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 Assistant Director of LSA Scholarships plays a key leadership role in advancing financial accessibility for students within the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA) at the University of Michigan. This position oversees the administration of multiple scholarship programs, including Study Abroad, International Internships, and the Transfer Scholarship Program. The Assistant Director ensures equitable distribution of funding, alignment with donor and institutional goals, and effective communication of scholarship opportunities to students, faculty, and staff.
Working closely with the Director of LSA Scholarships, the Assistant Director develops and executes strategic initiatives to enhance student access to financial resources. This includes managing outreach efforts, overseeing scholarship application and awarding processes, compiling data for reporting, and supervising staff members responsible for scholarship administration and communications.
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.
Responsibilities*
Scholarship Management, Supervision and Leadership
- Directly supervise Scholarship and Communications Coordinator and Scholarship Coordinator positions.
- Provide mentorship, training, and performance evaluations for team members.
- Foster a collaborative work environment that values innovation, equity, and student-centered support.
- Develop on-boarding and training for new and continuing staff relating to annual changes in financial aid practices and policies.
- Provide strategic recommendations to the Director to enhance operations, improve customer service, and streamline application system processes, including identifying areas for efficiency within existing processes and procedures and/or recommending improvements.
- Monitor financial aid awarding procedures and complete a complex review of LSA decision tree, the application system, and awarding processes metrics.
- Administer scholarships and implement policies and procedures to ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional financial aid regulations.
- Provide training and guidance to relevant staff and stakeholders on financial aid compliance, ensuring a thorough understanding of regulations and best practices.
- Oversee the full administration of LSA Study Abroad, Transfer, and Internship scholarships, ensuring efficient processes, timely awarding, and compliance with all policies.
- Oversee additional need-based and merit-based scholarships as assigned, ensuring equitable distribution and donor stewardship.
- Develop and refine scholarship policies, application procedures, and award criteria in collaboration with the Director.
- Monitor scholarship budgets and provide recommendations for fund allocation.
- Stay apprised of state/national issues and best practices in admissions, recruitment, scholarships, study abroad, and financial aid.
- Attend meetings with key stakeholders and partners in the College of LSA as needed.
Marketing, Outreach, and Communications
- Lead strategic marketing and outreach efforts to increase awareness of LSA scholarship opportunities.
- Oversee the development of communication strategies to effectively promote scholarship opportunities, including the creation and management of digital content, website updates, email campaigns, and outreach materials.
- Work with campus partners to develop communication strategies that effectively reach diverse student populations.
- Oversee the strategic planning and execution of the annual Fall Scholarship Event and other student engagement initiatives.
- Develop and implement programming that connects scholarship recipients with donors and enhances student involvement.
- Collaborate with the LSA Communications team and campus partners to develop and implement outreach strategies that effectively promote scholarship opportunities to diverse student populations.
Data Management and Reporting
- Compile, analyze, and present data for the annual scholarship report and other institutional reporting needs.
- Ensure accurate record-keeping and reporting of scholarship recipients, donor impact, and program effectiveness.
- Utilize data insights to inform strategic decision-making and improve scholarship processes.
Required Qualifications*
- Bachelor's degree required; master's degree preferred in a relevant field such as higher education, student affairs, or nonprofit management.
- Minimum of five years of experience in scholarship administration, financial aid, student support services, or a related field.
- Knowledge of relevant federal, state and institutional financial aid regulations and guidelines with experience overseeing compliance and administering scholarships in line with these guidelines.
- Experience with supervising and mentoring staff, proven ability to foster a collaborative and positive work environment.
- Strong financial acumen and decision-making abilities.
- Strong analytical skills with experience in compiling, analyzing, and presenting data to inform decision-making.
- Familiarity with financial aid management software and data analysis tools.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel proficiency is preferred) and other relevant software utilized for communication and reporting.
- Strong communication, organizational, and analytical skills are essential.
- Ability and experience to explain and assist others with complex financial aid and scholarship matters.
- Ability and experience to oversee operational metrics, implement process improvements, and ensure alignment with institutional goals.
- Experience in developing and implementing comprehensive communication and outreach strategies to target specific audiences.
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 LSAs Mission, Vision and Values, please visit lsa.umich.edu/strategicvision.
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 employment opportunity employer.