Admin Assistant/Project Coordinator - Hopwood Room and DRSL

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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

This term-limited position (August 2025 to July 2026) serves as a staff administrative assistant intermediate in the English Language & Literature Department, supporting the Hopwood Program and the Detroit River Story Lab. We are seeking an engaged and detail-oriented leader who can partner with the Hopwood Program Manager and the DRSL Program Director to support their needs. The primary responsibilities of this position include oversight and management of the contests, managing over 1.2 M in financial awards from over 50 accounts, marketing the Hopwood contests, assisting students applying to the various contests. As project coordinator, this person will devote 25% of their time supporting DRSL's objectives.

This position may be extended beyond July 2026 based on available funds.

Who We Are

The Hopwood Program at the University of Michigan manages the Hopwood Awards contests, the oldest and largest collegiate creative writing contest in the nation. The annual awards ceremony includes the Hopwood Lecture delivered by an eminent writer. The Hopwood Room contains the Hopwood circulating library and hosts meetings and events for the U-M literary community including the weekly Hopwood Tea. You can learn more about the Hopwood Program at https://lsa.umich.edu/hopwood/.

The University of Michigan's Detroit River Story Lab is an interdisciplinary, grant-funded initiative that partners with regional organizations to reconnect communities with the river and its stories. Through collaborative research, education, and engagement projects, our partnerships amplify marginalized voices and foreground the role of the river and its shores as sites of connection, stewardship, and healing. You can learn more about Detroit River Story Lab at https://sites.lsa.umich.edu/detroit-river-story-lab/.

Responsibilities*

Job duties include but are not limited to the following:

Hopwood Room: (75%)
Support the Hopwood Program Manager with administrative duties including but not limited to:

  • Staffing the Hopwood Room and maintaining the Hopwood Library
  • Planning, promoting, and staffing Hopwood in-person and virtual events
  • Managing spreadsheets and creating documents related to the Hopwood contest including digital programs, event flyers, and lists of judges and contest winners
  • Creating and editing merge-mail letters and annual newsletter
  • Maintaining and improving the Hopwood website

DRSL: (25%)

  • Communications:
    • Website management and content creation
    • Newsletter editing and design
    • Social media management
  • Project Management:
    • Grant writing
    • Event planning & coordination
    • Oversight of student employees

Required Qualifications*

  • Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Demonstrated excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues in a team environment
  • Commitment to serving diverse populations in a hybrid work environment
  • Demonstrated initiative to gather information, analyze data and problem-solve both independently and as a part of a team
  • Excellent computer skills and advanced knowledge of MS Word, Excel, and WordPress
  • Ability to organize complex operations and to meet deadlines independently
  • Proven ability to manage projects from creation to successful completion
  • Ability to work and adapt in a fast-paced changing environment
  • Demonstrated ability to prioritize multiple projects simultaneously and successfully meet deadlines

Desired Qualifications*

  • Strong organizational and communication skills
  • Familiarity with AEM and Google Sheets
  • Graphic design experience and ability to create flyers in Canva or similar software
  • Event planning and coordination experience
  • Reasonable knowledge of University policies & procedures

Work Schedule

Currently, the English Department is following a hybrid schedule. During the academic year, there is an opportunity to work up to two days remotely per week; up to three days remotely per week during the spring/summer months. The person in this position will be required to work a minimum of two days per week in person for the entire appointment period.

The regular work hours are M-F, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

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 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.