Operations and Program Specialist

OVERVIEW

The University of St. Thomas invites qualified candidates to apply for a Operations and Program Specialist (Program Manager I) position within Executive Education, Opus College of Business.

The University of St. Thomas embraces belonging and equal opportunity for all. Our convictions of dignity, diversity and personal attention call us to embody and champion an inclusive environment.  The University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer (EEO).  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, status as a protected veteran, or other protected characteristic.  This commitment to inclusion and equal opportunity is consistent with our mission: Inspired by Catholic intellectual tradition, the University of St. Thomas educates students to be morally responsible leaders who think critically, act wisely, and work skillfully to advance the common good.  A successful candidate will possess a commitment to the ideals of this mission.

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY

The University of St. Thomas offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits program, which includes:

• Up to 100% tuition remission for employees and dependents upon eligibility
• Up to 50% tuition remission for spouses upon eligibility
• A generous Employer retirement contribution of 9.4% of annual salary upon eligibility
• Medical, dental, and vision options
• Employer-paid disability, life, and AD&D benefits

Salary Range: $51,630 to $65,250

The University of St. Thomas has provided a salary range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The specific salary offered will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information.

JOB SUMMARY

The Operations and Program Specialist (Program Manager I) supports the planning, development, administration, and operational management of non-credit professional education programs that serve adult learners, working professionals, and lifelong learners. This role is instrumental in expanding the university’s outreach to non-traditional students by ensuring high-quality program execution and smooth operational processes. The Operations and Program Specialist also plays a critical role in supporting student recruitment and lead nurturing efforts, helping to build lasting relationships with prospective learners from initial interest through enrollment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The program manager is responsible for a portfolio of non-degree certificate programs and applies the following lenses to each program:

Program Coordination

• Coordinate the development and delivery of certificate programs, workshops, short courses, and custom training programs.
• Partner with faculty and senior leadership to design offerings that reflect current workforce trends and adult learning principles.
• Manage course logistics including instructor scheduling, registration setup, classroom and virtual learning environments, and program evaluations.
• In collaboration with the Director of Business Development, meet with companies and their representatives to coordinate custom training programs.
• Collect and analyze feedback and outcome data to support continuous improvement and report on program performance.
• Provide program support both on-campus and off-site when needed to ensure the highest level of customer service.

Lead Nurturing & Recruitment Support

• Collaborate with marketing to follow up on program inquiries and leads through email, phone, and virtual information sessions.
• Maintain lead databases and support CRM efforts by logging communications and updating prospective student records.
• Provide personalized outreach to prospective students, answering questions about program content, outcomes, schedules, and enrollment steps.
• Assist in the planning and execution of recruitment events, webinars, and outreach campaigns targeting working professionals and adult learners.
• Monitor application and registration trends; provide feedback on potential barriers to enrollment and recommend improvements.

Administrative & Operational Support

• Assist with the development and monitoring of program budgets; track expenditures and prepare budget reports for leadership.
• Process instructor contracts, payments, and honoraria in collaboration with finance and human resources offices.
• Facilitate onboarding for instructors and part-time staff; coordinate recruitment and administrative HR documentation.
• Oversee physical and virtual space reservations for courses and events, ensuring appropriate technology and equipment needs are met.
• Serve as liaison with facilities, IT, and campus catering to support program delivery needs.
• Maintain accurate and organized records of program operations, expenditures, and personnel files in compliance with university policies.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field 
• Three years of experience in program management or event management 

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated excellence in customer service

HOW TO APPLY

All interested candidates must apply online at https://www.stthomas.edu/jobs/. Follow the instructions to complete an online application which includes creating or updating an applicant profile, uploading a resume, and completing a job specific application.

In light of its commitment to create and maintain a safe learning and working environment, employment with the University of St. Thomas requires consent and successful completion of a background screening.

Official job posting is available at www.stthomas.edu/jobs.