU Advantage program.