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 Department of Psychology in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA), is seeking an experienced and highly qualified Director of Student Academic Affairs for the undergraduate and graduate programs to lead our Student Services Office. The person in this position will serve as a key member of the Psychology Leadership Team working closely with the Department Chair, the Associate Chairs for Graduate and Undergraduate Studies, six program Area Chairs, and Chief Administrator to implement the strategic vision and mission of the department as it relates to student academic programs.
The Director of Student Academic Affairs occupies a critical role within the Psychology Department, working collaboratively with leadership, faculty, staff, students, and alumni to promote student recruitment and enrollment, enhance the quality of student learning, wellness, and engagement. The Director will provide strategic leadership, direction, and oversight for activities related to academic, administrative and student services across all degree programs. These activities include recruitment, admissions, financial aid, academic advising, records and registration, academic standards, curricular/co- curricular learning activities, and student support services. We seek a proven leader with exceptional interpersonal, communication, and management skills with demonstrated excellence in the design and delivery of services that foster enrollment, and the personal, academic, and professional development necessary for a varied community of students.
The person in this position will manage a team of eight (8) full-time student services professionals and will receive direct supervision from the Chief Administrator.
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.
Who We Are
The Department of Psychology at the University of Michigan has a rich tradition of education and research and is consistently ranked among the top programs in the nation (currently ranked #3 in the US News & World Report). Our top-ranked department has world-renowned faculty, successful alumni, and the best and brightest students working on cutting-edge research. The department is home to 83 tenure-track faculty, 29 lecturers, 181 Ph.D. students and about 1,400 undergraduate majors.
Responsibilities*
LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT
- Lead, mentor, and develop a team of 8 student services professionals. Foster open communication, accountability, and professional growth.
- Collaborate with the Chair, Associate Chair of Undergraduate Studies, Associate Chair for Graduate Studies, Program Area Chairs, and Chief Administrator on strategy, policies, and student initiatives.
- Advise senior leaders on student experience, trends, and emerging opportunities.
- Serve as key liaison between student services and faculty on all student affairs matters.
- Oversee administration of graduate and undergraduate programs, including class and classroom scheduling, advising, course and examination administration, registration, management of student records, job placement activities, admissions and recruiting, financial aid, and other student-related tasks for two undergraduate programs, one master's degree program, six Ph.D. programs, and three joint Ph.D. programs.
- Interpret LSA and U-M academic policies and offer expert guidance to faculty and students throughout their implementation.
- Present student information at faculty meetings.
- Oversee the hiring process for GSIs and GSRAs.
- Oversee the hiring process for lecturers in consultation with the Associate Chair for Undergraduate and Graduate Studies.
- Guide faculty and students to appropriate campus resources when student health issues arise.
- Attend Rackham and LSA meetings as appropriate.
STUDENT FUNDING AND OPERATIONAL BUDGET
- Manage a multi-million dollar budget for graduate student support, ensuring timely and accurate processing of student funds each term.
- Complete financial forecasting and reporting for all funds related to student services.
- Manage all department graduate fellowship and research funds, including gift, endowment, general/College/Rackham funds, and external funding in consultation with the Associate Chair for Graduate Studies and Chief Administrator.
- Manage undergraduate gifts and research funds in consultation with the Associate Chair for Undergraduate Studies and Chief Administrator.
- Manage the student recruitment budget.
- Manage the lab fee rates for courses.
- Oversee the annual funding reports for Rackham.
ACADEMIC PROGRAM INITIATIVES AND EVENT PLANNING:
- Oversee the planning, organizing, and implementing a variety of student events including recruitment activities, new student orientation, graduate student professional development and social events, department commencement, and other events in support of the graduate and undergraduate programs.
- Develop and implement practices, policies and procedures to enhance support of instructional activities and student relations
- Develop creative and innovative approaches to recruitment, admissions and career services for graduate and undergraduate programs
- Implement the use of technology to create efficiencies and enhance the delivery of student affairs initiatives, services, activities, and programs
- Oversee service learning programs in the surrounding communities.
- Encourage faculty involvement in student out-of-class programs and research projects that enhance student learning outcomes
- Oversee the administration of the student subject pool which is used for studies run by Psychology faculty, graduate students, and undergraduate students in the honors program.
- Conduct research on the student experience in the department that includes student satisfaction surveys, enrollment trends, and post-graduation employment/career outcomes.
Required Qualifications*
- Bachelor's degree and a minimum of eight (8) years of experience in higher education student services.
- Demonstrated history of fostering a variety of communities.
- Proven ability to recruit, mentor, and manage high-performing teams and collaborate across academic units.
- Demonstrated ability to formulate strategic plans, implement programs, and evaluate the success of these initiatives.
- Awareness of and appreciation for the evolving role of technology and social media in all aspects of student affairs work.
- Demonstrated ability to handle crises effectively and to solve problems proactively and creatively.
- Demonstrated success in interpersonal relations, collaboration, reasoning, and exercising sound judgment.
- Proficiency in financial forecasting, program budgeting, and reporting.
- High level of proficiency with spreadsheets and database software applications.
- Event and program planning experience.
- Ability to thrive independently and as part of a collaborative, positive, and hard-working team.
- Proven ability to effectively prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities concurrently, delivering high-quality outcomes within tight deadlines in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
- Enthusiasm and energy for working on behalf of students and their career interests.
- Professionalism, attention to detail, and dedication to outstanding customer service.
- Strong communication skills including verbal, writing, and listening skills.
- Ability to set expectations and achieve results while contributing to the harmony of the team.
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 $80,000 to $115,000, please note a higher salary may be offered based on equity and the selected candidate's experience.
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.