Course Support Specialist

The Course Support Specialist provides high-level administrative support to faculty, students, visitors, and staff and is a key member of the Academic Departments’ Course Support team. The position highlights technology aptitude and interest, creative and flexible thinking, and a collaborative spirit with a desire to learn in an academic environment. Engagement in specialized support in Learning Management Systems, classroom and technology support, and communication of course information. Preparing courses on a quarterly basis includes all logistics associated with running a class session at the Kellogg School of Management. This includes hands-on execution and coordination in preparing and distributing course materials, arranging for appropriate classroom or online platforms for teaching, final exam logistics, researching and sourcing copy right materials and developing Canvas (LMS) sites on behalf of the faculty. Course Support Specialists are focused on supporting faculty and helping to deliver distinctive educational experiences to Kellogg students.

Specific Responsibilities:

Administration

• Manages day to day operations.
• Ensures that program/project mission, values, guidelines, policies & procedures are implemented & maintained.
• Manages design and development of program databases; compiles & analyzes data; prepares reports.
• Reviews processes and recommends changes to incorporate state-of-the-art technology as appropriate into administrative, recruitment, marketing, and educational components.
• Identifies service improvement opportunities that will better enable program/project to achieve its goals and objectives.
• Acts as liaison to IT to ensure technology systems are properly installed & maintained.

Communication, Outreach & Recruitment

• Creates state-of-the-art website.
• Incorporates social media and networking into program/project aspects as appropriate.
• Strengthens partnerships with external resources by defining, promoting and
• marketing benefits of participation and involvement to the organization.

Evaluation

• Observes program sessions and interacts with participants for purpose of gaining consumer insight, growing and strengthening program knowledge, and optimizing client satisfaction.
• Coordinates the collection, analysis & reporting of required information for surveys, review documents, public information documents, etc.
• Analyzes evaluation data from instructors, students, participants, etc. to assist in program/project development and updates.
• Implements corrective actions required as a result of surveys or other indicators.

Events

• Coordinates programming, educational, student, alumni, workshops, meetings, etc. including speakers, agendas, etc.
• Develops plans and arranges meetings, workshops, events, etc. designed to exchange information, promote research objectives, and to build internal and external relationships within NU.
• Ensures that event details including communication, venues, presenters, travel arrangements, materials, refreshments and technology are arranged and completed in an appropriate and timely manner.

Program Development

• Manages program/project curriculum, seminars, presentations, workshops, learning experiences, chat rooms, websites, social networking, etc. based on goals/objectives.
• Manages academic quality and continued growth and expansion.
• Identifies & obtains external expertise as needed and works with content experts for current and new programs.
• Reviews programs/projects to increase efficiencies to support growth.
• Manages speaker selection, communication, and topic development.
• Leads program/project updates and improvements.

Regulatory Compliance

• Ensures compliance with all necessary organizations.
• Prepares documentation as required.
• Interfaces with accreditation bodies.
• Acts as the regulatory and compliance officer.

Strategic Planning

• Administers & maintains existing strategic plans.
• Participates with area/unit senior staff in the conceptualization, development and presentation of materials used in functional operations.

Student Support

• Completes program/project logistical details such as scheduling, curriculum, facilities, technology, registration, enrollment, audits, etc.
• Advises students regarding admissions, academic, career and development matters.
• Reads & evaluates admissions files and participates in candidate selection.
• Interviews and screens applicants.
• Implements strategy regarding structure, process, & staff support of students in compliance with NU policy.
• Resolves administrative issues (RAS forms, stipends, monitors fellowships, etc.)
• Organizes new student activities.
• Tracks data entry of grades into CAESAR, assuring faculty completes process by deadline.

Supervision

• Supervises 1-2 staff &/or provides work direction.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications: (Education, experience, and any other certifications or clearances)

• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor’s or higher degree; OR appropriate combination of education and experience.
• 1 year program/project administration or other relevant experience.

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook email, PowerPoint and database software programs.
• High level customer service and client relationship management
• Outstanding organization, time management and communication skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Comfortable working in a team environment.

Preferred Qualifications: (Education and experience)

• Experience in instructional design may be helpful

Target hiring range for this position will be between $54,000 – $65,000 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life’s challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you’re interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

About Organization

Northwestern is one of the nation’s premier research universities, combining innovative teaching and pioneering research in a highly collaborative, multidisciplinary, and diverse environment. Northwestern provides both students and faculty exceptional opportunities for intellectual, personal, and professional growth in beautiful settings, with two campuses located on Lake Michigan: a 240-acre campus in Evanston, minutes north of Chicago, and a 25-acre campus in downtown Chicago. A third campus in Doha, Qatar was founded in 2008.Northwestern is one of the nation’s premier research universities, combining innovative teaching and pioneering research in a highly collaborative, multidisciplinary, and diverse environment. Northwestern provides both students and faculty exceptional opportunities for intellectual, personal, and professional growth in beautiful settings, with two campuses located on Lake Michigan: a 240-acre campus in Evanston, minutes north of Chicago, and a 25-acre campus in downtown Chicago. A third campus in Doha, Qatar was founded in 2008.