How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration for one of these positions and must be attached as the first page of your resume. The letter should address your specific interest in and outline skills and experience as related to this position. Please submit contact information (email and phone) for 3-5 professional references along with your resume. Applicants who do not meet these requirements will not be considered.

Summary

Rackham Graduate School seeks two (2) part-time (20 hours per week) temporary Program Assistants to provide assistance with Rackham Merit Fellowship (RMF) programming.

These positions run from May 1, 2023 through August 31, 2023; availability during the appointment period is critical. Personal commitments that would require absence for an extended amount of time will eliminate applicants from consideration. 

The Rackham Merit Fellowship (RMF) program helps sustain the academic excellence and inclusiveness of the Michigan graduate community. In addition to providing financial support, we enhance the educational experience of our fellows by supporting their transition to graduate school, building community, and recognizing their contributions. The summer programming will include in-person and virtual engagement for current fellows and a one-week in person orientation program (August 14 - August 18), RMF Connection, for incoming master’s and doctoral fellowship recipients.

PLEASE NOTE: Late afternoon and early evening work will be required; possible weekend work may be required with advance notice. Schedule varies based on the needs of the program.

Responsibilities*

Job responsibilities include but are not limited to: Work with the director to design and implement programming for Rackham Merit Fellows; work with administrators and faculty from across campus to facilitate workshops; and community building activities.

Facilitate communication between staff and participants; anticipate and resolve participant problems or concerns; monitor application system; maintain program participant information; and create and maintain RMF Connection Canvas page.

Additional duties include but are not limited to: attend weekly team meetings; draft documents and program materials; assist with the development of program evaluation tools; generate outcome summary reports.

Required Qualifications*

• Graduate experience at the University of Michigan is required; more than one year is strongly preferred
• Familiarity with diversity issues in higher education and specifically the challenges faced by underrepresented populations
• Previous experience with orientation and student support programming
• Experience delivering programming in hybrid formats, including familiarity with Canvas, Zoom, and other virtual platforms
• Ability to work as part of a team and capacity to exercise independent initiative
• Excellent oral and written communication skills  including the ability to maintain  confidentiality in matters of a sensitive and confidential nature
• Ability to handle multiple projects with excellent attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines
• Strong organizational skills
• Knowledge of personal computer productivity tools including word processing, spreadsheets, presentation and electronic communication, social media, and calendaring software packages

Desired Qualifications*

• Previous experience in the Rackham Merit Fellowship program
• Reasonable knowledge of University and departmental policies and procedures, University organization, and University protocol and governance
• Experience facilitating peer mentoring initiatives
• Research and scholarly interest in graduate student development

U-M EEO/AA Statement

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