Online and Graduate Program Specialist - SEMO Online and Graduate Services

Salary: Depends on qualifications

Location: Cape Girardeau, MO | Department: SEMO Online and Graduate Services | Full-time

About the role

The Online and Graduate Program Specialist plays a vital role in advising, onboarding, and retaining online and domestic graduate students. This position requires a professional who thrives in a fast-paced, student-centered environment, can manage multiple priorities simultaneously, and is motivated by helping students achieve their educational goals. While this position primarily supports online learners, it is based on campus. A hybrid schedule may be considered after successful completion of training and demonstration of proficiency in job duties.

This role operates in a fast-paced, student-centered environment that requires frequent multitasking, proactive communication, and attention to detail. While the work can be challenging and requires managing high volumes of student interactions, it is deeply rewarding; each day offers opportunities to help students reach their educational and career goals.

Responsibilities

• Provide academic advising to online and domestic graduate students through in-person, phone, email, and virtual appointments
• Guide students through the onboarding process, including transfer credit evaluations, course substitutions, and program selection to align with individual goals
• Support students facing academic, personal, or financial challenges by connecting them with appropriate university or community resources
• Implement proactive communication and retention strategies consistent with SEMO's flipped advising model
• Monitor student enrollment and progress, identify at-risk students, and take timely action to support retention and degree completion
• Collaborate with academic departments and colleges to coordinate course offerings and ensure timely degree progression
• Lead and supervise graduate assistants and student employees supporting online and graduate program initiatives
• Participate in recruitment activities, representing SEMO Online and Graduate Services at events and in communications with prospective students
• Maintain accurate and timely records and create and run reports using systems such as Banner, Degree Works, SupportNET, and Microsoft 365
• Stay informed of best practices in distance education, online learning, and academic advising through professional development
• Serve as a liaison between SEMO Online and designated academic departments, sharing data, trends, and student insights to support institutional decision-making
• Maintain knowledge in distance education, online learning, and academic advising by attending workshops, conferences, webinars, and reviewing research

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree (a degree in counseling, higher education, student affairs, or a related area is a plus)
• Demonstrated excellence in customer service
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Strong time management skills
• Proficiency with technology and data systems, including Microsoft 365; ability to learn and navigate multiple software platforms efficiently
• Experience using data and reports to make informed decisions or improve processes
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills, including the ability to analyze situations, identify solutions, and implement effective action plans
• Demonstrated conflict-resolution skills with the ability to manage emotional or stressful student situations calmly and constructively
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize multiple tasks effectively
• Strong organizational skills with accuracy and attention to detail
• Demonstrated ability to adapt to change, pivot quickly in response to shifting priorities, and maintain productivity
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, exercising sound judgment and initiative
• Knowledge of academic advising, student services, or a related higher education field is a plus
• Experience supervising or mentoring employees is a plus