Commencement and Graduation Program Coordinator

Department

Compensation

General Description / Primary Purpose

The Commencement and Graduation Program Coordinator serves as the functional lead for commencement operations and provides advanced administrative oversight for assigned functions within Registrar and Student Success Operations. The position is responsible for the planning, coordination, implementation, and evaluation of university commencement ceremonies and related graduation activities, exercising independent judgment and decision-making within established university policies and approval frameworks. Working closely with university leadership, academic and administrative departments, external partners, and vendors, the position manages complex projects, operational processes, budgets, contracts, and timelines to ensure the successful delivery of one of the university's most visible student-facing events.

In addition to commencement responsibilities, the position administers assigned Registrar operations related to student records, graduation services, and student information system processes. The role serves as a subject matter expert for commencement and assigned records functions, develops and implements operational procedures, interprets and applies university policies, analyzes operational needs, and recommends process improvements that promote efficiency, compliance, service excellence, and student success.

Job Function

• Coordinate the planning, implementation, and assessment of commencement ceremonies and related graduation activities.
• Manage complex commencement projects involving multiple stakeholders, competing priorities, and strict deadlines to ensure successful event execution.
• Develop, implement, and maintain commencement project plans, operational procedures, communication plans, timelines, and event schedules.
• Coordinate commencement logistics, including graduate participation processes, venue operations, guest services, accessibility accommodations, regalia distribution, and event-day activities.
• Administer commencement-related contracts, vendor relationships, purchases, and budget expenditures in accordance with university policies and procedures.
• Assess and mitigate operational risks related to commencement planning and execution, including venue, vendor, technology, staffing, safety, and event continuity considerations.
• Identify and address risks that may impact data accuracy, stakeholder communication, budget management, regulatory compliance, and the overall graduate and guest experience.
• Serve as a primary resource for students, faculty, staff, and campus partners regarding commencement policies, procedures, and operational requirements.
• Develop, review, and distribute commencement communications and informational materials for internal and external audiences.
• Develop, implement, evaluate, and continuously improve business processes, operational procedures, and documentation related to commencement and assigned Registrar functions.
• Administer assigned student records functions and ensure compliance with university policies and applicable state and federal regulations.
• Support graduation-related processes, including degree certification activities, diploma ordering, record maintenance, and associated communications.
• Execute, monitor, troubleshoot, and validate term-end processing, batch jobs, data integrity reviews, and other student information system processes.
• Analyze operational data, prepare reports, identify trends, and develop recommendations to improve efficiency, effectiveness, and service delivery.
• Coordinate cross-functional projects and initiatives involving multiple departments in support of Registrar and Student Success Operations goals.

Marginal Functions

• Provide support for office-wide initiatives and peak-period activities.
• Participate in professional development activities.

Required Qualifications

Statement(s) of Understanding

This position requires a background check. In conjunction with the University's policy, this position may also require a credit check.

The holder of this position is designated as a “Responsible Employee” pursuant to their role under Title IX. Therefore, the incumbent must promptly report allegations of sexual misconduct, sexual violence, and child sexual abuse by or against any student, employee, contractor, or visitor to the University’s Title IX Administrator or any divisional Title IX Coordinator

Equal Opportunity

The University of North Florida (UNF) is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all who interact in our community. In building this environment, we strive to attract students, faculty and staff from a variety of cultures, backgrounds and life experiences. The University of North Florida does not commit or permit discrimination or harassment on the basis of genetic information, race, color, religion, age, sex, disability, marital status, national origin, or veteran status in any educational, employment, social, recreational program or activity that it offers. In addition, UNF will not commit or permit retaliation against an individual who reports discrimination or harassment or an individual who cooperates in an investigation of an alleged violation of university regulation.

Carnegie

UNFis a Carnegie Community Engaged Institution. This designation celebrates the University’s collaboration with community partners from the local to the global level. It reflects UNF’s mission to contribute to the public good and prepare educated, engaged citizens.