Academic Program Administrator

Overview

The Department of Astrophysical Sciences seeks a versatile Administrator to manage our academic programs, courses, and student operations and events. The Academic Program Administrator works in coordination with the Directors of Undergraduate and Graduate Studies and the related Deans Offices to ensure the smooth function of the academic program for the Department of Astrophysical Sciences. The administrator ensures that undergraduate and graduate students are achieving their academic goals in a supportive environment. In addition this position informs and assists teaching faculty in effectively executing their instructional goals.

Responsibilities

Manage Undergraduate Program: ensure that students are supported, cohesive and on track to meet graduation compliance from declaring their major to commencement; update course information, promote and coordinate course enrollment; build relationships with potential majors; register grades, provide travel and conference guidance; event planing from freshman expo and sophomore open house to Class Day. The department has approximately 15-20 declared majors. Some of the departments courses have enrollments of about 100.

Manage Graduate Program: organize admission process for prospective students including design and execution of multi-day department-wide immersive visit of prospective graduate students; provide orientation of the new students; track progress of students through generals and the completion of theses; coordinate matching students with advisors and tracking of regular committee meetings; ensure that stipend contracts are complete; set up stipend and tuition payments for AIs, Fellowships, and ARs in Labor Accounting; monitor the use of endowed funds (approximately $700K/year) dedicated for student support, assist students administratively with completion of Final Public Oral examinations; ensure department representation by faculty and graduate students at various recruiting events and conferences. The department has approximately 30-35 active graduate students over a five year program.

Assist in the administration of the Undergraduate Summer Research Program: set up application process in SAFE for University students; encourage students to apply, ensure both Princeton and non-Princeton students are correctly supported, provide logistical support as needed for the program such as housing, field trips, seminars, weekly lunchtime gatherings and day-long concluding talks. Foster team building among program participants and build bridges for more diverse students.

Student Life Advocate: Organizes events and innovative efforts (FaculTea, Better Know a Prof, Rookies & Cream) leading to increased student engagement and collaboration; develop mentoring initiatives connecting students to other department cohorts such as more senior graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, undergraduate and graduate populations, predoctoral students across departments; serves as a representative on the Department's Climate Committee and subcommittees; provides guidance and support for student-organized initiatives; plans benchmark celebratory events for student's achievements; liaison for student requests and concerns.