Academic Program Manager

The Department of Music seeks an experienced professional to serve as the Department’s Academic Program Manager (APM), managing and executing the daily operations of academic administration for the Graduate and Undergraduate programs in Music, and working closely with faculty, students, and department leadership to continually strengthen both programs and develop a culture of inclusivity and belonging. This role works closely with other central administrative units including the Office of the Registrar, Office of the Dean of the College, and the Graduate School to ensure that the programs are running efficiently and in compliance with university policies which continually evolve. A successful APM will be proactive about identifying, raising, and helping solve problems while also recognizing and seizing opportunities for improvement and/or efficiency as they arise.

The APM performs several management and administrative functions; efficiently facilitates University and department policies, procedures, and financial decisions; monitors and accurately tracks the Department’s undergraduate and graduate students’ progress ensuring that they meet departmental and University requirements, degree milestones, and timelines; maintains accurate records of students and course information; serves as primary liaison with alumni from both programs, keeping them consistently engaged with the Department; and provides constituents with a superior level of customer service and a deep commitment to transparency, equity, inclusion and belonging.

ADMINISTRATION & COMPLIANCE

• Manage and execute all administrative aspects of the Graduate and Undergraduate Programs. Serve as the primary contact for students and faculty for all academic functions. Continually assess and improve administrative processes to ensure maximum accuracy and efficiency. Coordinate and foster effective communication, context-setting and decision-making between faculty, students, staff, and other central departments and offices.
• Ensure that the Department’s academic programs are always in compliance with university policies, processes and procedures which can evolve quickly and change with minimal notice.
• Adapt to changing policies, anticipate challenges and proactively find solutions while advocating for the department’s curricular priorities.
• Manage department participation in university and degree program-specific graduate and undergraduate admissions processes.
• Plan, coordinate, and execute administrative aspects of multiple Study Abroad programs, ensuring students’ academic success while maintaining compliance.

ACADEMIC AND PERFORMANCE PROGRAM PLANNING & EXECUTION

• Manage & implement the department’s complex course planning process each semester, includes organizing and tracking all course requests as part of a multi-year planning cycle, managing requests for funding, equipment, technology, instruments, performances, etc.
• Manage degree progress and milestone tracking progress for all undergrad and grad programs including planning, implementation and governance in compliance with department curriculum and university policies and procedures.
• Manage aspects of performance program administration as assigned by APM supervisor including managing the master class series, studio lesson assignments, student surveys, etc.
• Manage all logistics and related expenses for the Graduate Colloquia series, including oversight of budget and publicity.
• Advise students on and track departmental course and independent work requirements; track use of research funds and other program-driven expenses; assist with management of graduate student funding sources.

RECRUITMENT, OUTREACH, AND ENGAGEMENT

• Lead the department’s recruitment initiatives to attract enrollment in both department courses as well as undergrad major (MUS), minors (MUS & MPP), and graduate Ph.D programs, including campus visits, promotional materials, content ideas and execution for website and social channels, running meetings and open houses, etc. Proactively create and run outreach activities to the undergrad and grad populations to help raise interest in the music department across campus.
• Actively seek opportunities to strengthen and improve administrative processes as well as the overall culture within both programs, building relationships and applying best practices.
• Update and maintain academic and performance program-focused pages of department website in consultation with faculty leaders and key staff.
• Oversee alumni network of all music degree programs, keeping alumni informed of current activities in department and consistently inviting alumni to engage with the department in multiple ways.
• Manage undergraduate-focused events throughout the year, including Academic Expo, Sophomore Open House, Princeton Preview, student thesis presentations, and Class Day, developing and overseeing budgets for these events.

• Bachelors degree or equivalent
• 3+ years work experience
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills; high attention to detail partnered with the ability to think and execute strategically
• Highly effective organizational and project management skills, including the ability to creatively problem solve and reprioritize to adapt to changing environments and shifting priorities
• Ability to exercise good judgment, maintain confidentiality, and handle sensitive information discreetly
• Very strong oral and written communication skills, with superior interpersonal skills
• A desire to work with students and faculty
• Demonstrated ability to gather, analyze, interpret, and present data for varying groups and purposes
• Willingness & ability to foster positive working relationships across department and help build community
• High level of competency, or demonstrated capacity to achieve competency, with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, TeamUp, ArtsVistion, EMS, Zoom, LucidCharts, and ability to adapt to and incorporate changing software and interfaces.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. 

The University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's qualifications, work experience, education/training, key skills, market, collective bargaining agreements as applicable, and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The posted salary range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate for a full-time position; salaries for part-time positions are pro-rated accordingly.

If the salary range on the posted position shows an hourly rate, this is the baseline; the actual hourly rate may be higher, depending on the position and factors listed above.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. Please see this link for more information.