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.

  • 520654
  • Manhattan, Kansas, United States
  • Agricultural Economics
  • Staff Full Time (Unclassified - Regular)
  • Closing on: Nov 7 2025
  • On-site

About This Role

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.

About Us

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.

Worksite Description

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.

What You'll Need to Succeed

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

How to Apply

Please submit the following documents:

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

Application Window

Applications close on: November 7, 2025

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

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

 

 

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Why Join Us:

Kansas State University offers a supportive and inclusive community, dedicated to your professional growth. While specific benefits may vary by position, many roles come with comprehensive packages that support your well-being and work-life balance, including health and life insurance, retirement plans, and generous paid time off. To learn more about benefits that are available for various positions, visit our benefits overview page.

Work Authorization: 

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.

Remote and Hybrid work options:

Some positions are eligible for remote or hybrid working arrangements.  An employee who is working in a remote or hybrid capacity for K-State must reside within the United States in order to comply with all federal and state laws, filings, or tax requirements. Remote and hybrid work arrangements are not available for anyone who resides in the state of Idaho.

Background Screening Statement:

Upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment, a candidate may be subject to a background check per K-State’s background check policy.

Interview Preferences:

Kansas State University honors interview preferences for qualified applicants who are veterans or individuals with disabilities. Eligible applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, submit all required application materials, and submit required preference documentation by the closing date on the job advertisement will be granted a first-level interview.

The disability and veteran interview preferences do not apply to student employment positions, temporary positions, athletics positions, academic and administrative department heads*, positions that require licensure as a physician, and positions that require that the employee be admitted to practice law in Kansas.

*Heads of Departments refers to any individual holding a primary leadership role responsible for the overall strategic direction, management and operational oversight of a recognized academic or administrative unit within the university.

To learn more about interview preferences at K-State, please visit our interview preferences page.

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