Northwestern University · 1 day ago
Program Administrator - PhD Programs
Evanston, IL
Full-time
Onsite
Mid Level
$65K/yr - $75K/yr
4+ years expNorthwestern University is seeking a Program Administrator for their PhD programs within the Education & Social Policy department. This role involves overseeing the comprehensive administration and strategic management of the PhD programs, including recruitment, admissions, curriculum coordination, and student support.
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Responsibilities
Oversee and ensure efficient, effective day-to-day operations of the PhD programs
Translate program goals and objectives into actionable plans, ensuring appropriate resources are secured or developed
Identify, recommend, and implement short- and long-term strategies to support program growth and continuous improvement
Analyze program data and metrics to assess outcomes and inform decision-making
Manages and works closely with the program assistant on logistics for program activities, including scheduling, facilities, technology, events, and instructional support
Manage the ongoing development, refinement, and coordination of curriculum and course offerings in consultation with faculty
Provide leadership in planning, scheduling, and delivering high-quality instructional activities
Ensure consistent academic quality standards across all program components, including admissions, teaching, grading, and facilities
Review program policies, recommend revisions, and ensure consistent interpretation and implementation
Oversee recruitment, application review, interviews, selection, and notification processes for PhD students
Manages admissions process in accordance with university policy
Engage in outreach and field relations to support recruitment, partnerships, and program visibility
Collaborate with internal and external organizations to identify new markets and opportunities
Manage student orientation, registration, student life processes, and graduation activities
Address complex or escalated student issues, including academic probation and other concerns
Ensure a comprehensive advising system is in place to support prospective and enrolled students
Work directly with students on enrollment eligibility, academic planning, placement, and career development
Develop strategies for student support structures, processes, and staffing
Oversee documentation and administration of agreements between Northwestern University and partner institutions, ensuring proper review and approvals
Build and maintain relationships with alumni to strengthen professional networks, community engagement, and potential financial support
Interact with internal and external partners to support ongoing program development and collaboration
Develop and manage data, record-keeping, and tracking systems that support day-to-day program operations
Partner with program coordinators to understand program needs and ensure accurate, timely, and useful data
Support clear communication and information sharing through well-organized systems and processes
Collaborate with IT and Salesforce teams to maintain and improve tools that help programs stay organized and effective
Develop and manage a comprehensive program of events, such as lectures, speaker series, workshops, and conferences
Oversee program communications, including handbooks, websites, and informational materials
Manage customer service practices and procedures, including the development of metrics to assess service quality and effectiveness
Develop and implement marketing strategies in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders
Performs other duties as assigned
Qualification
Required
Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree; OR appropriate combination of education and experience
4 years of program/project administration or other relevant experience
Significant experience in higher education administration, academic program management, or a related field
Demonstrated ability to manage complex programs with multiple stakeholders
Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Proven ability to work collaboratively with faculty, students, and external partners
Preferred
Experience supporting graduate or doctoral programs
Familiarity with admissions processes, curriculum management, and student advising
Experience with data analysis and program assessment
Knowledge of university policies, accreditation, and partnership agreements
Benefits
Meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans
Retirement benefits
Tuition discounts
Comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life’s challenges and opportunities
Flexible work arrangements
Programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care
Employee career development
Variety of tools and resources for professional potential or continuing formal education
Company
Northwestern University
Northwestern University is a private research and teaching university that offers academic programs across various fields of study. It is a sub-organization of Northwestern Athletics.
5001-10000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Northwestern University has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (325)
2024 (308)
2023 (280)
2022 (282)
2021 (184)
2020 (155)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$98.02MKey Investors
National Peanut BoardAdvanced Research Projects Agency for HealthGRAMMY Museum
2024-10-30Grant
2024-10-04Grant· $34M
2023-11-28Grant· $0.02M
Leadership Team
Diego Klabjan
Professor
Henry Bienen
Interim President
Recent News
2026-01-11
Digital Journal
2026-01-11
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