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 outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.
Mission Statement
The mission of the University of Michigan is to serve the people of Michigan and the world through preeminence in creating, communicating, preserving and applying knowledge, art, and academic values, and in developing leaders and citizens who will challenge the present and enrich the future.
Job Summary
The International Institute (II) is seeking a Graduate Coordinator to provide high quality advising and support for the International Institute's graduate students and programs. This position supports the Masters in International and Regional Studies (MIRS) program as well as five regionally-focused graduate certificate programs. In addition to being the primary graduate advisor, this position helps foster community among our students through social and academically stimulating program opportunities in collaboration with our student Community Engagement Mentors. The Graduate Coordinator is a member of the II's Academic Services team and reports to the Academic Services Manager, with daily supervision from the Academic Advising & Curriculum Team Lead. As a member of the II Academic Services team, they may be asked to support II-wide events that also serve our broader student population, including II undergraduate students and those pursuing funding programs supported by the II.
Responsibilities*
40% MIRS Admissions & Program Support:
- Oversee graduate admissions for all eight MIRS centers, including decision communication, applicant questions, and incoming cohort management.
- Manage data collection, storage, and distribution of application materials and applicant data.
- Facilitate the PhD Referral application process.
- Maintain a close, collaborative relationship with II centers and Rackham Graduate School.
- Compose acceptance and rejection letters and track student responses.
- Manage applications within the Rackham online application system.
- In collaboration with the Academic Advising and Curriculum Lead and the
Academic Services Manager, design and implement engaging and innovative events integral to supporting the student experience: Campus Preview Days, New Student Orientation, and the II Graduation Ceremony
- Manage graduate student profile webpages.
- Assist the Academic Advising and Curriculum Lead with supervising and supporting the Graduate Student Assistants to design and execute cohort-building events, activities, peer-led support groups, peer mentoring, and career development workshops.
- Maintain records of MIRS student funding and participate in fellowship advising and communications as needed.
- Support the Academic Advising and Curriculum Lead with the Rackham Merit Award Fellowship competition.
- Support curricular updates and course approvals.
- Provide ad hoc data requests and analysis on enrollment trends and graduation projections.
- Regularly attend Rackham Graduate School and College of LSA meetings and trainings for graduate services coordinators.
- Create, review, and revise Standard Operating Procedures for MIRS program administration and advising.
35% Graduate Student Advising:
- Serve as primary academic advisor for MIRS and II graduate certificate programs.
- Counsel prospective students on the graduate program and associated specializations, dual-degrees with U-M professional schools, and graduate certificates, fellowships and internships, employment opportunities, and relevant programming events.
- Advise students on the requirements of the graduate program, course selection, and help students assess course options.
- Provide accurate information about policies and procedures, maintain accurate records in student electronic files, maintain degree audits, and serve as an informed resource for all II graduate academic services.
- Support the maintenance of the online advising calendar.
- In collaboration with the Academic Advising and Curriculum Lead, provide continuity throughout students? time at U-M.
- Develop collaborative relationships with II centers, Rackham Graduate School, U-M departments, and U-M professional schools to create and maintain graduate courses and dual-degree programs of study.
20% MIRS Program Promotion and Recruitment:
- Oversee and implement recruitment strategies to reach prospective students: host and attend fairs, visit strategic regional institutions and host information sessions, visit classrooms, meet with key faculty and administrators, develop relationships with relevant student organizations with the aim of developing a sustainable pipeline of high-quality applicants.
- Develop strong collaborative relationships with centers that offer MIRS specializations to understand their unique offerings and selling points, gain a strong understanding of their unique target marketing audiences, and coordinate campus visits to include relevant center staff and faculty.
- Collaborate with Rackham Graduate School and the College of LSA on marketing and recruitment.
- Create and maintain a student recruitment database of regional, national, and international programs and institutions for targeted promotion.
- Serve as a primary and constant point of contact for students expressing an interest in the program.
- In collaboration with the II Communications Team, the Academic Services Manager, and the MIRS Executive Committee, determine and implement marketing plans and develop promotion materials.
- Place print and digital advertisements and manage marketing material inventory and distribution.
- Support the Academic Services Manager in overseeing the MIRS program budget
5% Professional Development/Teamwork/Special Projects:
- Engage thoughtfully in professional development opportunities and bring learning back to the Academic Services team and the International Institute staff and faculty, as appropriate.
- Assist the Academic Services Manager, Academic Advising & Curriculum Lead, program directors, and other team members in developing reports that relate to student services, assessment of student plans of study, course enrollments, course planning, etc.
- Engage constructively in all Academic Services team meetings and retreats.
- Collaborate and contribute to the continuous development and improvement of the services provided by the Academic Services team and support other team members during peak times.
- Propose and implement special projects designed to advance the goals of the Academic Services unit and the International Institute.
- Participate meaningfully in LSA, Rackham, and U-M communities of practice, including l-grad, taking advantage of training and learning opportunities organized for and by graduate advisors.
Required Qualifications*
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent education or experience in Higher Education, International Studies, International Relations, or related field.
- Demonstrated advising/counseling skills with knowledge of developmental process experienced by college students; familiarity with college students and the college environment
- Collaborative work style and ability to work well in a team environment
- Ability to act independently, manage multiple tasks at once, and exercise good judgment to adapt to change
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Strong cross-cultural interpersonal skills
Desired Qualifications*
- Experience working with UM graduate students and systems
- Knowledge of Asana, Infoready, or Salesforce in an advising context
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
The salary range for this position is $48,400 to $60,500.
This position is Monday through Friday. A hybrid work schedule (some days on campus and some days working remotely) is available for this position; however, this is subject to change based on the responsibilities of the position and the needs of the department.
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 lsa.umich.edu/strategicvision.
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 anytime 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.