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Posted: January 22, 2026 (1 day ago)

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Program Assistant I - Office of Graduate Studies

State of Colorado

Colorado School of Mines

Fresh

Location

Salary

$25.67 - $30.05

per hour

Closes

February 6, 2026More State jobs →

SES Pay Grade

Base salary range: $147,649 - $221,900

Typical requirements: Executive-level leadership experience. Senior executive qualifications required.

Note: Actual salary includes locality pay (15-40%+ depending on location).

Job Description

Summary

This job involves supporting graduate students at a top STEM university by organizing events like orientations and conferences, handling office tasks such as managing records and communications, and assisting with daily operations to help students succeed from start to finish.

It's a great fit for someone who is highly organized, enjoys working with people in a busy academic setting, and has strong skills in planning and multitasking.

The role focuses on creating positive experiences for students while keeping the office running smoothly.

Key Requirements

  • Strong organizational skills to coordinate events and manage timelines
  • Excellent communication abilities for interacting with students, faculty, and staff
  • Proficiency in maintaining databases, records, and updating websites
  • Experience in event planning, including logistics like reservations, catering, and follow-up
  • Ability to provide administrative support for projects, travel, and expense reports
  • Student-centered approach with a focus on recruitment, retention, and engagement
  • Comfortable in a fast-paced academic environment as the first point of contact

Full Job Description


Mines-Logo-side-stack-CO-school-of-blue.jpg
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
  • BenefitHub state employee discount program
  • RTD Eco-Pass

Requirements

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 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


Qualifications

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:


H4R1XXPROGRAM ASSISTANT I

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 or your representative.

This form must be completed and delivered to the State Personnel Board by email at dpa_state.personnelboard@state.co.us within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the Department’s action.


For further information on the Board Rules, you can refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, atspb.colorado.gov/board-rules.

Additional Information

Colorado School of Mines is committed to equal opportunity for all persons.

Mines does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, gender (including gender identity and gender expression), ancestry, creed, marital status, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status or current military service.

Further, Mines does not retaliate against community members for filing complaints regarding or implicating any of these protected statuses.

Mines’ commitment to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and equal access is reflected in the administration of its policies, procedures, programs and activities and in its efforts to achieve a talented student body and workforce.

Through its policies, procedures and resources, Mines complies with federal law, Colorado state law, administrative regulations, executive orders and other legal requirements to prevent discrimination (including harassment or retaliation) within the Mines campus community and to address potential allegations of inequality or concerns for safety.

Are you looking for an inspiring, mission-driven workplace where you can contribute to solving the world’s problems and educating the next generation of change makers?

Are you an individual who values a rich and vibrant diverse and inclusive community, where our different perspectives and experiences enrich the educational and work experience?

Look to Mines.

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Posted on NEOGOV: 1/22/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 1/23/2026

Source: NEOGOV | ID: neogov-colorado-5208476