Job Description

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering has an outstanding opportunity for a Lead PMP Academic Counselor (payroll title: Academic Counselor - Lead).

About this Opportunity

The Professional Master’s Program (PMP) equips students with advanced technical skills grounded in cutting‑edge research and real‑world industry practice. 

This individual serves as the lead academic adviser for PMP, Graduate Non-Matriculated (GNM), and certificate students, providing comprehensive guidance on academic planning, degree and certificate requirements, policies, and student success. This position also manages all administrative aspects of ECE GNM programs, certificates, and short courses.

The Lead PMP Academic Counselor provides a critical role in ECE Professional Programs by providing high-level program development, academic advising, and academic policy management while also maintaining day-to-day program operations and implementing the out-of-classroom experience for students in the Professional Master’s Program.

Key Responsibilities

Academic Advising 70%

• Advise degree, certificate, and non-matriculated students throughout the lifecycle of their graduate student experience, from application through enrollment and graduation to becoming program alumni. 
• Counsel and support students on readmission, reinstatement, and enrollment continuation. 
• Interpret university, college, and department policies related to academic programs and student issues for students, faculty, and staff.
• Support the development and administration of PMP academic policies to provide equity and transparency to students and maintain consistency with UW, Graduate School, and College of Engineering policies. 
• Perform regular maintenance of student records across various UW advising systems and internal tracking documents; document all advising meetings, process petitions, and administer the program’s satisfactory progress policy as needed.    
• Develop and implement events and initiatives designed to strengthen community, promote inclusion, and enhance the student experience within the PMP including quarterly social gatherings and networking opportunities.
• Participate in and support recurring annual ECE and Professional Programs events, including information sessions, orientations, alumni networking, graduation ceremonies, and capstone fairs.
• Provide support for industry engagement and career development events, assisting with event planning, logistics, communications, and student engagement.

Program Administration 20%

• Participate in the development and review of social media, website, print, and other marketing materials, helping shape program messaging.
• Maintain PMP web content and usability, ensuring accuracy of public and student-facing information and policies on the ECE website, intranet, and Canvas.
• Serve as the program lead and representative on ECE committees related to the Professional Master’s Program, including the Graduation Committee and the ECE Student Emergency Support Fund Committee.
• Manage the Professional Development Award and UW ECE Professional Integration Scholarship programs, coordinating the application and review processes and working closely with the Director on award decisions and fund disbursement.
• Perform other responsibilities as assigned by the Director of Industry and Professional Programs.   

Analysis and Strategy 5%

• Gather, analyze, and report data on trends in graduate non-matriculated and certificate applications and admissions, student demographics, academic progress, and course enrollment.
• Utilize data to make informed decisions and recommendations regarding certificate and short course admission targets, growth, course offerings, and curriculum development. 
• Survey students and recent graduates to assess needs, and summarize the results to identify areas of success and areas for increased attention.
• Communicate with the Director and PMP Graduate Program Coordinator (GPC) about student morale, emerging needs, and develop appropriate support strategies and/or new policies as needed.

Admissions and Recruiting 5%

• Lead the admissions process for the PMP graduate non-matriculated, certificate, and short course programs by coordinating the collection and distribution of application materials to the admissions committee, participating in application reviews, monitoring admissions petitions and exceptions, and communicating admissions decisions to Professional and Continuing Education and the Graduate School, as needed. 
• Collaborate with the team on PMP information sessions, admissions review processes, new student welcome sessions, and onboarding activities designed to support student recruitment, enrollment, and successful program transition.

Lead Responsibilities: The position leads academic advising and program administration for the ECE Professional Master’s Program, including graduate non-matriculated, certificate, and short-course programs. 

Supervisory responsibilities: Student Assistant(s) and or Graduate Staff Assistant

Working Environmental Conditions: This position must be able to work flexible hours as necessary due to work demands and will occasionally require in-person and/or virtual attendance at evening and weekend events and information sessions.

Required Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in education, social sciences, engineering, public administration.
• Four years of experience with student counseling, student services, recruiting, or career coaching.
• Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Manager.

Additional Qualifications

• Experience coordinating academic, alumni engagement, and/or recruitment events.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team; flexible and self-motivated. 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, used in situations requiring conflict management and an awareness of cultural differences; demonstrated experience and ability to communicate effectively with diplomacy and professionalism.
• Engaging presentation and public speaking skills.
• Self-motivated and able to use available resources to solve problems, develop new resources, and answer questions with minimal supervision.
• Excellent time-management, attention to detail, and organizational skills and the ability to work under the pressure of frequent deadlines in a fast-paced environment.  
• Proficiency with Microsoft suite and cloud-based tools.

Preferred Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience in providing student advising, student services, career advising or related experience to university students.
• Knowledge of academic development theories, adult development theory, advising and counseling processes, and learning styles. 
• Experience supporting adult learners and international students in graduate education. 
• Experience in recruiting and supporting students historically underrepresented in STEM and higher education.
• Familiarity and experience with UW admissions, registration, and UW systems such as EARS, MyGrad Program, Slate, UW Student Database, Canvas, and BI Portal.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$81,600.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum:

$89,736.00 annual

Other Compensation:

-

Benefits:

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

Shift:

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit:

Not Applicable