U.P. Scholars Program Coordinator

How to Apply

The following materials (submitted in a single document) are required for consideration for this position:

• Cover letter, addressing:
  • Why you are interested in this position, outlining skills and experience that directly relate to supporting student programming and managing complex projects
  • How you approach teamwork
• Current resume or CV

To be considered, please complete an application and upload all materials as a single document through the UM Careers website. 

Job Summary

The U.P. Scholars Program is a cohort-based scholarship program that provides substantial need-based scholarships for students from limited-income backgrounds from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Our goal is to increase access and success for students from these underrepresented rural communities. The U.P. Scholars Program Coordinator plays a key role in advancing the mission of the U.P. Scholars Program, providing our signature high-touch student support and tailored resources to help our students have a healthy transition into college and thrive here on campus. Built on a foundation of support, community, and success, the program fosters academic, social, and leadership growth by creating a "home away from home" for scholars and connecting them with the campus community.

Under the supervision of the U.P. Scholars Program Manager, the U.P. Scholars Program Coordinator is responsible for organizing and delivering student-focused programming and leadership initiatives, supporting communication and administrative processes, and providing one-on-one coaching to help scholars thrive academically and personally. In partnership with students, campus partners, and staff, this position helps ensure that the U.P. Scholars' experience reflects the program's values and goals. Day-to-day work includes a mix of event planning, one-on-one coaching meetings with students, collaboration with campus partners, and hands-on coordination of program logistics. This role is well-suited for someone who enjoys working closely with students, building community, and balancing coordination work with direct student support.

This is a term-limited appointment through July 2029 with the possibility of renewal contingent on your satisfactory performance and conduct, the availability of work, and continued funding.

You can learn more about the U.P. Scholars Program here: https://lsa.umich.edu/scholarships/UPScholars.html

Responsibilities*

Student Programming & Events (30%)

• Plan and host all U.P. Scholars student programming and events, including community socials, service opportunities, and professional development events.
• Manage approximately 2-3 events per month, totaling 16-20 events annually.
• Collaborate with campus partners to design programs that help students succeed academically, build community, and develop as leaders.
• Collect and analyze student feedback to shape future programming.
• Track participation and engagement data and contribute to annual reports and program assessment efforts.

Student Leadership Initiatives (30%)

• Peer Mentor Program
  • Coordinate all aspects of the Peer Mentor Program, including:
    • Recruitment, selection, and training of peer mentors
    • Matching mentors with new incoming first-year and transfer scholars
    • Providing ongoing monthly support, guidance, and oversight to mentors
    • Manage budget for the Peer Mentor Program 
    • Track monthly engagement, collect and analyze student feedback for continual program improvement. 
• Student Advisory Board
  • Plan and facilitate the annual Student Advisory Board retreat.
  • Coordinate and lead monthly Student Advisory Board meetings to ensure student perspectives shape program planning and decisions.
  • Manage recruitment, selection, and onboarding of new board members.
  • Oversee the expansion of the board through the creation and support of sub-committees to enhance student leadership opportunities.

Administrative Support (15%)

• Support U.P. Scholars in understanding scholarship requirements and making steady progress toward meeting them.
• Manage and maintain the U.P. Scholars Canvas course.
• Conduct annual reviews of student compliance with scholarship requirements and support follow-up as needed.
• Provide general administrative and project support for the team, including financial reconciliation and budget management.

Student Communications (10%)

• Oversee student communications, including:
  • Manage student newsletter(s) 
  • GroupMe channels
  • U.P. Scholars Social Media accounts 
• Ensure communications are clear, timely, and useful to students.

Student Coaching & Support (10%)

• Conduct one-on-one coaching appointments with U.P. Scholars focused on goal-setting, engagement, and navigating the university experience.
• Identify trends or emerging student needs and communicate them to the Program Manager.

Recruitment & Selection (5%)

• Assist the U.P. Scholars Program Manager with the annual recruitment and selection process for incoming scholars.
• Support application review, evaluation, and selection logistics as needed.

Required Qualifications*

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• At least two years of experience supporting college students through programming, advising, coaching, or student services.
• Experience in event planning and event management, as well as coordinating multiple programs or events at the same time.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience working with communications tools (e.g., newsletters, learning management systems, group messaging platforms).
• Experience using participation data, student feedback, or assessment results to strengthen programs.
• Willingness to work occasional evenings or weekends to support student programming.

Desired Qualifications*

• Experience coordinating peer mentoring or student leadership programs.
• Knowledge of and/or previous experience working in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
• Knowledge of and/or previous experience working with rural and/or limited-income and/or first-generation college students.
• Familiarity with UM-LSA curricula, programs, policies, campus resources, contacts, and offices that provide assistance/support services for undergraduate students.
• Working knowledge of the University's organizational policies, rules, regulations, procurement, and purchasing is desired. 

Why Work at Michigan?

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, the University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

• Generous time off, including vacation time, sick time, holiday and season days
• A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses

In addition, the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA) offers:

• Enhanced tuition support programs for LSA courses
• Strong commitment to work/life balance
• Flexible work arrangements with respect to campus stakeholder needs

Being part of something greater, of serving a larger mission of discovery and care - that's the heart of what drives people to work at Michigan. In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. It's adding a purpose to your profession. Work at Michigan and become a victor for the greater good.

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Additional Information

This position will require some occasional evening and weekend work. We typically host 1-2 evening or weekend events each month that you would need to attend. These can be planned with your schedule in mind. 

Union Affiliation

This position is included in the bargaining unit represented by the University Staff United (USU), which represents bargaining unit members in all matters with respect to wages, benefits, hours and other terms and conditions of employment.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.