Who we are

Founded in 1824, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) is the first technological research university in the United States. We bring creativity, science, and technology together to address society's greatest challenges. We cultivate exceptional problem-solvers by immersing them in a culture of rigorous inquiry, disciplined practice, and hands-on application. Our strategic plan, RPI Forward, charts a pioneering course for the next era of RPI. Explore the RPI Forward plan. ↗︎

Nestled on a beautiful 275-acre campus in upstate NY, RPI is home to five schools, 32 research centers, three makerspaces, an observatory, one of the world’s fastest supercomputers, and the IBM Quantum System One - the first university-based quantum computer in the world. 

With top notch employee health and retirement benefits, Rensselaer offers its full-time employees a generous paid time off program, tuition remission, and opportunities for career growth. 

Job Summary

The Sr. Student Services Administrator works with the Graduate Program Director in Biomedical Engineering to manage all phases of the graduate student recruitment/admission process and the graduate student financial aid process for new and continuing students. This role works with prospective and current graduate students in order to recruit, retain, and advise students. The position also assists in all areas of the Office of Graduate Program, for the Department of Biomedical Engineering, and also interprets, communicates, and implements policies and procedures related to graduate student academic requirements.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field

• Two or more years of experience in academic advising, student services, student affairs, career development, or a related 

A relevant combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a higher education environment 

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated proficiency with online degree audit and tracking systems (e.g., Degree Works)

• Exceptional interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and effectively influence a culturally diverse population across all levels of the Institute

• Ability to foster a welcoming and inclusive environment for students from diverse backgrounds

• Strong ability to multitask, work under pressure, manage frequent interruptions, and meet deadlines

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite applications

• Excellent organizational and time management skills, with strong attention to accuracy and detail in a complex environment

• Ability to work independently while also contributing effectively to a team

• Proven ability to perform effectively under pressure and achieve established goals and objectives

• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to anticipate and resolve issues

• Self-starter with the ability to initiate and manage projects

• Demonstrated ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality and apply FERPA regulations appropriately

Representative Job Duties

• Maintain thorough knowledge of degree requirements in order to advise graduate and co-terminal students in plans of study and facilitate progress towards degree completion. Establish the framework and provide support for students to make informed academic decisions. Advise and track students on academic progress, requirements, and completion of milestones. Review, edit, and process forms completed by graduate students, including but not limited to Doctoral Student Yearly Review and Plan of Study.

• Work with the Department’s Graduate Program Director (GPD) to develop and implement effective graduate student recruitment strategies and to enhance our program visibility with the goal to attract high quality US and international applicants for our graduate programs.

• Serve as point of contact for undergraduate and graduate students for information about and application to the co-terminal program, and application through to degree completion including support services, financial aid, and records maintenance. Process applications and work with Graduate Education personnel to get applications approved; collaborate with key staff and faculty to integrate undergraduate and graduate student needs in response to increasing numbers of co-terminal BS/MS students.

• Work with Graduate Admissions and the School of Engineering to market the graduate programs via departmental publications, recruiting visits to relevant conferences and schools; establish and maintain relationships with alumni of the department’s programs and with key universities. Represent the departments at Institute academic recruitment events (Medalist Day, Discovery Day, Accepted Students Day, etc.).

• Collect and advertise graduate fellowship opportunities, organize fellowship application workshops, and support graduate students and their advisors, as well as relevant faculty in the department, with the graduate fellowship applications process.

• Assist the GPD in the preparation of materials and manage incoming application flow during the development and implementation of new graduate and certification programs for graduate students.

• Support the organization of the annual graduate student symposium, including soliciting submissions from graduate students, working with graduate committee on review of the submissions, and organizing and coordinating the schedule, the event, and prizes for award winners.

• Prepare statistical reports and complete graduate student surveys for organizations such as NSF and others. Obtain and maintain paperwork and records for accreditation purposes (e.g. ABET / Middle States). Follow up with faculty to ensure ABET criteria is met. Maintain required course binders.

• Update content of department publications and department and graduate program website and social media outlets pertaining to graduate/undergraduate students and programs. Develop new relevant content as needed (e.g., for recruiting and retaining students, presenting new graduate programs).

• Other related duties as assigned.

Shift

Business Hours: Monday - Friday

Starting Salary/Rate

Expected hiring range: $62,400 - $65,500

Pay transparency disclosure: The selected candidate’s salary will be determined based on factors that include the available budget, internal equity, and the final candidate’s qualifications, experience, education and other job-related credentials. This hiring range is provided as Rensselaer’s good faith estimate of the expected hiring range at the time of posting.

Application instructions

Follow the on-screen prompts to create a brief online profile. Please be ready to upload your resume and cover letter.

If you need assistance with the online application process, please contact careers@rpi.edu.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Total Compensation and Benefits Information

Rensselaer’s Total Compensation Program is designed to provide stable pay growth, a comprehensive and affordable benefits package, and a comprehensive and affordable retiree medical and prescription plan. Our goal is to provide you and your family with a comprehensive health and welfare program as an umbrella of financial security and protection during your employment. For more information, please visit Benefits | Human Resources (rpi.edu).