MPH Practicum Support Specialist

Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

To learn more about the pay band for this branch and role, please see the Career Banding rates spreadsheet.

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

At the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, we know that health care leaders need a variety of skills and knowledge to be prepared for all of the new developments that lie ahead. That is why Academic Affairs is committed to the pursuit of excellence in all of the School's academic activities. We ensure that public health courses meet the changing needs of local and global communities and high standards of integrity and rigor.

Our success is built upon the stature of our faculty. That is, to be effective, the School needs a cadre of individuals, irrespective of gender, race or ethnicity, who are dedicated to creative and innovative approaches to education. While the School is committed to attracting individuals who can achieve just that, Academic Affairs has been entrusted with facilitating their professional growth.

The MPH Practicum Support Specialist provides high-functioning administrative support to the Gillings MPH practicum program across all delivery formats (residential, online, and distance) and is responsible for coordinating, tracking, and reporting on students' practicum experiences. The person in this position will manage the practicum team's existing front and back-end processes, identify and implement improved systems and operation strategies, and provide support on time-limited special projects led by members of the practicum team. They will have significant engagement with Gillings students while providing indirect support to community partners, faculty, and staff. The position reports to the MPH Practicum Director.

Specific duties include the following:

* Provides project, course, and operational support to the practicum program.
* Monitors student progress through the practicum process and addresses issues when students are not progressing as intended.
* Manages the comprehensive practicum database, including maintaining and updating various practicum documents and systems, e.g., past practicum dashboard, current practicum database, newsletter, tracking spreadsheets.
* Ensures all practicum records and data (learning agreements, surveys, evaluations, etc.) are collected, organized, and evaluated in a timely manner with accuracy.
* Works with practicum colleagues to ensure alignment and consistency of practicum policies and procedures.
* Anticipates issues, analyzes needs, and plans strategies to address them across practicum program formats and timelines.
* Communicates practicum instructions to key constituents both internal and external to the university.
* Implements and monitors results of practicum communication plan by developing, implementing, and tracking communications tailored to student, faculty, staff, and community partner audiences.
* Oversees shared mailbox for key practicum communications, serving as primary point of contact and triage coordinator.
* Ensures program communications with students, faculty, staff, and external constituents are effective and responded in a timely manner.
* Collaborates with practicum team colleagues to implement continuous quality improvement processes to monitor and drive practicum enhancements.
* Supports practicum management systems to ensure consistency and quality.
* Coordinates with campus constituents such as Office of the University Registrar, Cashier's Office, The Graduate School, and Office of Scholarships and Student Aid to ensure alignment and compliance with university processes and standards.
* Supports accreditation and other reporting processes by collecting, analyzing and presenting program data.
* Facilitates planning and executing meetings with internal and external partners.
* Maintains complete and organized records of all meetings and events.1
* Procures supplies and other resources needed for practicum program.
* Organizes team files.
* Other duties as assigned.

Bachelor's degree; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

* Ability to work collaboratively across different organizations and constituent groups.
* Able to work independently in a fast-paced environment and be able to handle multiple tasks.
* Strong written and oral communication skills.
* Ability to interact cooperatively and sensitively with individuals from other cultures, ethnic groups, lifestyles, and backgrounds.
* Familiarity with collecting and analyzing qualitative and quantitative data.
* Excellent attention to detail, interpersonal skills, organizational skills, and problem-solving skills.
* MS Word, Excel, Qualtrics, Canvas, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat Pro proficient.
* Familiarity with managing complex projects

Understanding of processes and functions required to support degree-granting programs in higher education, including registration, admissions, student services, academic advising, cashier's office and others. Experience working with higher education information systems and systems integration, such as student information systems, course management systems, and web application systems. Experience with survey platforms. Graphic design skills. Successful track record of managing complex projects, preferably in a higher education setting.

This position is designated as a Campus Security Authority in accordance with the Clery Act. This position will be required to report Clery crimes to the Clery Compliance Manager and complete annual training about reporting responsibilities.

As a part of the application process, please be aware that you are also being asked to participate in a skills assessment (details below). If you need accommodations to complete this skills assessment, please contact the University's Equal Opportunity and Compliance Office ( EOC) at accommodations@unc.edu, being sure to identify the needed accommodation.

Using information available on the Gillings website, please write responses to the two (real, de-identified) emails below. Upload your responses as a word/ PDF document as "Other document":

1. From a student: "I just entered the MPH program's Nutrition concentration and I'm starting to think about my practicum timeline. Specifically, I would like to know what the requirements are and how I might go about searching for a practicum placement and funding opportunities. Please advise. Thank you!"

2. From a community partner: "I would love to once again recruit students who are looking for practicum opportunities located in Durham. I am unable to provide compensation, but am happy to offer meaningful projects and a flexible schedule. What additional information do you need from me?"

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (919) 843-2300 or send an email to employment@unc.edu

Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, race, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.