Academic Program Specialist

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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.

Job Summary

The School of Dentistry Office of Research is looking for a highly qualified individual to assist in managing our PhD, dual degree PhD/DDS, and DSPP graduate programs. The selected candidate will play a pivotal role in our office, helping to shape the future of our PhD programs. This position will serve as a direct liaison between students and the Office/Program leadership, as well as other relevant units and offices on the UM campus, such as Rackham and the Medical School. Our office operates in a fast-paced and dynamic environment that fosters collegiality and support, prioritizing effective communication and collaboration among all staff members.

Mission Statement

MDentistry: advancing health through education, service, research and discovery.

MDentistry Core Values: Compassion, Leadership, Excellence, Responsibility, Trust, Creativity, and Inclusion

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.  The University of Michigan is committed to foster learning, creativity and productivity, and to support the vigorous exchange of ideas and information, not only in the classroom but in the workplace by:  -Creating a work environment in which people treat each other with respect and dignity, regardless of roles, responsibilities or differences.  -Providing support, direction and resources enabling us to accomplish the responsibilities of our jobs and to reach the goals that are set for professional and personal growth.

Responsibilities*

Recruiting and Admissions (25%)

  • Manage all aspects of student recruitment for the Oral Health Sciences Program (OHS). This includes coordinating on-site visits for prospective student recruits, student travel arrangements and creating final recruitment reports/feedback for OHS Program Director.
  • Respond to prospective student inquiries regarding recruitment opportunities, application issues and programmatic inquiries.
  • Attend and represent the OHS program at national conferences and other recruitment events, strategize OHS recruitment efforts with the OHS Program and Office of Research Director and other like programs on campus. Follow-up with prospective students.
  • Liaison with school leadership and academic offices pertaining to recruitment efforts for dual degree students.
  • Develop and maintain recruitment and marketing materials for OHS PhD Program
  • Process applications for faculty review, coordinate and attend faculty admissions meetings, coordinate decision letters, process admissions, etc.
  • Maintain tracking mechanisms for admissions

Student Services  (25%)

  • Overall program management for the OHS PhD students
  • Create and distribute student fellowship award letters twice a year (Fall and SP/SU terms)
  • Act as the strategic advisor for the OHS Program Director for items OHS related, which includes student  progress, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), and Rackham/School requirements
  • Maintain and update program alumni databases, including creating reports for OHS Program leadership to measure program success. Work with the OHS PhD program director, OHS PhD Program Committee, and faculty mentors to ensure student success
  • Coordinate with the Grants and Contracts team to advise and prepare students to submit grant proposals for funding.
  • Monitor and manage student academic progress, including funding, milestones, academic standing, research completion, degree audits, international student visa compliance, students in crisis, etc.
  • Manage student award processes and coordinate GSRA/GSI appointments in coordination with the Office of Research Director and SoD HR Office for OHS students
  • Troubleshoot student account and disbursement issues as needed
  • Develop and implement OHS standard operating procedures with a focus on streamlining processes. Communicate SOPs once implemented in the OHS Program
    faculty, students, and staff 
  • Develop, implement, and maintain all OHS Program reporting which includes annual reports to leadership and Rackham. Synthesize data from multiple data sources for OHS Program Leadership
  • Maintain FERPA compliance and implement department, SOD, Rackham policies and procedures

Program Operations and Support (22.5%)

  • Create, maintain, and update websites for the OHS Program on various websites and collaborate with appropriate faculty and staff to maintain up-to-date information
  • Represent PhD program at relevant departments, University, and organizational events/meetings
  • Schedule and attend relevant curriculum committee meetings, prepare materials, serve as a reporter
  • Lead student events such as orientation, graduation, etc.
  • Keep students appraised of dates of required seminars and other SoD/OOR events
  • Coordinate course scheduling as needed with other SoD staff
  • Engage in basic data management and reporting via MPathways and other University systems
  • Assist with implementing the Dental Specialty and PhD Program (DSPP) and the MS/PhD program.
  • Act as a team member and delegate tasks to the Administrative Assistant Seniors to assist with the OHS program
     

Support for T-32/TEAM Training Grant (15%)

  • Maintain and update databases of student records and funding, particularly the data tables required for NIH Training Grant RPPRs and renewal applications.
  • Lead the logistical planning for the bi-annual symposium in coordination with the Office of Research Administrative Assistants and Office Director.
  • Reviews and processes trainee student financials
  • Serves as the liaison with Contracts & Grants
  • Coordinate with DENT Informatics to create and maintain the program website. Coordinate with T-32/Training Grant PI to prepare and submit annual Training Grant RPPR
  • Leads the T-32/Training Grant nomination process

Postdoc Liaison (7.5%)

  • Maintain the Postdoc MCommunity and Slack Group membership in coordination with SoD HR office.
  • Function as liaison between Postdoc Group and SoD/UM Admin offices.
  • Communicate upcoming events/workshops/activities of interest to Postdoc Group.
  • Coordinate logistics (room scheduling, catering, informatics, agenda setting, advertising meeting) of regularly scheduled Postdoc Group Meetings (bi-monthly).
  • Coordinate logistics for guest speakers/presenters for Postdoc Group meetings

Additional Support/Responsibilities: (2.5%)

  • Manage collecting periodic feedback from students and provide details to the administration  Demonstrate initiative by managing ongoing projects and developing/creating new programming/events to promote the OHS program
  • Participate in pertinent development, training, and workshop opportunities to increase knowledge base, enhance skills, and keep current on changes relative to the role 
  • Assist in ensuring a welcoming, positive, and professional environment
     



 

Required Qualifications*

  • Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Two years experience in academic students services and/or related administrative services.
  • Experience with creating and uploading FAITs and managing financial aspects of a PhD program. 
  • Demonstrates strong communication skills, verbal and written. 
  • Demonstrates a strong customer service background 
  • Demonstrates an excellent attendance record. 

Desired Qualifications*

  • Experience with event planning for student events such as socal hours, seminars and special events. 
  • Experience with grant preparations and supporting T32 training grants
  • Experience managing a complex student funding portfolio which includes a mixture of general, designated and sponsored funds)

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/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.