Graduate Program Manager

The Department of Integrative Biology is seeking an energetic, compassionate, and collaborative individual to join our Academic and Student Services team. This position manages undergraduate and graduate academic programs, with a focus on graduate advising and administration.

About Us:
Housed in the College of Letters & Science, the Department of Integrative Biology is committed to excellence in biology education and research. We offer three high-enrollment undergraduate majors (Molecular & Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Zoology), two graduate programs (Integrative Biology and Freshwater & Marine Sciences), and are home to gateway biology courses. Our research spans all levels of biological organization, from molecules to ecosystems. We are dedicated to fostering a welcoming community for all students, faculty, and staff. Learn more about our department at https://integrativebiology.wisc.edu/.

In this role, you will:

• Manage all aspects of the Integrative Biology and Freshwater & Marine Sciences MS and PhD programs

• Advise undergraduate Zoology majors, providing holistic, student-centered support

• Guide students on course selection, major declaration, research opportunities, graduate school planning, and career development

• Organize graduate recruitment events and meet with prospective students

• Provide academic support, including problem-solving, crisis intervention, and referrals to campus resources

• Advise graduate students on enrollment, deadlines, and departmental policies

• Track student progress and milestones (e.g., exams, annual reports, certifications)

• Coordinate graduate school warrants and confirm fulfillment of degree requirements

• Maintain graduate student handbooks and update policy materials as needed

• Represent our undergraduate and graduate programs at campus and external events

We welcome applicants who are student-focused, equity-minded, and committed to building academic environments filled with opportunity. This position is ideal for someone who thrives in a collaborative setting and values innovation in student services.

This position usually works in-person on campus yet is eligible for up to two remote day per week after onboarding and training are complete.

• Oversees staff and/or graduate program functions

• Manages graduate student funding including, but not limited to, fellowships, scholarships, training grants, or assistantships from department, university, and/or outside sponsors. May prepare and/or submit funding proposals

• Serves as the expert resource for applicants, current students, faculty, staff, and other stakeholders of an academic program

• Maintains compliance with graduate program(s), school/college, and university requirements and technology systems related to admissions, assessment, academic degree progress/requirements, and program review. Makes policy and procedure recommendations and/or changes

• Manages the response, support, and advocacy for graduate students while continuously improving the student experience and overall graduate program

• Oversees programming, services, and events to promote professional development and academic success

• Provides comprehensive advising services promoting graduate student success, retention, and degree completion. Advises on programs, graduate education, and university policies, processes, and procedures. Monitors degree progress and assists students in navigating resources and systems throughout the student lifecycle from matriculation to degree completion

Letters & Science/Integrative Biology

The typical starting salary for this position is $63,000 - $80,000 depending on qualifications and experience. Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays and paid time off; competitive insurance and saving accounts; and retirement benefits.

• Excellent interpersonal, written, oral, and presentation skills

• Superior problem-solving skills, ability to work independently and collaboratively

• A minimum of 2 years of professional experience working with undergraduate and/or graduate student programs in a higher education setting

• Information technology proficiency in database software, Microsoft Office products, GoogleSuite and Student Information System (SIS) database or similar

• Experience with web page build and maintenance

Master's degree (counseling, higher education, biology, or a related field) is required

We are eager to learn about how your experience and passion may align with this position. You will be asked to upload a resume and cover letter as a part of the application process. Your cover letter and resume should address how your skills, knowledge, and abilities are transferable to this role. Additional materials submitted other than your cover letter and resume will not be considered.

Selected applicants will receive an invitation to participate in virtual interviews 10-15 business days following the application deadline. There will be a second round of interviews. Once finalists are identified, they will be asked to provide names and contact information for at least three professional references, including a current/former supervisor. References will not be contacted without advanced notice.

Additional Information:

University sponsorship is not available for this position, including transfers of sponsorship. The selected applicant will be responsible for ensuring their continuous eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of an employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment.

For questions on the position, contact: Nazan Gillie, atilla@wisc.edu, 608-262-2741

Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.

For more information on diversity and inclusion on campus, please visit: Diversity and Inclusion

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence by acknowledging skills and expertise from all backgrounds and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and to view federal and state required postings, click here.

To request a disability or pregnancy-related accommodation for any step in the hiring process (e.g., application, interview, pre-employment testing, etc.), please contact the Divisional Disability Representative (DDR) in the division you are applying to. Please make your request as soon as possible to help the university respond most effectively to you.