A cover letter and resume are required for consideration; the cover letter must be PAGE 1 of your resume. The letter should:
Specifically outline the reasons for your interest in this position;
Outline your particular skills and experience that directly relate to this position; and
Describe how your experience meets the job requirements of this posting.
The Department of American Culture at the University of Michigan seeks a highly motivated, dynamic individual with excellent organizational and customer service skills to provide administrative and programmatic support to the department and its constituent programs. The successful candidate will be one of six staff professionals working as part of the administrative team to provide a high level of service to the department’s faculty and students in three main areas: office management, student service support, and administration.
About American Culture: Created in 1935, American Culture was one of the first formal programs in American studies in the nation. The department has remained at the forefront of the American studies movement with a focus on the study of history, literature, and popular culture in the United States and beyond. Today, American Culture is also home to the majority of the university’s ethnic studies programs (Arab and Muslim American Studies, Asian/Pacific Islander American Studies, Latina/o Studies, and Native American Studies).
Office reception; assist visitors and respond to queries, directing matters to appropriate individuals for action and follow-up, as needed
Coordinate use and maintenance of department equipment
Monitor/Anticipate and re-order/stock office, kitchen, and meeting space supplies inventory, including ice, beverage, and snack items for meetings
Facilities management, including office assignments and coordination with Facilities for furniture orders, work orders, key requests.
Serve as primary contact to collaboratively schedule department conference rooms and confirm outside meeting rooms; assist in set-up and breakdown of department meeting space including technical assistance as needed; ensure that room phone jacks and internet connectors are working
Manage department mailroom; coordinate daily outgoing and incoming mail distribution, and departmental UPS account management
Hire, train, and supervise work study student(s); delegate daily/weekly tasks for effective support of administrative office
Student Services:
Provide information to queries; direct students to appropriate advisor or resources
Provide support for the major (2) and minors (5) including declarations, administrative withdrawals
Coordinate course evaluation process
Facilitate course guide submissions
In consultation with faculty instructor, develop fliers, course cards, and other promotional items to advertise courses to students
Manage student advising calendars for department academic advisors
Coordinate AC scholarship and writing awards
Provide administrative support to department’s undergraduate student group
Facilitate planning of student-facing events, including Back to School Social, Festifall, Major/Minor Meet-Up, Major/Minor Expo, MESA-palooza, as well as student events planned by our Ethnic Studies programs
Plan major event (200 guests) - department’s graduation luncheon
Identify (in consultation with Advisor) creative ideas for promotional items for undergraduates; order from vendors and maintain inventory
Attend/participate in Undergraduate Studies Program Committee and other meetings, as needed
Provide support to department student internship programs
Provide support to graduate certificate programs
Other student services related responsibilities, as needed.
Administrative
Administrative support for four Ethnic Studies directors, including support for faculty retreats, logistical support for meetings, special projects
On site coordinator for movers, maintenance, and contractors.
Office contact for caterers and other deliveries.
Complete annual space survey.
Track faculty computer inventory and schedule for replacement.
Maintain contact information for all instructors, including office hours.
Maintain MCommunity group email accounts as requested
Special Projects/Customer Service
Participate as an effective member of the department team.
Provide back-up support to the event coordinator.
Assist staff with room preparation/set-up for administrative meetings and invited guests, including faculty recruitment/job talks.
Other duties and projects, as assigned.
A high school diploma. At least 1-2 years of experience working in an academic or student services department. Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate with people from diverse backgrounds; strong writing skills with proven ability to draft original, complex correspondence; ability to exercise initiative, independent judgment and diplomacy; accuracy and attention to detail while working in a fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions; capable of setting up/breaking down rooms for events with the ability to move items weighing up to 25 lbs. adept at working well under pressure, prioritizing and handling various projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines; demonstrated ability to successfully project plan, envisioning the entire scope of a project and then seeing it through from beginning to end; extensive computer experience with email, spreadsheets, and word processing; the ability to practice discretion when dealing with sensitive matters.
A Bachelor’s degree; an interest in American culture (American studies) and ethnic studies. Knowledge of University policies, rules, and administrative procedures; familiarity with Google applications; experience with the student services and curriculum modules in Wolverine Access.
This is a seasonal, ten-month appointment, August - May. The target salary range for this position is $38,000 to $47,000 full-time rate ($31,667 to $39,667 for a ten-month appointment). A higher salary may be offered, based on equity and selected candidate’s experience.
The position will begin on/around early December, 2022.
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 diversity, equity, and inclusion in LSA, please visit lsa.umich.edu/lsa/dei.
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.
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.
The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.
U-M COVID-19 Vaccination Policy
COVID-19 vaccinations, including one booster when eligible, are required for all University of Michigan students, faculty and staff across all campuses, including Michigan Medicine. This includes those working remotely and temporary workers. More information on this new policy is available on the U-M Health Response website or the UM-Dearborn and UM-Flint websites.
A great university is made so by its faculty and staff, and Michigan is recognized as one of the best universities to work for in the country. The Michigan culture is known for engaging faculty and staff in all facets of the university to create a workplace that is vibrant and stimulating.For two consecutive years, the Chronicle of Higher Education has placed U-M in its "Great Colleges to Work For" survey. In particular, the university earns high marks for strong relations between faculty and administrators, a collaborative system of governance, strong pay and benefits, and a healthy work/life balance.