Position Summary

The Academic Program Coordinator provides primary support for the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition graduate student programs (Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy in Food Science and in Human Nutrition, Master of Science degree in Nutrition and Dietetics, Master of Science in Food Regulatory Affairs), organizes/coordinates program events and provides back-up support for undergraduate programs. Core duties and responsibilities include:

• Graduate Student Program (75%):
  • Provides support to the Graduate Program Director and Graduate Affairs Committee (GAC)
  • Provides support for all aspects of the graduate student program; manages the application process, prepares and arranges acceptance or rejection correspondence to applicants, coordinates and participates in assistantship and scholarship application and selection process, degree audit and milestones within SIS for program requirements
  • Attends Graduate School meetings
  • Staff advisor for the FSHN Grad Student Organization
  • Coordinates financial support for graduate students’ programs through various funding sources 
  • Processes graduate scholarships and assistantships
  • Serves as a liaison with students, faculty, staff, parents, alumni and other important constituents to answer questions on behalf of the graduate programs.
  • Maintain appropriate records for graduated student files, funds awarded, conference and research fellowships

• Program Events (15%):
  • Provide oversight with the Graduate Seminar Committee to plan/coordinate annual fall seminar series
    • Arranges department travel for speakers and coordinates hostess responsibilities
  • Plan/Coordinate/maintains oversight and executes the G. Malcolm Trout annual lecture, graduate student events and co-organizes the FSHN spring awards ceremony with the Undergraduate coordinator
  • Serves on departmental committees as appropriate

• Undergraduate Student Program Backup (10%):
  • Maintains information on undergraduate programs; processes undergraduate actions (degree changes, overrides, etc.)
  • Support for undergraduate dietetics program (degree verification statements, assist Jill in obtaining contact information for students, etc.)

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired through the first two or three years of college, such as an Associate's degree in business, education, higher education, psychology, business or a related field which corresponds to the area of employment; one to three years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in university/college/academic admissions or related administrative position; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Work experience in Word for processing, editing, database, Excel; maintaining spreadsheets, presentation software and/or desktop publishing, Forms for creating surveys, Teams for collaborative communication with co-workers; office procedures, and one-year experience of providing support of an academic curricular program; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Desired Qualifications

Familiarity with the following applications: Enterprise Business Systems (EBS) including SAP HR/Payroll and Kuali Financial System (KFS), student information system (SIS), graduate admissions management system (SLATE), excellent organizational and communication skills, attention to detail and ability to work well in a fast-paced team environment, willingness and ability to take initiative and solve problems through critical thinking. Experience with Microsoft 365 products.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

Please submit cover letter, CV and 3 references.

Special Instructions

Hybrid remote work schedule available upon successful completion of the probationary period. Occasional evening and weekend hours may be required to meet departmental or operational needs.

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Website

https://www.canr.msu.edu/fshn/

Remote Work Statement

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.

Bidding eligibility ends July 15, 2026 at 11:55 P.M.

About Michigan State University

Spartans work every day to advance the common good in uncommon ways.Together, we tackle some of the world?s toughest problems to find solutions that make life better?from alternative energy to better food safety to breakthrough medical and environmental applications achieved through rare isotope research.We teach. We explore and we discover. We collaborate and lead. We innovate, inspire, and empower. We achieve our potential and create circumstances that help our students and others achieve theirs.We're good at it, and we've been at it for more than 150 years.The nation?s pioneer land-grant university, MSU began as a bold experiment that democratized higher education and helped bring science and innovation into everyday life. The revolutionary concept became a model for the nation.Today, MSU is one of the top research universities in the world?on one of the biggest, greenest campuses in the nation. Home to nationally ranked and recognized academic, residential college, and service-learning programs, we?re a diverse community of dedicated students and scholars, athletes and artists, scientists and leaders.In ways both practical and profound, we work to create a stronger, more sustainable, and more hopeful future for all.

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