The Education Coordinator, working within the department of Leadership, Policy, and Organizations at the Peabody College of Education and Human Development, Vanderbilt University, is a key individual contributor responsible for the coordination, communication, oversight, and implementation of student services in LPO. The coordinator will work with faculty regarding the admission of students, scheduling of courses, tracking student progress, administering comprehensive exams, and enhancement of the undergraduate program, five master's degree programs, the on-campus EdD program, and the PhD program. Reporting directly to the Administrative Officer, the Education Coordinator will work regularly with LPO’s Associate Chair, Director of Graduate Studies, Director of Undergraduate Studies, and the admissions teams at Peabody College and the University.

The Education Coordinator will spend around 33% of their time annually on admissions, 33% on academic coordination, and about 25% as a resource to students. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, tracking admissions applications, processing application decision and scholarship paperwork, providing information about LPO programs to applicants via phone, email, and in-person, scheduling undergraduate, masters, EdD and PhD courses, working with University Registrar’s Office in setting up course evaluations, and administering comprehensive and qualifying exams

This position is hybrid and the individual should expect to be in the office 4 days a week. This position will require no travel.

About the Work Unit

The Department of Leadership, Policy and Organizations increases understanding and guides improvements in human learning and outcomes, in the political, economic, organizational, social, legal and regulatory contexts in which human development occurs. Trained in the fields of sociology, economics, education, history, political science, public policy, psychology, organizational behavior, and more, faculty apply multidisciplinary and collaborative approaches to research, teaching and public service. We purposefully cultivate an inclusive environment for faculty, lecturers, students and staff to excel intellectually and engage socially in the department. This is reflected in our exceptionally strong portfolio of research projects, external funding and highly active research centers, as well as in our top-notch interactive teaching.

With a genealogy dating to a one‐room Nashville schoolhouse in 1785, Peabody College today is a world‐ class college of education and human development. Our mission is to enhance the human condition, with a particular focus on children’s learning and development. We do this as we always have, through the preparation of teachers and leaders; through cycles of research, implementation, and refinement; through service to families, schools, and communities; and through external engagement with professionals, leaders, and policymakers. Peabody’s focus on learning differences has helped to define the college, as has a reputation for empirical rigor in educational neuroscience; child, family, and community development; special education; the learning sciences; and educational leadership and policy. Peabody is devoted to creating opportunity in an increasingly diverse society and to solving large societal problems.

Duties and Responsibilities

Admissions – 33%

Track and examine admissions applications for five master's degree programs, the on-campus EdD degree program (with two specializations), and one PhD program. The department typically receives 1000 applications across programs and admits over 300 new students each year. Of these, we enroll between 130 and 150 new students each Summer and Fall.

Advise program directors and admissions committee when files are ready for review. Process application decision and scholarship paperwork when committee reaches consensus. Maintain communication with applicants throughout the admissions process.

Provide information about programs to applicants via telephone, e-mail, and in person. Provide information and process recommendations for scholarships. Communicate information to new and returning students about research assistantships, work study positions, and other kinds of employment opportunities. Help plan, organize, and attend recruitment events and provide input on website information.

Prepare and update handbooks for all programs. Create other materials to communicate requirements and procedures. Schedule, organize, plan, and prepare materials for Masters, Ed.D. and Ph.D. programs.

Academic Coordination - 33%

• Responsible for scheduling approximately 45 undergraduate courses yearly for the undergraduate HOD program; and approximately 80 courses for the Masters, EdD and PhD programs in LPO.

• Meet with department chair, program directors, director of undergraduate studies, and director of graduate studies to coordinate course needs for all programs.

• Work with department administrator and grant manager to ensure faculty workload complies with contractual teaching agreements and course buyout policies.

• Communicate with faculty concerning class times, enrollments, locations and student rosters.

• Work with University Registrar’s Office setting up course evaluation processes each semester and monitor results.

• Review and proof academic schedules and work with Academic Services and the University Registrar’s Office on changes.

• Recommend and implement new policies and/or update existing policies. Advise faculty regarding student/academic policy changes.

• Develop and present new student orientation programs.

Student Resource - 25%

• Track Masters, EdD and PhD students’ progress through academic program. Confirm compliance to academic requirements. Process forms and communicate with students about administrative requirements of their degree programs.

• Organize and administer comprehensive and qualifying examinations. Communicate with faculty and students to ensure delivery, anonymous evaluation, and reporting of results to students and Registrar.

• Inform PhD students of administrative processes required by the Graduate School. Make sure all Graduate School forms are completed and submitted in compliance with their expectations.

• Assist DGS in all PhD responsibilities including, but not limited to, required paperwork, recruiting events, communications with Graduate School, evaluations, assessments, reviews, etc.

• Make recommendations within university policy for solving problems related to students with health or family issues that interfere with completion of their degree (in coordination with LPO Administrative Officer and DGS).

• Assign undergraduate advisors for students in the HOD Domains taught by the faculty in LPO. Assist in solving schedule and requirement issues for HOD undergraduates.

• Assist Director of Undergraduate Studies in identifying and solving issues with the course schedule.

Miscellaneous - 9%

• Provide administrative support to departmental curriculum, professional student and admissions committees.

• Collect, process, and chart accreditation data for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and assist with reports to administration.

• Assist adjuncts navigating the Vanderbilt course administration and registration systems.

• Provide information and support to department chair and executive committee.

• Attend all faculty and assigned committee meetings and present updates as needed.

• Help plan, staff, and attend department events, receptions, and other occasions.

Supervisory Relationships

This position does not have supervisory responsibility this position reports administratively and functionally to the Administrative Officer.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree is required. Relevant experience can be substituted on a year for year basis for the required education.

• Ability to compile and analyze data, draw inferences, and prepare strategic and operational reports and recommendations is required.

• Ability to create, compose, and edit written materials and flyers is required.

• Comfortable with public speaking is required (faculty meetings, new student orientation)

• Program oversight abilities as well as the ability to monitor details is required.

• Knowledge and comprehensive understanding of student records management principles,

regulations, policies, and procedures are preferred.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are.  We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education.

Vanderbilt University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law. 

Please note, all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification.