The Grad Programs & Student Success Coordinator supports the coordination and administration of graduate programs within the College of Communication and Information. This role serves as a primary point of contact for graduate students, supporting academic progression from enrollment through graduation while ensuring adherence to institutional policies and procedures. The coordinator oversees day-to-day operations for the residential CCI MS and PhD programs, including monitoring student progress, maintaining admissions and enrollment processes, coordinating communications, and supporting assessment, accreditation, and program review reporting. The position also contributes to student recruitment and engagement by assisting prospective students, supporting outreach initiatives, and coordinating recruitment events and graduate student programming. The coordinator works collaboratively with the Director of College-Wide Graduate Programs, the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Student Success, and the Director of Student Recruitment and Engagement to support program initiatives and student success efforts, while exercising independent judgment in managing priorities and coordinating processes.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree

• 2 years of full or part-time experience in an office or academic setting, including experience managing projects, programs, or complex operational processes.

• Interpersonal and communication skills.

• Ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituents in a diverse community.

• Ability to use tact and discretion when dealing with a variety of confidential issues.

• Customer service skills.

• Ability to gather data, compile information, and prepare reports.

• Knowledge of related procedures and systems.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office 365 and experience with financial and student information systems.

• Ability to multitask.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 2+ years of professional or customer service experience in higher education or an academic setting.

• Proficient in Banner, Argos, Data Central, Slate, DASH.

Work Location: On site in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Compensation and Benefits: The anticipated starting salary for this position is $43,000 to $50,000 depending on the selected candidate’s experience, qualifications, and suitability.

Application Process: The anticipated start date for this position is as soon as May 18, 2026. For full consideration, applicants must provide a resume and cover letter. Finalists will be required to provide 3 professional references. All applicants must apply online to be considered for this position.

The College:

CCI is part of a Land Grant Institution embedded in communities to make those communities a better place. Our alumni, students, faculty, and staff strive to positively impact on the lives of people in our state through our teaching, scholarship, creative work, and through our engagement and service. CCI as a college is well poised to deliver upon all of those areas to become the most nationally distinctive but locally relevant College of Communication and Information in the country.

Graduate Programs Coordination and Student Support

• Serve as a primary point of contact for master’s and PhD students by providing guidance on registration, degree requirements, and academic policies; supporting course enrollment and administrative processes; and coordinating with faculty and campus partners to resolve student issues.

• Monitor and track student progress toward degree completion by reviewing student records and degree audits, identifying missing requirements, and communicating updates to students and faculty to support timely graduation.

• Maintain and improve graduate admissions processes to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and compliance with institutional policies.

• Coordinate program communications and administrative processes by preparing and submitting graduate program documentation such as enrollment forms, degree audits, and program-related reports, tracking key timelines and milestones, and providing timely updates to students, faculty, and staff to ensure accuracy and compliance.

• Communicate with enrolled students regarding registration, scholarships, program updates, and key deadlines to support engagement and program awareness.

• Support assessment, accreditation, and academic program reviews by collecting and validating data, generating reports, and organizing documentation to ensure compliance with university and accrediting standards.

• Collaborate with the Director of College-Wide Graduate Programs and the Associate Dean to implement program initiatives and support overall program operations.

Student Recruitment Support

• Collaborate with the Director of Student Recruitment and Engagement and the Associate Dean to implement recruitment and engagement initiatives aligned with college goals.

• Serve as a primary point of contact for prospective students by responding to inquiries, providing guidance on programs and admissions processes, and directing individuals to appropriate campus resources.

• Support undergraduate and graduate recruitment efforts by coordinating communications with prospective students, maintaining prospect data in Slate, and providing application guidance and follow-up.

• Train and schedule student ambassadors, prepare agendas, and monitor attendance and follow-up activities to support recruitment engagement and conversion.

Graduate Student Engagement and Event Coordination

• Coordinate and independently host recruitment events, campus tours, and graduate student programs by developing timelines, organizing logistics (space, materials, catering, and technology), preparing event agendas, and delivering programs.

• Manage event communications and registration processes, including invitations, RSVP tracking, and participant follow-up to support engagement and attendance.

• Collaborate with campus partners, faculty, and presenters to coordinate event content and participation.

• Oversee day-of event execution, including setup, check-in, troubleshooting, and breakdown to ensure successful delivery.