Academic Program Specialist

The Department of Agricultural Economics is seeking an Academic Programs Specialist (APS) who will work under the direction of the department head and undergraduate and graduate program directors to oversee the department's teaching programs. This position will provide significant administrative and programmatic support for the department's academic mission, including curriculum management and revision, program assessment, student advising, enhancement of graduate program marketing, and event coordination. The APS will serve as a point of contact for students, faculty, and prospective applicants, ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of all teaching activities. This role will provide information to students on scholarships and employment opportunities; takes a lead role in recruitment efforts; administers the department's internship program; and assists with the departmental orientation courses.

The Department of Agricultural Economics has a rich tradition of service to agriculture and related fields dating back to 1912 when the university organized the division of Agriculture and formed the Department of Farm Management, which was the forerunner for our department as it exists today. Over time, the department has developed two undergraduate majors in Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, as well as academic minors stemming from each program; a Master of Science in Agricultural Economics degree; a fully online Master of Agribusiness degree; and a Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics.

Though it is vital and central to who we are as a department, teaching is just one component of our mission. Our service to community and industry is enhanced through research, extension and outreach, giving us the opportunity to extend our knowledge and resources beyond campus boundaries through professional organizations, outreach education, and comprehensive tools and resources for producers, agribusinesses, cooperative professionals, and other agricultural entities.

This position is On-site.

All employees must reside in the United States when they begin working to comply with state law. K-State is unable to provide remote or hybrid work opportunities for residents of the state of Idaho.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Requires a high school diploma and four years of relevant experience. Valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's and/or Master's degree in College Student Development, Student Services, Agricultural Economics, or related field.
• Experience with student records, academic advising, and teaching. Experience with Kansas State University Student Information System (KSIS), Degree Auditing Reporting System (DARS), and Student Success Collaborative (SSC).
• Excellent communication skills in written and oral English.
• Strong commitment to excellence in undergraduate student advising and teaching.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail
• Ability to work collaboratively on teams as well as independently
• Experience handling student records and maintaining confidentiality
• Knowledge of FERPA regulations and best practices in academic record management

Additional Role Information:

This position serves as academic programs coordinator for the Department of Agricultural Economics, under the direction of the department head and undergraduate and graduate program directors. This role administers and applies knowledge of programs, procedures, and policies to provide efficient administrative assistance within the academic services function, ensuring all operations run smoothly and efficiently. This position collaborates and coordinates with internal departments and external partners to coordinate internship opportunities for students.

Additional duties include, but are not limited to:

• Administer and apply knowledge of programs, procedures, and policies to provide efficient administrative assistance within the academic services function, ensuring all operations run smoothly and efficiently.
• Serve as liaison with the College Academic Programs Office for implementation of academic policies and procedures.
• Work with the college to compile, update, and disseminate promotional materials used for recruitment, retention, and placement of undergraduate students.
• Actively participate in the recruitment and retention of students, including planning and attending recruitment events. (Occasional in-state or out-of-state travel will be required.
• Assist with administering the departmental internship and transfer student programs to include, assisting with teaching transfer orientation.
• Coordinate the graduate student orientation each fall and spring
• Work with the undergraduate program director and faculty on course/curriculum changes and revisions
• Assist with maintaining the departmental course catalogs
• Provide information to students and faculty regarding curriculum, scholarships and employment opportunities.
• Assist with collecting, compiling and analyzing data and prepare reports relating to student enrollment, graduation rates, and program assessment for undergraduate and graduate programs.
• Provide administrative assistance to faculty in support of departmental student organizations
• Regularly coordinate social media outreach with the department and communications/recruiting staff and post recruiting content to social media outlets.
• Work with the departmental communications director to enhance websites, promote graduate program marketing, and assist with upkeeping and maintaining data on departmental websites.
• Coordinate prospective undergraduate and graduate student visits, including meeting with students or arranging visits with appropriate faculty.

Sponsorship eligibility:

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship

Please submit the following documents:

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter
3. Name and contact information for three professional references

Applications close on: November 7, 2025

$55,000-$58,000 ($26.44-$27.88 hourly)