Make a difference at one of Florida’s premier institutions for education in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Florida Polytechnic University, ranked the No. 1 public college in the region by U.S. News and World Report, offers a unique working environment that encourages faculty and staff to be part of a culture that prizes collaboration, innovation, and the willingness to go above and beyond to ensure our students and University succeed. Florida Poly offers a small campus academic environment where students form connections with their faculty and peers as they pursue high-value degrees in engineering and applied sciences.
The University is equipped with cutting-edge facilities and equipment and two award-winning, architecturally distinct academic buildings. Its evolving curriculum, designed to meet the needs of industry and provide a life-long educational foundation for students, has helped the institution grow in prominence since its opening in 2014. Florida Poly’s deliberately small classes, affordability, and outstanding graduate outcomes have helped it earn such as being named a top value school, in the top 25 nationally for affordability, and in the top five best universities in the South for tech students. Accredited by ABET and SACSCOC, Florida Poly is educating some of the brightest minds in Florida and attracting standout talent from across the nation.
JOB TITLE
Academic Program Manager (2 Positions)
JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY
The Academic Program Manager for Student Success serves as a liaison between Student Affairs, Academic Affairs, Admissions, and academic departments. The Academic Program Manager facilitates accurate and efficient academic processes, supports escalated retention cases, and in collaboration with other campus partners (i.e. Academic Success Coaches, Academic Departments, Financial Aid) helps students navigate challenges impacting their academic success. This position combines program management with proactive, personalized academic advising to ensure students receive tailored guidance, early interventions, and a clear path to degree completion. The role requires a collaborative, data-informed approach to foster academic achievement and overall student success.
JOB DESCRIPTION
RESPONSIBILITIES :
Serve as liaison between Student Affairs, Academic Affairs, Admissions, and academic departments to facilitate accurate and effective academic processes.
Collaborate with faculty and curriculum committees to support academic advising.
Analyze student success data and trends (Early Alerts / tutoring metrics) to collaborate with other areas (academic departments and tutoring) to recommend improvements in retention strategies and academic processes.
Prepare reports for leadership on retention, progression, and program outcomes.
Train staff in advising best practices and student engagement strategies.
Demonstrate expertise in assigned academic degree pathways.
Collaborate with Academic Success Coaches to provide proactive, intrusive academic advising to students, including degree planning, program selection, course enrollment, and guidance on academic standing.
Develop and align academic support programs with institutional retention goals and degree program outcomes.
Responsible for facilitating the University’s withdrawal process.
Serve as the point of contact for prospective transfer and dual enrollment students on transfer evaluations, degree requirements, and graduation pathways.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS :
Bachelor’s degree
Minimum of three (3) years of experience in academic advising, retention programs, or related higher education roles.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS :
Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration, Academic Advising, STEM, or related discipline.
Knowledge of data analysis tools, learning analytics, and reporting systems.
Experience collaborating with Academic Affairs, faculty, and academic departments.
Demonstrated ability to manage complex academic processes and provide individualized student guidance.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES :
Strong understanding of higher education academic program structures, degree requirements, and curriculum pathways.
Knowledge of proactive retention strategies, intrusive advising models, and student development theory.
Ability to analyze academic trends, student data, and institutional metrics to inform decisions.
Skill in managing academic standing cases, including suspension, probation, and withdrawal processes.
Proficiency in degree audit systems, early alert platforms, and student information systems.
Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build productive partnerships with faculty, staff, and administrators.
Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to handle multiple priorities.
Effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
REQUIRED LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, AND / OR OTHER SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS OF LAW :
NORMAL WORK SCHEDULE : This position is an exempt, salary position. The normal work schedule is Monday – Friday, 8 : 00 a.m.-5 : 00 p.m., However, the schedule may vary depending upon activities. Occasional overtime (weekends and evenings) may be required.
TARGET HIRING SALARY : $59,500 - $63,000, commensurate with experience.
APPLICATION DEADLINE DATE : The position will be open for 14 days, and screening of applicants may begin immediately.
APPLICATION PROCESS : In addition to completing the online application, all Applicants are required to upload the following as an attachment to the application (preferably in PDF format) :
Cover Letter
Resume
Professional References
DIVERSITY STATEMENT :
Florida Polytechnic University is an equal opportunity / equal access institution. It is the policy of the Board of Trustees to provide equal opportunity for employment and educational opportunities to all (including applicants for employment, employees, applicants for admission, students, and others affiliated with the University) without regard to race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or genetic information.
Employment is contingent upon eligibility to work in the US. An appointment is not final until proof is provided.
FLORIDA POLY BENEFITS INFORMATION
Florida Poly qualified employees have the opportunity to take advantage of a variety of (through the State of Florida) to help meet their specific needs, as well as the needs of their family. This comprehensive coverage includes flexible spending accounts, medical and life insurance, and worker's compensation.
Health benefits are administered through , on behalf of the State of Florida, as pre-tax insurance plans. People First handles all new hire enrollments, coverage changes, premium administration, and dependent eligibility. Their Service Center is staffed Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m.–6 p.m. EST, at 1-866-663-4735.
RETIREMENT
Florida Poly offers great options for retirement. From the required selection of a state plan to additional voluntary retirement plans, our employees have many opportunities to save and prepare for their future. for more information.
EXPLORE LAKELAND FLORIDA
Conveniently located along I-4 between Tampa and Orlando, Lakeland is home to Florida Polytechnic University and many other businesses and attractions. Click to explore Lakeland, Florida.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING ATTACHMENTS :
Required attachments are listed on each posting. Please be sure to attach all required documents in the Resume / CV field before continuing through the application. Once your application has been submitted, no changes may be made and additional attachments will not be considered.
An unofficial copy of the degree / transcript is acceptable during the application process. For positions requiring a degree, the official transcripts are required upon hire.
Foreign Transcript : Transcripts issued outside of the United States require a equivalency statement from a certified transcript evaluation service verifying the degree equivalency to that of an accredited institution within the USA. This report must be attached with the application and submitted by the application deadline.
All document(s) must be received on or before the closing date of the job announcements.
This position requires a background check, which may include a level II screening as required by the Florida Statute §435.04.
Program Manager • Lakeland, FL, US