Associate Director of PhD Programs

About the Opportunity

Summary

The Associate Director of PhD Programs will be both a strategic and operational leader: partnering with the Associate Dean of PhD Programs and Graduate Affairs to grow the College of Science’s PhD programs, including working collaboratively with departments to implement new Combined PhDs.  Specifically, the Associate Director will oversee and continue to implement and further develop the Connected Science Community PhD within the College of Science, while promoting diversity, equity and inclusion of all students.  The Connected Science Community PhD program in which PhD students are trained for the multitude of jobs available to them after graduation. It embraces all PhD programs in COS, including the cross-disciplinary Combined PhDs.  A successful Associate Director will provide support to all the PhD students in the College of Science with a particular strategic focus on ensuring growth and success of the Connected Science Community PhD.  The Associate Director will be expected to plan and execute PhD student enrichment activities, inform College leadership on program trends through data analytics, and lead the strategic evolution of the Connected suite of PhD programs in the College.

Responsibilities

Management and Organization of PhD Programs:

In collaboration with home departments, manages the administrative aspects of PhD program operations, in particular the Connected Science Community PhD, for COS, in Boston and throughout the Northeastern University global network. Works with the COS departments to promote and include the new Combined PhD programs as part of the Connected Science Community.

Student Affairs:

Working collaboratively with academic departments, Associate Deans, and the Dean, the Associate Director will develop and administer academic programming for the Connected Science Community PhD Program.  Oversee an offering of skill-based credentials to PhD students as well as provide academic support to the cohorts of students in the Connected Science PhD programming such as organizing sharing seminars and other activities. Helps with graduation celebrations for the Connected Science Community PhD student cohorts.  Works closely with the Associate Director of PhD Student Services to ensure the well-being of all COS PhD students throughout their journeys at Northeastern.

Recruitment and Enrollment Management:

Work with the Dean, Associate Dean for PhD Programs and Graduate Affairs, and department leadership to recruit students to the Connected Science Community PhD, and coordinate with department leadership and other relevant University partners on efforts to advertise, recruit, enroll, and retain the highest number of top-quality PhD students possible for College of Science programs. With guidance from the Dean/Associate Dean(s), design and implement recruitment plans for domestic and global initiatives. Working with institutional and College resources, provide enrollment trends & analysis and recommendations on enrollment strategies to be implemented.

Program Development:

Working closely with the Associate Dean for PhD Programs and Graduate Affairs, the Associate Director is expected to coordinate and at times lead efforts to create new PhD credentials, expand existing offerings, or develop strategies to ensure the College has relevant offerings to prospective PhD students.

Graduate Programs Data Analysis and Insight:

Working with the Associate Director of PhD Student Services, the Associate Director of PhD programs will closely monitor recruitment progress, enrollments, course hours, and other key metrics for College of Science graduate programs. The Associate Director will use this data and analysis to guide their own decision making, but also provide it upon request to Associate Deans and/or the Dean.

Qualifications

• PhD degree required, minimum of a year of postdoctoral or similar research / professional experience strongly preferred.

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and managerial skills required.

• Experience in a University setting with student affairs, admissions, and faculty relations required; preferably at PhD granting / research level institution.

Position Type

Academic Administration

Additional Information

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.  

Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation. Visit https://hr.northea