Program Assistant I - Office of Graduate Studies
Colorado School of Mines
Salary: $25.67 - $30.05 Hourly
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: GLA - JR108032 - 01/26
Location: Golden, CO
Department Information
Colorado School of Mines (Mines) is an internationally preeminent teaching and research university dedicated to meeting the resource development needs of a rapidly evolving, technology-based society. Mines was selected by the Colorado State Legislature as the state's first "exemplary institution" of public higher education due to our "high degree of responsibility and capability with regard to academic and administrative functions."
Colorado's oldest public university, Mines is located in Golden, Colorado at the gateway of the Rocky Mountains, 13 miles west of downtown Denver and 21 miles south of Boulder.
MINES IS PROUD TO OFFER EXCELLENT BENEFITS TO ATTRACT AND RETAIN EXTRAORDINARY TALENT. OUR PERKS INCLUDE:
Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
Generous vacation and sick leave plus 13 paid holidays
State pension plan (PERA)
Parental Leave
Reduced cost tuition for employee and family members
Life and Disability Insurance
Professional growth and training opportunities
Access to technology and equipment
Colorado State Employee Assistance Program
Access to a world-class recreation center
Interaction with an international population and cultural events
https://stateofcolorado.benefithub.com/ state employee discount program
RTD Eco-Pass
Description of Job
Make an impact at one of the nation's top STEM universities
The Office of Graduate Studies (OGS) at Colorado School of Mines is seeking a highly organized, student-centered Program Assistant I to serve as a key contributor to graduate student success. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced academic environment and enjoys balancing student services, program coordination, and operational support.
In this role, you'll be the front door to Graduate Studies, supporting students, faculty, and staff while helping plan and deliver programming that shapes the graduate student experience from orientation through graduation.
About the Office of Graduate Studies
OGS supports graduate students across Mines by overseeing academic progress and degree completion, maintaining graduate policies, managing graduate assistantships, and advancing enrollment, retention, and student engagement initiatives. Our work directly impacts the success of graduate programs and the student experience campus-wide.
What You'll Do
As the Program Assistant I, you'll contribute across four core areas:
Graduate Programming & Events
Coordinate high-impact graduate programming, including Graduate Orientation, professional development events, the 3 Minute Thesis Competition, GRADS Conference, and other signature experiences
Plan events end-to-end, including space reservations, timelines, communications, materials, catering, staffing, and follow-up
Support biannual graduate Commencement ceremonies
Compile and distribute a monthly Graduate Student Newsletter
Identify new opportunities to strengthen graduate recruitment, enrollment, and retention
Office Operations & Technical Support
Serve as a consistent, professional presence in the OGS office and as a first point of contact for students, faculty, and staff
Maintain student records and databases
Manage and update the office website and other systems
Provide administrative and process support to the Dean, Assistant Dean, and other office staff across a range of projects and initiatives
Coordinate staff travel, expense reports, meetings, and events
Manage office needs such as orders, supplies, and equipment
Assist with hiring, onboarding, and supervising work-study students
Identify opportunities to improve workflows, documentation, and service delivery
Student Services & Academic Support
Respond to graduate student, faculty, and staff inquiries in a prompt, courteous, and solution-oriented manner
Manage emails submitted to the mailto:grad.services@mines.edu inbox
Guide students and faculty through Graduate Catalog policies and academic processes
Process academic forms and milestones (advisor changes, committee forms, thesis defenses, leaves, withdrawals, etc.)
Collaborate with campus partners including Admissions, Registrar, Financial Aid, Academic Affairs, and academic departments
Support academic standing reviews, fellowship awards, contract preparation, and student record tracking in Banner and internal systems
Other Duties
Contribute flexibly to OGS priorities and initiatives that support graduate student success
Why Join Colorado School of Mines?
** Be part of a mission-driven university recognized for academic excellence and innovation
Make a direct impact on graduate student success and experience
Collaborate with passionate colleagues across campus
Enjoy the benefits of state employment, including work-life balance, competitive benefits, and professional development opportunities
Work in Golden, Colorado, at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains
Work Environment & Additional Details
Full-time, exempt position
On-campus presence required (limited remote work may be available by approval)
Background check required
Some evening or occasional event support may be required
How to Apply
Please submit:
A resume
A cover letter describing your interest and relevant experience
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
Residency Requirement:
This posting is only open to residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application.
Class Code & Classification Description:
H4R1XXhttps://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4enHpLSVk4eTWxjeTRFZUdkaXc/view?usp=sharing&resourcekey=0-r4wY5_QO7RB4jLunEk9ppw
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience Only:
Four (4) years of relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position, including work in communications, managing and organizing information, proficiency with common office technologies (email, spreadsheets, databases, web platforms),
familiarity with database management and record-keeping protocols (Experience must be clearly documented in the work history section of your application. "See Resume" will not be accepted. Part time work will be pro-rated).
OR
Education and Experience:
A combination of related education and/or relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned equal to four (4) years. (TRANSCRIPTS MUST BE ATTACHED FOR EDUCATIONAL CREDIT)
PRPEFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience in higher education, student services, academic administration, or program coordination
Event planning or project coordination experience
Experience working with student information systems (e.g., Banner)
Proficient in systems such as Slate, Banner, Tableau, Workday.
Familiarity with Canvas, content management systems, or newsletters
Experience supervising or leading student employees
Prior relevant state service
Appeal Rights:
An applicant who has been removed from an employment list or removed from consideration during the selection process may request a review by the State Personnel Director.
As an applicant directly affected by the results of the selection or comparative analysis process, you may file a written appeal with the State Personnel Director.
Review of the completed, signed and submitted appeal will be timely on the basis of written material submitted by you, using the official appeal form signed by you
