Graduate Coordinator

About the Role

The International Institute (II) is seeking a Graduate Coordinator to provide high-quality advising and support for its graduate students and programs. This position supports the Masters in International and Regional Studies (MIRS) program and five regionally-focused graduate certificate programs. The Graduate Coordinator will serve as the primary graduate advisor, foster student community through programming, and may support II-wide events. This role reports to the Academic Services Manager, with daily supervision from the Academic Advising & Curriculum Team Lead.

Key Responsibilities

• 40% MIRS Admissions & Program Support:

• Oversee graduate admissions for all eight MIRS centers, including decision communication, applicant questions, and incoming cohort management.

• Manage data collection, storage, and distribution of application materials and applicant data.

• Facilitate the PhD Referral application process.

• Maintain a collaborative relationship with II centers and Rackham Graduate School.

• Compose acceptance and rejection letters and track student responses.

• Manage applications within the Rackham online application system.

• Design and implement events integral to supporting the student experience, such as Campus Preview Days, New Student Orientation, and the II Graduation Ceremony.

• Manage graduate student profile webpages.

• Assist with supervising and supporting Graduate Student Assistants to design and execute cohort-building events, activities, peer-led support groups, peer mentoring, and career development workshops.

• Maintain records of MIRS student funding and participate in fellowship advising and communications.

• Support the Rackham Merit Award Fellowship competition.

• Support curricular updates and course approvals.

• Provide ad hoc data requests and analysis on enrollment trends and graduation projections.

• Regularly attend Rackham Graduate School and College of LSA meetings and trainings.

• Create, review, and revise Standard Operating Procedures for MIRS program administration and advising.

• 35% Graduate Student Advising:

• Serve as primary academic advisor for MIRS and II graduate certificate programs.

• Counsel prospective students on graduate programs, specializations, dual-degrees, graduate certificates, fellowships, internships, employment opportunities, and relevant programming events.

• Advise students on program requirements, course selection, and help them assess course options.

• Provide accurate information about policies and procedures, maintain accurate records in student electronic files, maintain degree audits, and serve as a resource for graduate academic services.

• Support the maintenance of the online advising calendar.

• Provide continuity throughout students' time at U-M.

• Develop collaborative relationships with II centers, Rackham Graduate School, U-M departments, and U-M professional schools to create and maintain graduate courses and dual-degree programs.

• 20% MIRS Program Promotion and Recruitment:

• Oversee and implement recruitment strategies to reach prospective students, including hosting and attending fairs, visiting institutions, hosting information sessions, visiting classrooms, meeting with faculty and administrators, and developing relationships with student organizations.

• Develop collaborative relationships with centers offering MIRS specializations to understand their offerings and target audiences.

• Collaborate with Rackham Graduate School and the College of LSA on marketing and recruitment.

• Create and maintain a student recruitment database.

• Serve as a primary point of contact for students interested in the program.

• Determine and implement marketing plans and develop promotion materials.

• Place print and digital advertisements and manage marketing material inventory and distribution.

• Support the oversight of the MIRS program budget.

• 5% Professional Development/Teamwork/Special Projects:

• Engage in professional development opportunities and share learning with the team.

• Assist with developing reports related to student services, assessment of student plans of study, course enrollments, and course planning.

• Engage constructively in Academic Services team meetings and retreats.

• Collaborate on the continuous development and improvement of Academic Services.

• Propose and implement special projects to advance the goals of the Academic Services unit and the International Institute.

• Participate in LSA, Rackham, and U-M communities of practice, including l-grad.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent education or experience in Higher Education, International Studies, International Relations, or related field.
• Demonstrated advising/counseling skills with knowledge of developmental processes experienced by college students; familiarity with college students and the college environment.
• Collaborative work style and ability to work well in a team environment.
• Ability to act independently, manage multiple tasks, and exercise good judgment to adapt to change.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong cross-cultural interpersonal skills.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience working with UM graduate students and systems.
• Knowledge of Asana, Infoready, or Salesforce in an advising context.

Additional Information

• Salary range: $48,400 to $60,500.
• Work schedule: Monday through Friday.
• A hybrid work schedule (some days on campus, some days remote) is available, subject to change.
• This position is included in the bargaining unit represented by the University Staff United (USU).
• A background check will be conducted.
• A cover letter is required for consideration.