Job Details

Graduate Program Specialist, Office of Graduate Studies

Position Number: 6809157
Location: Golden, CO
Position Type: Admissions/Enrollment

Graduate Program Specialist, Office of Graduate Studies

Posting Number: JR107967
Location: Colorado

Engineering a world of possibilities
The Office of Graduate Studies at Colorado School of Mines is hiring for a Graduate Program Specialist. The Graduate Program Specialist (GPS) is a highly visible professional within the Office of Graduate Studies (OGS) who plays a critical role in supporting graduate student recruitment, enrollment management, and academic success.
This position is responsible for increasing awareness of Mines's graduate programs, quality & quantity of applications, and enrollment of graduate students across all residential and online degree programs.

The specialist will also manage admissions processes and advising duties for specified graduate degree programs. The Graduate Program Specialist will support prospective and current graduate students throughout their academic journey.

Responsibilities:

The Graduate Program Specialist must operate with a high degree of independence in decision-making and function to allow for timely, and often individualized, attention and service to prospective and current graduate students.

Graduate Student Advising and Support (40%)

Serve as a primary point of contact for graduate students throughout their program, ensuring a smooth experience from admission through graduation.
Advise graduate students (Certificate, Master's and PhD) on degree requirements, departmental and Mines policies, progress milestones, and critical deadlines.
In collaboration with research/academic advisors as appropriate, guide students through all applicable steps of their programs, including but not limited to advanced coursework completion, thesis/dissertation processes, and graduation requirements.
Counsel students on policies, rules, timelines, and available resources (e.g., financial aid, housing, billing, enrollment verification).
Advocate on behalf of students and process forms, including petitions, special actions, grade changes, degree paperwork, and contracts for funding as applicable.
Maintain accurate graduate student records, track academic progress, and generate reports as needed or required.
Monitor enrollment each semester and work with the Registrar to resolve registration or similar issues.
Ensure students receive timely and accurate information regarding academic opportunities, policies, and professional development.
Develop and utilize comprehensive knowledge of the Mines Graduate Catalog, OGS policies, departmental guidelines, and related procedures in order to effectively support graduate student degree completion. Responsibilities include but are not limited to providing guidance on graduate certificates, 4+1 Combined Degree programs, professional and coursework-based Master's programs, and online graduate offerings.
Maintain organized electronic records and databases for student files, surveys, and program operations.

Graduate Student recruitment and admissions (50%)

Work with graduate departments/programs and partner offices/organizations both on- and off-campus to design and implement effective recruitment campaigns.
Build and maintain relationships with feeder institutions, faculty, and companies to expand applicant pipelines.
Lead recruitment & outreach events on and off campus, including graduate fairs, university visits, conferences, and corporate outreach; significant overnight travel may be required.
Collaborate with Marketing and Communications to develop web content and digital recruitment materials.
Serve as first point of contact for prospective graduate students, providing program-specific and admissions information.
Host information sessions, online webinars, and in-person/virtual meetings with prospective students.
Develop and implement admissions processes to meet departmental/program needs, including systems to analyze applicant pool data.
Read and make decisions on Certificate and Master's Non-Thesis applications based on Department-provided guidance.
Support the faculty admissions committee and graduate director in reviewing applications, tracking files, and addressing process issues.
Collaborate with campus offices including but not limited to Department/IGP leadership, CASA, ISSS, the Registrar, Financial Aid, and the Bursar's Office to ensure alignment of recruitment and admissions efforts, in addition to support of enrolled students.
Partner with Graduate Program Specialists/Managers to share best practices and coordinate with the OGS on budgetary needs to effectively support the recruitment plan.

Assessment & Continuous Improvement (5%)

Collect, interpret, and report data on admissions, enrollment, and graduate student demographics to evaluate program effectiveness.
Conduct both qualitative and quantitative assessments of advising, admissions, and recruitment.
Propose and implement improvements to enhance recruiting yield, advising quality, and student experience.
Stay current with best practices by collaborating with other GPS/Managers, faculty advisors, department/program directors, and OGS leadership.
Generate and compile reports on enrollment, student data, and departmental metrics.
Recommend process improvements based on data analysis, student outcomes, and program needs.

Other Duties as Assigned (5%)

Perform additional responsibilities as assigned to support the success of students, OGS, and Mines.

Minimum Qualifications:

Minimal Level of Education and Experience:

A bachelor's degree in business, communication, counseling education, engineering, science, or related field.
2+ years of experience in recruiting and/or formal advising of professionals and/or college students, or experience in a professional customer service and/or sales environment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities and Other Attributes (KSAOs):

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal
Ability to interpret and apply academic policies and regulations
Strong organizational and time management skills with attention to detail
Demonstrated ability to work independently and make decisions with minimal supervision
Ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders
Capability to travel overnight as required for recruitment activities
Proficiency in a variety of communication platforms (phone, Zoom, Teams, webinar software)
Strong analytical skills for data analysis and reporting
Ability to adapt communication style to various audiences and situations
Commitment to supporting student success and retention

Preferred Qualifications:

Desired level of Education and Experience:

A Master's degree in business, communication, education, engineering, science, or related field.
3+ years of professional experience in higher education, student services, or related field
Experience in academic advising, student success programming, or enrollment management
Demonstrated experience working with graduate students or adult learners

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities and Other Attributes (KSAOs):

Strong knowledge of graduate education processes, policies, and procedures
Proficiency in student information systems and CRM platforms
Experience with currently used software including Slate, Workday, OnBase
Experience with STEM graduate programs or technical fields
Previous recruitment or admissions experience in higher education
Knowledge of Colorado School of Mines programs and culture

About Mines & Golden, CO

When the world looks for answers, the world looks to Mines.

Colorado School of Mines is a top-ranked public university solving the grand challenges facing our society, particularly those related to the Earth, energy and the environment. Founded in 1874 with specialties in mining and metallurgy, Mines' scope and mission have continually expanded to meet the needs of industry and society. Today, we are the No. 38 public university in the nation, recognized for our innovation and undergraduate teaching in science, technology engineering and math (U.S. News and World Report, 2023).

Mines graduates are change makers, boundary breakers and problem solvers. Since our earliest days, a Mines education has been and continues to be a transformational opportunity, with one of the strongest returns on investment out there for talented STEM students of all backgrounds.

At the same time, Mines faculty members are pushing their fields in new directions, whether that's manufacturing, space resources, quantum engineering, carbon capture or more. Mines was recently classified as a R1 "Very High Activity" research institution by Carnegie, a notable feat for any university but particularly one of our size.

Are you looking for an inspiring, mission-driven workplace where you can contribute to solving the world's problems and educating the next generation of change makers? Are you an individual who values a diverse community, where our different perspectives, experiences and cultures enrich the educational and work experience?

Look to Mines.

Equal Opportunity

Through its policies, procedures and resources, Mines complies with federal law, Colorado state law, administrative regulations, executive orders and other legal requirements to prevent discrimination (including harassment or retaliation) within the Mines campus community and to address potential allegations of inequity or concerns for safety.

Annual Rate

$62,000 - $67,000

Mines takes into consideration a combination of candidate's education, training and experience as well as the position's scope and complexity, the discretion and latitude required in the role, work location, and external market and internal value when determining a salary level for potential new employees.

In addition to the amazing benefits mentioned below, Mines continues to show its dedication to its employees by offering an 11% employee contribution through our Mines Defined Contribution Plan and an incredible 12% employer contribution with immediate 100% vesting for our University Staff positions!

Colorado School of Mines offers a robust portfolio of benefits for all employees.

For this role, that includes:

Flexible health and dental care options

Generous sick/vacation time: 13 paid holidays per year - including a week-long winter break for entire campus

Fully vested retirement plan on first day of employment, with generous employer contribution

Tuition benefits (6 credits per year for employees, 50 percent discount for dependents)

Free RTD Ecopass

All Mines employees also have access to discount programs through the State of Colorado and free tickets for Mines Athletics home games, as well as access to the state-of-the-art Recreation Center (fitness classes and training, swimming pool and more) and equipment rentals through the Outdoor Rec Center. We are proud to have recently opened an on campus daycare center. For more details about benefits at Mines, visit mines.edu/human-resources/benefits.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should apply online as soon as possible but before Monday, January 12, 2026. Applications submitted after this date, may or may not be considered. Applicants will be asked to complete an online application and upload a resume. References will not be collected or contacted until later in the selection process and the candidate will be informed before that contact is made.

Contact Dorie Gelber, Human Resources, at dorie.gelber@mines.edu with any questions about this opportunity.

Background Investigation Required Prior to Start

Accommodations - It is the intent of Mines to comply with the applicable requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008, and their implementation rules and regulations, in support of equal opportunities for qualified applicants with disabilities to promote diversity and inclusion at Mines. To meet this goal, Mines will make reasonable accommodations during the employment selection process and within our working environment.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on our site as a result of your disability. You can request a reasonable accommodation by contacting our Human Resources team at hr@mines.edu or 303.273.3250 for assistance.

Colorado's premier engineering and applied science university for 150 years and counting

Apply online at https://mines.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/Mines_Careers/job/Colorado/Graduate-Program-Specialist--Office-of-Graduate-Studies_JR107967