We're Hiring!

Title: Degree Audit & Academic Records Certification Specialist
VP Area: VP for Academic Affairs
Department: General Faculty
Position Compensation: $50,000-$51,800
Location: University Campus - St. Paul, Minnesota

Who We Are:
Northwestern is a faith-driven community, UNWavering in our Christ-centered principles and identity as those who profess faith in Jesus. Rooted in the unshakable foundation of God’s Word and our calling to impact His world, our mission and vision flow from these core values, expressed through Christ-centered higher education at the University of Northwestern – St. Paul and through gospel outreach and faithfulness with Northwestern Media.

Position Summary:
This position manages Degree Audit systems, academic records processing, and Course Program of Study (CPOS) alignment to ensure accurate curriculum, compliance, and student progression. It oversees NCAA Division III athletic eligibility, evaluates academic records for prospective and current student athletes, and participates in related committee work. As the Principal Designated School Official (PDSO), the role ensures federal compliance for F1 international students, manages SEVIS processes, and advises students on visa, travel, employment, and status requirements. The position also provides training, collaborates across departments to maintain consistent academic processes, and supports admissions and enrollment functions as needed.

Key Responsibilities:
· Degree Audit Systems Oversight and Process Implementation: Provides institution wide oversight of degree audit systems to ensure accurate representation of curriculum requirements, academic rules, and student planning data. Translates academic policies and catalog requirements into system logic, maintaining and validating degree audit configurations across diverse student populations, including those with multiple programs of study. Ensures data integrity, consistency, and compliance with academic and accreditation standards through ongoing monitoring, issue resolution, and approved exception workflows. Collaborates with campus stakeholders to align processes, resolve discrepancies, and support effective use of degree audit tools in advising and student progression monitoring.
· Academic Records Processing: Oversees timely submission and processing of grades, including grade changes, late grades, and incompletes. Processes course substitutions, waivers, and verification requests. Coordinates with IT to maintain compliance with electronic records retention policies.
· Financial Aid & CPOS Coordination: Ensures accurate CPOS reporting through alignment between degree audits and financial aid requirements. Reviews coursework applicability to support financial aid eligibility. Works closely with Financial Aid to maintain compliance and reporting accuracy.
· Athletic Eligibility Administration: Processes and monitors NCAA Division III athletic eligibility each semester and ensures compliance with current regulations. Evaluates academic records and advises prospective student athletes on eligibility standards. Provides required reports and serves on the Athletic Appeals Committee.
· International Student Services & Compliance: Serves as PDSO and primary contact to DHS, ensuring full compliance with federal regulations for F 1 students. Manages SEVIS reporting, I 20 issuance, I 17 updates, and student advising on visas, CPT/OPT, travel, and status. Maintains required training, regulatory resources, and communication with DSOs.
· Admissions & Enrollment Support: Partners with Admissions to verify eligibility and support onboarding for international students. Assists with NOSR processing for PSEO students and contributes to required state reporting efforts. Provides additional enrollment support as needed.
· Training, Advising, and Institutional Collaboration: Delivers training on degree audit and academic planning tools for faculty, staff, and students. Advises stakeholders on policies related to degree audits, athletic eligibility, and international compliance. Collaborates across departments to support accurate and consistent academic and compliance processes.
· Perform other duties as requested or assigned.

Because our community is a significant part of our mission and the development of our students, all employees act as a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ by actively partnering with the University to disciple students in growing intellectually and spiritually, and with Northwestern Media to lead people to Christ and nurture believers to mature in their faith.

Qualifications:
Required:
· Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
· Minimum of two (2) years of previous related experience
· Maintain a growing, personal relationship with Jesus Christ, reflect His character in all interactions, and faithfully uphold and embrace Northwestern’s mission, Doctrinal Statement and Declaration of Christian Community

Nice to Have:
• Minimum one (1) year of experience in international student advising, including working knowledge of SEVIS processes and F1 visa regulations.

Key Skills:
· Independent & Teamwork: Capable of working both independently and collaboratively, with minimal supervision.
· Confidentiality: Maintains discretion and handles sensitive information appropriately.
• Organizational Skills: Strong time management, analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities; able to prioritize and meet deadlines with attention to detail. Strong organizational skills that include the ability to manage multiple projects at a time with accuracy.
• Technical Proficiency: Advanced computer skills with proficiency in higher education information systems used for academic records and degree evaluation and general word processing programs and systems including Degree Works, Ellucian Banner Information System and others.
· Written & Verbal Communication: Strong writing, editing, proofreading, and verbal communication skills.
· Background Check: Must pass initial and ongoing background checks as a condition of employment.

Work Environment:
The work environment involves working for a suburban, Christian university or Christian owned and operated radio station alongside those with a demonstrated commitment and personal relationship with Jesus Christ, a commitment to the mission and values of Northwestern, and an agreement to abide by all Northwestern policies.

All applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States as we are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa. 

Northwestern's Benefits Overview