GISPP Graduate Program Manager

The UW Madison Geographic Information Science Professional Programs (GISPP) is looking for a Graduate Program Manager who is highly organized, communicates effectively, and is 100% committed to collaboratively building a world class, student-centered professional degree and certificate program in Cartography and GIS. The Graduate Program Manager supports graduate degree and certificate programs in the GISPP, advises GISPP students, advances professional development opportunities, oversees budgeting, provides input into strategic planning, participates in program assessment, and contributes to departmental and campus governance.

Additional Information:

Launched in 2016, GISPP encapsulates the Department of Geography’s non-thesis design and technology graduate degrees and certificates in Cartography and GIS. GISPP offers a comprehensive suite of graduate programs designed to empower students with cutting-edge GIS, mapping, and spatial programming technologies, fostering proficiency in the realms of big geospatial data and full-stack software development. Our programs cater to a diverse range of audiences, meeting the needs of both novice GIS enthusiasts and experienced professionals seeking advanced training. With a tailored degree to suit every individual need, GISPP stands as the ideal choice for those seeking excellence in Cartography and GIS education. Over 200 students have graduated from our program since its launch. Notably, GISPP offers two named options within the Master’s of Science in Cartography and GIS degree, including:
– Online Master’s in GIS Development emphasizing GIS development and web map programming
– On-campus Accelerated / Non-Thesis Master’s, allowing students to complete our resident Cartography and GIS courses in just one year

In addition, we also offer two, three-course online certificates in GIS fundamentals and advanced GIS topics:
– Online GIS Fundamentals Capstone Certificate providing the platform for beginners starting their GIS journey
– Online Advanced GIS Capstone Certificate offering proficient GIS practitioners the conceptual and methodological knowledge of advanced GIS technology

As the GISPP Graduate Program Manager, you will play a critical role in implementing and overseeing comprehensive program management and academic advising for both degree and certificate programs. Key responsibilities include administering student admissions and onboarding, monitoring progress towards degree completion, tracking course enrollment and evaluation, assessing and reporting on program outcomes, and developing budgets. The successful candidate will have the experience, skills, and enthusiasm needed to directly manage all operational aspects of an innovative and dynamic professional academic degree portfolio. The ideal candidate will have broad knowledge in cartography and GIS and experience working with a diverse, professional-oriented student audience.

– Manage and enhance all aspects of GISPP’s daily operations.
– Oversee financial planning and program budget priorities.
– Advise the next generation of experts and leaders in the geospatial industry.
– Contribute to developing a strategic vision for program growth and evaluation.
– Work closely with students, staff, faculty, and University leadership to help foster a world-renowned professional-oriented graduate program in Cartography and GIS.
– Play a vital role in building a lifelong community of GIS professionals.

Responsibilities:
Manages the administrative activities of graduate degree program(s) and/or certificate(s). Performs activities which may include: recruitment, admissions, new student orientation, academic advising, monitoring of progress towards the degree, course and/or enrollment management, diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, funding, course and/or program assessment, and academic program review. May oversee staff and/or graduate program functions.

15% Serves as the expert resource for applicants, current students, faculty, staff, and other stakeholders of an academic program
10% Manages the response, support, and advocacy for graduate students while continuously improving the student experience and overall graduate program
10% Oversees programming, services, and events to promote professional development and academic success
20% 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
5% 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
15% 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
5% Oversees staff and/or graduate program functions
10% Develops and maintains GISPP budget in coordination with GISPP Director. Provides budget reports and guidance to department and/or University leadership regarding financial planning
10% Contributes to departmental and campus service and governance

Institutional Statement on Diversity:

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.

Education:

Required
Master’s Degree
We are particularly interested in candidates who possess graduate training in Business, Education, Finance, and/or Geography.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:
– You are committed to student success and empathize with the unique challenges
students may encounter during graduate studies.
– You take a systematic and documented approach to program and project management
tasks.
– You are an outstanding written and verbal communicator who is comfortable interacting
with all stakeholders across the organization.
– You have excellent skills in problem-solving, negotiation, and relationship-building.
– You can work independently and as part of a team.
– You excel at problem-solving and collaborating across culturally diverse and globally
distributed student audiences.
– You have keen interest in geospatial technologies.

Preferred Qualifications:
– You have 1-3 years of program management and/or GIS industry experience.
– Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification a plus.