The University of Denver and the Iliff School of Theology together offer the
Joint Ph.D. Program in the Study of Religion (JDP). This is a doctoral
level degree program created and administered by an inter-institutional
agreement and functions as an independent academic unit within the University
of Denver.
Position Summary:
The Program Manager position is a professional administrative role with a
range of responsibilities. The position involves independent judgment and
decision making related to the administration of the JDP as necessary. The
position is responsible for management of the JDP office and its operations,
including prudent and responsible budgetary management, and for compliance
with directives from Program Deans and Directors, institutional policies,
and federal and state requirements.
The Program Manager reports to the Director of the JDP and works in close
collaboration with the Assistant Director and the OGE Director of Business and
Operations to ensure that the JDP functions smoothly. The position coordinates
regularly with administrative staff at Iliff and DU, exchanging information
as needed to ensure the effective representation and involvement of both
institutions. Because DU is currently responsible for management of the JDP,
the position also takes direction from OGE regarding logistical and procedural
matters. The JDP is accountable to the Iliff and DU deans who are charged with
administrative oversight of the JDP.
Essential Functions
Administrative Oversight
- Establish and implement administrative processes to ensure the smooth
functioning of the JDP.
- Provide faculty with updates on changes to administrative processes and
policies, and
- Communicate with Director about faculty compliance.
- Collaborate with Iliff Dean's Office and Registrar's offices at each
institution to ensure effective JDP course scheduling and posting of JDP
eligible courses at each institution prior to the opening of online
registration each term.
- Create, maintain and ensure safety of electronic files.
- Respond to a high volume of email and voicemail contacts.
- Send out messages from the deans, faculty director or assistant director
as requested.
- Inform faculty director and assistant director of administrative challenges.
- Review the JDP handbook annually to ensure compliance with new or revised
policies enacted by the JDP Committee or changed institutional policies and
governmental requirements.
- Advise students in the Program about administrative processes and
procedures.
Resolve administrative challenges by revising processes, and, as
necessary, propose solutions to administrative challenges for discussion
with directors.
Coordination and Communication
Facilitate effective communication between Program Directors, faculty,
and students.
- Serve on the Executive Committee and JDP Committee and vote on
administrative matters.
- Arrange "town hall" forums as directed to inform students of
processes, procedures, and updates.
- Maintain the Program's website, e-mail lists, social media and other
electronic resources, or supervise student employees handling some or all of
these tasks.
- Support assessment activities (e.g., format tables and reports, send
students and faculty assessment requests and materials). Enter and update
JDP enrollment and demographic data in Iliff's systems for annual and
semi-annual reports for accrediting and other institutional needs.
- Format sections of Iliff's or DU's accreditation report.
- Decide when JDP communications with whole JDP student body are needed and
call "town hall" forums as needed.
- Liaise with the DU Center for World Languages and Cultures to resolve
students' problems regarding testing for the language tool requirement.
- Coordinate assessment activities: work with DU Director of Academic
Assessment, contact Iliff re Association of Theological Schools assessment
requirements, compile and calculate data, devise tables and reports, etc.
Draft / write sections of Iliff's or DU's accreditation report
Recruitment and Admissions
Serve as first contact for prospective students and respond to their ongoing
questions (redirecting as necessary).
- Prepare lists of applicants for the Admissions Committee meeting and the JDP
Committee admissions meeting.
- Update relevant parts of constituent relationship management system (e.g.
Slate CRM).
- Set up campus tours and contacts for prospective students with faculty and
students in program.
- Develop and coordinate the administrative aspects of the annual recruitment
process.
- Compile table of basic application information on all applicants for the
Admissions Committee.
- Revise table of application information on applicants forwarded to the Joint
Ph.D. Committee.
- Establish and maintain effective and up-to-date recruitment strategies,
including market analysis; outreach; solicitation of student data;
electronic promotion of the Program.
Meet with prospective students to describe the JDP, its requirements and
resources, and to answer questions.
Student Support
Hear and resolve or refer student complaints about administrative matters as