Graduate Program Manager

Job Description

The Virginia Tech Academy of Data Science (ADS) seeks a highly organized student-centered Graduate Program Manager to support the Master of Science in Data Science (MSDS) degree program in this newly created role. Reporting to the Director of the Academy of Data Science the Graduate Program Manager serves as the primary administrative operational and student-facing contact for the MSDS program. The manager plays a critical role in ensuring smooth program operations exceptional student experience effective communication among stakeholders and compliance with university Graduate School and accreditation policies.

The MSDS program is an in-person program on the Blacksburg VA Campus and a low-residency program on the Greater DC Campus serving a diverse population of students including traditional graduate students early-career professionals working adults and students in accelerated (41) pathways. The manager will work closely with faculty academic advisors Graduate School staff and campus partners to support recruitment admissions enrollment progression and graduation. The Graduate Program Manager will be onsite during the initial six months of the position to ensure the most effective training in a college setting is received for the position. The role may transition to up to one day of teleworking per week at the conclusion of the initial training period.

A successful MS DS Graduate Program Manager:

Serves as the operational backbone of the MSDS program coordinating across faculty the Graduate School and university partners to support the academic recruitment and student success missions of the Academy of Data Science. Strong organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail are essential to managing the day-to-day administration of a complex multi-track graduate program.

Is a skilled communicator and relationship builder with an emphasis on service excellence. Professional written and verbal communication are essential to this position ensuring that prospective students current students and faculty receive timely accurate and welcoming support at every stage of the program lifecycle.

Understands and reinforces process integrity and compliance in a professional manner. Faculty and students will look to this role for structured guidance on program requirements policies and university systems as well as the development and documentation of processes that support a growing program.

Champions student success and community engagement by supporting outreach recruitment and yield efforts that broaden participation in graduate data science education across communities and career backgrounds.

Is energized by a dynamic and innovative environment. Flexibility and adaptability are essential as the MSDS program continues to grow and introduce new initiatives requiring creative problem-solving and a proactive approach to change.

Required Qualifications

Bachelors degree in a relevant field (education administration communications or related discipline).
Demonstrated experience in academic program coordination higher education administration or student services.
Experience working with student information systems application management systems and/or learning management systems.

Preferred Qualifications

Masters degree in a relevant field (education administration communications or related discipline).

Experience supporting graduate programs online or hybrid programs or professional masters degrees.

Familiarity with graduate admissions processes and policies.

Experience with data reporting dashboards or basic analytics to support program decision-making

We recognize that experience comes in many forms. If you meet the required qualifications and are interested in the role we encourage you to applyeven if you dont meet every preferred qualification.

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Regular

Salary Information

Starting at $68000-commensurate with experience

Hours per week

40 hours - exempt position

Review Date

04/27/2026

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its mottoUt Prosim(That I May Serve) Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world Virginia Tech is aninclusive communitydedicated to knowledge discovery and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36000 undergraduate graduate and professional students in eightundergraduate colleges aschool of medicine aveterinary medicinecollegeGraduate School andHonors College.The university has a significant presence across Virginia including Blacksburg the greater Washington D.C. area the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke sites in Newport News and Richmond and numerousExtension officesandresearch institutes.A leading global research institution Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.