Study Group Program Manager

How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and highlight relevant skills and experience.

Who We Are

The Science Learning Center is part of the Undergraduate Education (UGED) division of the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA). The SLC supports more than 20,000 student enrollments each year across 20+ introductory STEM courses. Our Study Group program is among the largest peer-led academic support programs in the country, engaging 250+ undergraduate facilitators, about 30 undergraduate course leaders, and thousands of students in weekly two-hour peer study group sessions in introductory science courses.

LSA is the largest college on the Ann Arbor campus of the University of Michigan. It is home to over 4,500 faculty, staff, LEO lecturers, graduate students, and temporary staff and serves over 18,000 undergraduate students in over 100 degree programs. LSA's Undergraduate Education Division includes approximately twenty-four academic and academic support departments dedicated to student exploration, engagement, and learning.

Mission Statement

The mission of the SLC is to provide inclusive opportunities and spaces for undergraduate students to collaborate, learn, and thrive in the natural sciences.

Job Summary

The University of Michigan's Science Learning Center (SLC) is hiring a collaborative, innovative professional to help lead one of the largest peer-led academic support programs in the country. The Study Group Program Manager is part of the SLC's Academic Programs Team led by the SLC Associate Director, and helps steward a nationally recognized program that engages more than 250 student facilitators and thousands of undergraduates in STEM each year.

This is one of two Study Group Program Manager positions. The two managers share leadership of the program and divide supervision of the facilitator team, with each manager guiding about 125 facilitators while collaborating closely on training, assessment, and program-wide decisions.

In this role, you will recruit, train, and mentor facilitators; design and assess active-learning experiences; and work with faculty to support student success in high-enrollment introductory science courses. You will also contribute to campus-wide efforts to support STEM success.

This position is a strong fit for a higher education professional who wants to make a measurable difference in undergraduate learning while building the experience that prepares them for future director-level roles in student success, academic support, or higher education leadership.

Occasional evening and weekend work is required for start-of-term training, workshops, collaborations, and special events.

Responsibilities*

Program Management and Supervision (35%)

• Supervise about 125 of the program's roughly 250 undergraduate study group facilitators and course leaders, sharing overall program leadership with the other Study Group Program Manager.
• Conduct observations, evaluations, and feedback sessions that strengthen facilitation skills and support professional development.
• Address performance concerns, including issues related to academic integrity, bias, or professionalism, through mediation, additional training, or termination when appropriate.

Assessment and Continuous Improvement (20%)

• Design and implement surveys, rubrics, and evaluation tools to assess program effectiveness.
• Analyze results and present findings to inform facilitator training, program development, and faculty partnerships.
• Use data to identify trends and recommend improvements in facilitator preparation and student support.

Facilitator Training and Development (15%)

• Provide new facilitator training at the start of each academic term for new student hires.
• Lead monthly active-learning workshops for facilitators and course leaders on collaborative learning, facilitation skills, and research-based strategies.
• Develop and deliver targeted training based on observations, evaluations, and program needs.

Faculty and Campus Partnerships (10%)

• Build and maintain strong relationships with STEM faculty by sharing program outcomes, aligning study group practices with course content, and conducting classroom visits.
• Partner with faculty and staff to integrate academic support referrals and connect students to services.

Recruitment and Selection (10%)

• Manage a competitive annual application process with 400 to 500 applicants.
• Design rubrics, conduct interviews, and recommend 125-175 hires each year.
• Conduct outreach to programs and student organizations to attract talented facilitators from a wide range of backgrounds.

Special Projects and Initiatives (10%)

• Support SLC-wide initiatives such as implementing new technologies, planning events, and participating in cross-departmental projects.
• Contribute to ongoing efforts to support STEM success.

Required Qualifications*

• Bachelor's degree.
• Three or more years of higher education experience that includes supervising student and/or professional staff.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a demonstrated ability to build positive, collaborative relationships with students, faculty, and staff.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills, with the ability to work independently, set deadlines, and manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to maintain the confidentiality of student information.

Desired Qualifications*

• Experience in an academic support role and/or a university learning center.
• Knowledge of student learning theory and the ability to apply best practices at the program level.
• Experience managing large-scale programs or projects involving multiple stakeholders.
• A degree (undergraduate or graduate) or equivalent experience in a STEM field.
• Master's degree in higher education, student services, science education, counseling, or a related field.

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

As one of the world's great liberal arts colleges, LSA pushes the boundaries of what is understood about the human experience and the natural world, and we foster the next generation of rigorous and empathetic thinkers, creators, and contributors to the state of Michigan, the nation, and the world.
        
To learn more about LSA's Mission, Vision and Values, please visit https://lsa.umich.edu/lsa/about/vision-mission-values.html. 

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.

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks.  Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

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 Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.