Academic Program Manager

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc. is looking for a full-time Academic Program Manager for the First Ascent Scholars Program within the David Eccles School of Business. This role emphasizes student support and engagement, requiring the management of daily program operations and the coordination of student events.

The ideal candidate will hold a bachelor's degree related to program management, with more than three years of relevant experience. The position is designed to empower high-achieving, financially needy students through proactive coaching and support.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in budget, grant, and program management.
• Demonstrated ability to develop successful academic programs.
• Experience supervising or mentoring students from different backgrounds.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily program operations and coordinate activities.
• Assist students with financial aid applications.
• Provide academic coaching and mentorship.

Skills

Effective communication skills

Leadership skills

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related area

MEd or Master's degree in relevant fields

Job description

Academic Program Manager

Job Summary

The Office of Transformative Student Experiences at the DavidEccles School of Business seeks a full-time Academic Program Manager for the First Ascent Scholars Program (FAS). FAS provideswrap-around support to high-achieving college students with highfinancial need. The First Ascent Program Manager is primarily responsible for the day-to-day student support and studentengagement programming. Grounded in a student-centered philosophy, the program prioritizes students' well-being, academic achievement, and holistic development. Through intentional programming, proactive coaching, strong community connections, and meaningful scholarship support, FAS empowers students to succeed academically and graduate in a timely manner. Reporting to the Director of the Office of Transformative Student Experiences, this position will support recruitment, selection, and transition into the Eccles School and the First Ascent Scholars program. Responsibilities include overseeing daily program operations; coordinating monthly events; and serving as the primary point of contact to approximately 40 students. The Program Manager provides proactive academic guidance, monitors progress toward graduation, supports scholarship awarding processes, and coordinates individualized interventions in collaboration with campus partners. Additionally, the First Ascent Program Manager will coordinate and participate in events and trips, nationally and internationally, and work to ensure scholarships are appropriately administered.

Responsibilities

• Oversees daily program operations and coordinates program activities of the First Ascent Program.
• Assists students with completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the University of Utah's established priority deadline and meeting other campus deadlines.
• Provides proactive academic coaching and mentorship throughout students' college careers.
• Guides students on program, Eccles, and University-wide policies and processes.
• Oversees administration of Canvas and other student-facing systems for the program.
• Develops student retention- and community-based engagement activities for FAS students.
• Ensures students have the resources they need to be successful in college (e.g. counseling, computers, tutoring, academic advising, career coaching, etc.).
• Monitors student academic progress throughout the semester and develops timely interventions, as needed, to promote and encourage timely graduation.
• Works closely with the Director of Transformative Student Experiences to support and work with the advisory board to ensure student success.
• Nurtures collaborative relationships with Eccles Schools and university community members to connect students with opportunities for deep learning and expansion of network.
• Coordinatss and participates in all student engagement events and trips. Must be able to obtain a passport to travel internationally.
• Helps build student pathways throughout undergraduate student offices, resources, events and opportunities in the David Eccles School of Business.
• Works with the Director to assess and maintain the program's quality.
• As requested, prepares reports and records on program status and progress.
• Participates as an ex-officio member of the First Ascent Scholars Board of Advisors.
• Other duties as assigned to support the mission of the Office of Transformative Student Experiences and Undergraduate Programs.

Disclaimer

This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.

Work Environment and Level of Frequency Typically Required

Nearly Continuously: Office environment.

Physical Requirements and Level of Frequency that may be required

Nearly Continuously: Sitting, hearing, listening, talking. Often: Repetitive hand motion (such as typing), walking. Seldom: Bending, reaching overhead.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related area and three years of experience in budget, grant and program management or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience) required.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement program ideas into successful academic and research programs; demonstrated human relations and effective communication skills also required.
• Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Preferences

• Bachelor's degree in Education, Business, Communication, or similar.
• 3+ years of experience in project or program management.
• 1+ year of experience supervising or mentoring students from different backgrounds.
• Experience supporting administrators, directors, or faculty leaders.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills for engaging different stakeholders.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with standing attention to detail and record keeping.
• Ability to utilize strong organizational, administrative, and communication skills.
• Ability to adapt to changing environments and foster a collaborative, inclusive work culture.
• MEd or Master's degree in Education, Business, Policy and Public Administration, Communication, or similar.
• 3+ years of experience working with undergraduate students.
• 3+ years of experience in project or program management, preferably in collaboration with academic, industry, and community entities.
• 3+ years of experience supervising or mentoring students.