Academic Program Services Specialist 2

The Department of Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership (ACEL) seeks a highly organized, student-centered Undergraduate Program Manager to lead undergraduate recruitment, student engagement, and student success initiatives. This position plays a key role in attracting future students, supporting current students, and fostering a welcoming, connected community from recruitment through graduation.

Reporting to the Department Chair, the Undergraduate Program Manager serves as the primary contact for prospective students and families, coordinates departmental recruitment and student engagement activities, supports students transitioning from Ohio State ATI and regional campuses to Columbus, and manages scholarship, recognition, and student event processes.

The role works closely with faculty, academic advisors, college recruitment teams, the department's Communication and Marketing Specialist, and external stakeholders including Ohio FFA, agricultural educators, employers, and industry partners.

Key Responsibilities

Undergraduate Recruitment

• Lead departmental recruitment efforts for undergraduate majors in Agricultural Communication, Agriscience Education, and Community Leadership.
• Represent ACEL at CFAES and university recruitment events, including State and National FFA Convention, Spark Expo, FFA Camp, career fairs, and Explore Our Fields Day.
• Coordinate prospective student and family visits, including individualized experiences and event-based visits.
• Track recruitment and applicant engagement to inform outreach strategies.
• Collaborate with the Communication and Marketing Specialist to develop recruitment content and messaging.

Student Engagement, Retention, and Success

• Design and implement programs that promote student engagement, retention, and success.
• Serve as a primary departmental resource for undergraduate students.
• Support student organizations and student-focused initiatives.
• Partner with academic advisors and program leaders to connect students with campus resources and support services.

Regional Campus and Transition Support

• Support ACEL students attending Ohio State ATI, Wooster, and regional campuses.
• Coordinate transition programming that assists students moving to the Columbus campus.
• Organize faculty visits, student visits, and community-building activities across campuses.
• Collaborate with CFAES recruitment and student services teams to enhance student success and retention.

Student Events, Scholarships, and Recognition

• Plan and coordinate departmental student events, including the annual ACEL Spring Recognition Banquet.
• Manage undergraduate scholarship processes, including application administration, committee support, student notifications, and recognition activities.
• Coordinate student awards and recognition programs.
• Support donor stewardship efforts, scholarship appreciation activities, and college-wide recognition events.

Program Administration, Reporting, and Assessment

• Monitor and report enrollment and recruitment data across Columbus, Wooster, and regional campuses.
• Support departmental assessment and evaluation efforts, including surveys and data collection.
• Contribute information for annual reports, accreditation reviews, and program evaluations.
• Manage student communication channels and ensure information is timely, accurate, and aligned with university standards.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of two years of relevant experience in student recruitment, admissions, student services, academic program coordination, or related fields.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, programs, and events simultaneously.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Experience working collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
• Proficiency with standard office and communication technologies.
• Ability to travel within Ohio and work occasional evenings and weekends.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Agricultural and Extension Education, Higher Education and Student Affairs, Agricultural Communication, or a related discipline.
• Four or more years of related experience.
• Knowledge of agriculture, agricultural education, and FFA.
• Experience with CRM and student information systems such as Workday, Salesforce, Slate, or similar platforms.
• Experience coordinating scholarships, recognition programs, or student events.
• Experience supporting students across multiple campuses.
• Experience with surveys, data collection, reporting, and student communications.