Program Coordinator

Department: Education & Social Policy

Salary/Grade: EXS/5

Target hiring range for this position will be between $60,000 - $65,000 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data

Job Summary:

Provides management for a pathbreaking dual masters degree program jointly designed by the School of Education and Social Policy at Northwestern University and the Department of Economics at The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK). The program provides students with rigorous training in applied economics while developing strong public policy and data analysis skills. Students complete the 24-month dual masters program across two campuses, spending year one at CUHK in Hong Kong and year two at Northwestern in Evanston, with a summer professional-development and career quarter and an optional spring capstone before graduating in March or June. Upon completion, students receive two master of science degrees from two top-tier global universities. This role sits at the center of a program that spans two universities, multiple countries, and nearly every office at Northwestern, giving the coordinator broad visibility and real influence over how an international cohort experiences its two years. The Program Coordinator is the connector who brings academic departments, the shared services teams, faculty, employers, and external partners together around a shared set of goals, and the work is visible across the university.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Partnership Development, Outreach, and Facilitation, 25%. Serves as the central connector between the program and its many partners across Northwestern and beyond, building and stewarding relationships with academic departments, the shared services teams in admissions, career, marketing, instructional support, the registrar, the international office, and finance, along with the partner university, employers, and external organizations. Represents the program in cross-functional settings and brings the right people together to move shared goals forward and open new opportunities for students and faculty.
• Program Operations and Academic Coordination, 25%. Oversees the ongoing operation of the dual-degree program across both academic years and the summer career quarter, keeping each cohort on track from arrival through graduation. Coordinates academic scheduling, instructional support, and cross-office workflows in partnership with faculty, the registrar, and shared services teams so that students move smoothly between campuses.
• Student Experience and International Support, 20%. Guides an international cohort through a two-country program and supports students in their transitions, wellbeing, and professional growth. Works closely with the international office and campus resources so that students with a range of needs feel supported from admission through graduation.
• Events, Communications, and Recruitment, 15%. Leads the planning of program events, from orientation and professional-development activities to graduation, and shapes how the program presents itself to prospective students and partners. Partners with the marketing, career, and admissions teams to keep communications clear and to attract strong applicants across international markets.
• Finance and Administration, 10%. Manages the program budget, financial processes, and daily administrative operations in coordination with SESP finance and university systems. Keeps records, reporting, and routine administration accurate and current so that program resources are used well.
• Program Strategy and Growth, 5%. Contributes to planning for the programs future and brings forward ideas that strengthen the student experience and expand the programs reach. Helps the Program Director assess what is working and where the program can grow.

Miscellaneous

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Successful completion of a full four-year course of study leading to a bachelors or higher degree, or an appropriate combination of education and experience.
• One year of program or project administration or other relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in international education or in supporting students and cohorts from many countries.
• Familiarity with F-1 and J-1 visa processes and with the work of an international student office.
• Experience building and maintaining partnerships across departments or with external organizations.
• Background in event planning, communications, recruitment, or program administration in a higher-education setting.
• A record of coordinating projects that involve many stakeholders and moving parts.

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Comfort working with a global cohort and across departments and partners.
• Excellent written and oral communication and presentation skills.
• Strong team coordination and interpersonal skills.
• Outstanding organizational and planning abilities.

Benefits:

At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful and competitive benefits. The available benefits package for this position will include health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; paid vacation and holidays; paid medical/sick and parental leave; tuition benefits for the employee and dependents; pre-tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care; generous retirement savings options; and wellness programs. For a comprehensive overview of available benefits, including eligibility details, visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:

Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.

We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:

Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.

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