Overview
The Program Administrator for Undergraduate and Graduate Programs in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (EEB) oversees all administrative aspects of the undergraduate major and the graduate program. This role serves as the primary contact for students, faculty, the Office of the Registrar, the Office of the Dean of the College, the Graduate School, and other University offices in support of the department's academic programs.
Reporting to the Senior Manager of Finance and Administration, the Program Administrator works closely with the Department Chair, faculty leadership, and staff to implement policy, manage operations, and contribute to both short- and long-term program planning. Responsibilities include curriculum management, admissions coordination, student advising support, financial planning, building partnerships (domestic and international), and ensuring compliance with University policies. The program Administrator also advises and coordinates communication about the programs with EEB's Department Chair, Director of Graduate Studies (DGS), Director of Undergraduate Studies (DUS), department faculty members, and with respective University administrators and officials.
For the graduate program, the Program Administrator maintains student records; tracks milestones such as general exam completion, dissertation prospectus, committee formation, and defense preparation; and manages funding throughout all years of study by aligning internal and external sources of support. The role also advises students on program requirements, resources, and funding opportunities.
Responsibilities
Key Responsibilities
Undergraduate Program
Coordinate all administrative and logistical aspects of the EEB major, including curriculum development, course scheduling, and course evaluations.
Manage the Course Information System (CIS), enrollment processes, and analysis of enrollment trends.
In collaboration with the Director of Undergraduate Studies (DUS), support undergraduate majors by advising on departmental requirements, independent research, theses, and graduation progress.
Administer awards, prizes, teaching assistant (TA) assignments, teaching awards, and the summer research program.
Coordinate departmental events such as Princeton Preview, Academic Expo, and Class Day.
Support international field courses, ensuring compliance with safety, travel, and research regulations.
Maintain teaching records, archives, and faculty course materials.
Liaise with the Registrar and Dean of the College on course proposals, scheduling, and classroom assignments.
Serve as primary contact for undergraduate inquiries, leaves of absence, transfer credit requests, and program communications while in collaboration with the DUS.
Graduate Program
Manage all administrative aspects of the graduate program and serve as the primary contact for students and faculty.
Maintain student records and track academic progress, including general exams, dissertation prospectus submission, committee formation, and defense preparation.
Support the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) and Graduate Program Committee in admissions, re-enrollment, and academic policy implementation.
Advise students on program requirements, resources, and funding opportunities.
Oversee graduate student funding across all years by aligning internal and external sources of support, assigning RA/TA appointments, processing summer stipends in Labor Accounting and administering Student Activities Funding Engine (SAFE) payments.
Promote fellowship and grant opportunities, guide students through applications, and determine departmental top-up funding as needed.
Ensure compliance with safety, travel, and research requirements for student fieldwork and research travel.
International Teaching and Research Programs
Partner with the Chair and Senior Manager to develop and expand international teaching and research initiatives.
Support faculty in creating and sustaining international partnerships and training programs for undergraduates and graduate students.
Coordinate logistics for international courses and research, including permits, safety, compliance, and communication with partner institutions.
Advance EEB's international presence by strengthening collaborations and supporting program visibility.
Special Projects
Assist the Chair and Senior Manager with implementing the department's strategic plan and University initiatives.
Analyze program operations to identify efficiencies and recommend process improvements.
Develop and maintain strong relationships with faculty, staff, administrators, and students across the University.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree with 4-6 years of relevant experience.
Strong interpersonal skills and willingness to interact with students, especially in-person.
Experience assessing the effectiveness and cost of international student and research programs; ability to define global competencies and support faculty-led international initiatives.
Strong analytical and data-informed approach to problem-solving and decision-making.
Excellent judgment, discretion, and attention to detail.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively with and support the needs of a diverse student population.
Proven capacity to manage multiple complex projects independently while meeting deadlines.
Strong organizational, project management, and teamwork skills.
Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
The University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's qualifications, work experience, education/training, key skills, market, collective bargaining agreements as applicable, and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The posted salary range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate for a full-time position; salaries for part-time positions are pro-rated accordingly.
If the salary range on the posted position shows an hourly rate, this is the baseline; the actual hourly rate may be higher, depending on the position and factors listed above.
The University also offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. Please see this link for more information.
Standard Weekly Hours
36.25
Eligible for Overtime
No
Benefits Eligible
Yes
Probationary Period
180 days
Essential Services Personnel (see policy for detail)
No
Physical Capacity Exam Required
No
Valid Driver's License Required
No
Experience Level
Associate
#LI-ZY1
Salary Range
$80,000 to $92,000
