The posting
Job Description
The College of the Environment (CoEnv) Office of the Dean has an outstanding opportunity for a Graduate Student and Postdoc Services (GSPS) Specialist to join their team.
About this Opportunity
Reporting to the Director of Student and Academic Services, the Graduate Student and Postdoc Services (GSPS) Specialist is responsible for leading the development, coordination, and strategic improvement of college-wide programs and services supporting graduate students and postdoctoral scholars.
The position's primary priorities include expanding professional and career development opportunities, strengthening collaboration with unit-based Graduate Program Assistants (GPAs) and Graduate Program Coordinators (GPCs) to coordinate graduate student services, and fostering a connected graduate student and postdoctoral scholar community across the college. Additional responsibilities include coordinating centrally delivered programming, partnering with grant-funded programs supporting professional development for graduate students and postdocs, maintaining web and social media resources, and working with faculty, staff, and college leadership to identify emerging needs and improve services.
Key Responsibilities
(60%) Implement and innovate college-wide graduate student and postdoctoral scholar programming, cooperative initiatives, and coordinated services. This area would include, but not be limited to:
- Serve as a liaison to various student leadership groups and work to provide College support to student-led initiatives and programming.
- Maintain a current graduate webpage, and social media aimed at graduate students. Maintain a current postdoc webpage.
- Work closely with Associate Dean and GPCs to develop and refine policies to support graduate education within the College, including working closely with the Graduate School to facilitate policy changes. Work with unit GPAs to plan and implement college-wide graduate student efforts and events, such as prospective student information sessions and new student orientation events.
- Facilitate and support a vibrant community of postdoctoral scholars across the College. Serve as liaison to the National Postdoc Association and its committees.
- Manage the annual graduate student scholarships and research awards, and the College travel and meeting fund, including proposal solicitation, review process, and fund allocation.
- Manage appointments for Academic Student Employees appointed by the Dean’s Office to support interdisciplinary (C ENV) teaching efforts (TA) and interdisciplinary research efforts (RA). Assist with curriculum support for a small number of C ENV courses.
- As needed, represent the college’s graduate programs at national professional conferences.
(40%) Implement and innovate professional networking and career development initiatives, events, and resources. This area would include, but not be limited to:
- Organize and manage professional development, networking, and career services programming and resources for graduate students and postdocs at a minimum of one event quarterly for each audience during the academic year.
- Partner with grant-funded programs and campus-wide programs focused on graduate student and postdoc career development.
- Work with Career Services Specialist to maintain an alumni database of graduate and postdoctoral alumni. Maintain updated graduate and postdoc career outcomes data on webpages.
As with all members of the Academic Affairs team and Dean’s Office, the GSPS Specialist also contributes to “all hands-on deck” type projects and events and will perform other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.
Minimum Qualifications
A Master’s degree in a STEM-related or environment-focused field and/or 2 or more years of experience with:
- Providing student services, professional development, or career support to graduate students and/or postdoctoral scholars.
- Collaborating with university faculty and academic leadership to support programs and initiatives.
- Planning, coordinating, and managing events and programs.
- Collecting, analyzing, and reporting quantitative data using advanced Excel functions and database systems.
- Developing and maintaining tracking systems to monitor student trends, evaluate program effectiveness, and support data-informed decision-making.
Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Manager.
Additional Qualifications
- Strong project management skills, including experience coordinating cross-functional teams, committees, and university-wide initiatives.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and communicate with a broad range of stakeholders within and outside the university.
- Highly motivated and self-directed, with strong organizational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing needs in a fast-paced environment.
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with others, taking on both leadership and supporting roles as needed.
- Strong written and verbal communication, interpersonal, presentation, and social media skills.
Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Manager.
Preferred Qualifications
- PhD and/or postdoctoral experience in a STEM-related or environment-focused field.
- Education and/or professional experience in higher education administration, student services, or academic counseling.
- Knowledge of university administrative structures, policies, and processes, particularly within a large, complex institution.
- Demonstrated ability to independently plan, coordinate, and manage projects and events from development through completion.
Working Conditions
- Hybrid (telework 1 day or less per week)
- Willingness and ability to work occasional evenings and weekends and travel as needed.
Application Requirement
- Cover letter required. Your letter should outline your interest in the position and how your skills and experiences align with the position description.
About the Team
The Academic Affairs (AA) team within the College of the Environment Office of the Dean manages programs, initiatives, and events that serve hundreds of students, postdocs, and faculty across nine degree-granting units. The cross-college scope of the AA team affords opportunities to collaborate with departments and schools within the college and with key campus partners to leverage capacity and resources for highest impact. The AA team focuses on supporting the college’s academic units in delivering excellent courses, programs, degrees, and professional development; in recruiting and retaining a diverse pool of academically outstanding students; and in supporting excellence in teaching across the faculty.
Compensation, Benefits and Position Details
Pay Range Minimum:
$70,908.00 annual
Pay Range Maximum:
$106,356.00 annual
Other Compensation:
-
Benefits:
For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/
Shift:
First Shift (United States of America)
Temporary or Regular?
This is a regular position
FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):
100.00%
Union/Bargaining Unit:
Not Applicable
About the UW
Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.
UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.
Our Commitment
The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.
To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [email protected].
Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.
