Specialist - Advisor-Fixed Term

Position Summary

The Online Food Safety Program (OFS), a graduate program in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Michigan State University, invites applications for a full-time Academic Specialist – Advising position.

Serving as the primary academic advisor and administrative coordinator, this role supports the Master of Science in Food Safety (Plan B) and Graduate Certificate in Food Safety programs within OFS. This position provides comprehensive advising and program support to a diverse population of online graduate students, ensuring academic success, institutional compliance, and smooth degree progression from admission through graduation.

This role is guided by a student-centered philosophy that values strength, positivity, collaboration, and inquiry. The ideal candidate will demonstrate innovative problem-solving skills and deliver creative, practical solutions to complex situations and challenges.

Key Responsibilities:

Advise (80%)

• Provide individualized, proactive academic advising and degree planning for all graduate and certificate students in the Online Food Safety Program.
• Conduct annual grade reviews.
• Monitor student progress in both degree and certificate programs, as well as degree audits and graduation processes, to ensure timely completion.
• Interpret and apply MSU Graduate School and Registrar policies to ensure accuracy and compliance in student records.
• Collaborate with faculty, program directors, and campus offices to streamline advising workflows and enhance student success.
• Develop advising resources, communications, and student support initiatives to promote engagement and timely degree completion.
• Provide guidance on academic policies, institutional requirements, and program expectations to both students and faculty.
• Compile data or administer surveys to help the program director, including institutional data, such as enrollment, retention, and GPA, student feedback (from exit surveys or interviews), and student success metrics, such as graduation rates and course progression.

 Outreach/Public Service (10%)

• Contribute to program assessment, accreditation activities, and continuous process improvement.
• Work with the Marketing and Communication Manager on student-driven initiatives as needed.
• Participate in program meetings, college and university committees, and professional development activities.

Admin (10%)

• Support administrative functions including course scheduling, instructor-of-record reporting, and credential documentation.
• Maintain up-to-date records in university systems and program databases.
• Other duties as assigned.

This hybrid position is based in East Lansing, MI. The current work schedule includes two required in-office days per week (Tuesdays and Thursdays) and three remote workdays. Please note that this schedule reflects current expectations and may be adjusted at the discretion of program and college leadership. Advising interactions with students are conducted via Zoom, Teams, phone, and email. 

Please note, this is a 12-month appointment, renewed annually based on funding availability.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. 

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Masters -higher education administration, counseling, student affairs, academic advising, food science, or a related field.

Minimum Requirements

• Master's degree in higher education administration, counseling, student affairs, academic advising, food science, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience in graduate or undergraduate academic advising, student services, or program coordination.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong organizational ability and attention to detail in managing complex academic processes.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations and uphold MSU's values of inclusion and student success.
• Experience advising graduate and/or online students, particularly working professionals.
• Familiarity with MSU academic systems (e.g., Campus Solutions, Degree Audit, GradPlan, D2L) or similar systems.

Desired Qualifications

• Understanding of adult learning theory, graduate education administration, and online learning environments.
• Proven ability to collaborate with faculty and staff across academic and administrative units.

Required Application Materials

1. Cover letter describing interest in and alignment with the position.
2. Curriculum vitae or résumé.
3. Names and contact information for three professional references.
   (The applicant's professional references will not be contacted without prior notification to the candidate.)

Special Instructions

Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Please include all required materials. Question regarding this position please contact, Dr. Patty Weber, search committee chair at weberp@msu.edu.

Review of Applications Begins On

01/06/2026

Remote Work Statement

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.

Website

https://foodsafety.msu.edu/

Department Statement

The Online Food Safety Program is one of Michigan State University's flagship professional graduate programs, serving a global community of food industry professionals. Through its fully online master's and certificate programs, the OFS program advances food safety leadership, regulatory compliance, and science-based best practices in the food industry.

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.