Academic Program Specialist
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How to Apply
A cover letter and resume are important submissions for the hiring team to get a sense of experience. In the cover letter, one page or less, please let us know how this role aligns with your career aspirations and skills. Submit both a cover letter and resume as one file (because of system limitations).
Job Summary
Since the 1870s, scholars from the University have been engaged in research, education, service, and politics relating to South Asia(SA).The Center for South Asian Studies(CSAS) is home to a national center for language training and area-related studies in a wide range of disciplines.
CSASis seeking an individual to serve as the Academic Program Specialist for the unit. The Academic Program Specialist will work closely with the Center Director and Asia Business Manager to develop and implement programming activities that will serve the U-M community and beyond. The Academic Program Specialist is a central figure of the center who can work independently and in team settings to support faculty and center-led initiatives.
This position has a dual reporting relationship; primary functional supervision provided by the Cluster Manager and academic direction for the center is provided by Center Director.
This is a full-time, 40 hours per week position that may occasionally require evening and weekend work hours.
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.
Responsibilities*
Center Administration 50%
Assist CSAS director with annual planning, developing the center's program calendar, coordinating SA-related meetings, and tracking progress on report and decision deadlines
Support CSAS director with completing annual reports for all center grants, grant proposal writing and other ad hoc requests; compiling data and working with International Institute (II) External Grants Manager on shared data requests, drafting reports, and utilizing granting platforms to submit reports
Coordinate meetings with faculty and stakeholders for collaborations and projects
Adhere to financial stewardship policies and practices in accordance with U-M, LSA, and Dept. of Education regulations and donor intent in consultation with the Asia BusinessManager, the LSA Finance office, and other units
Monitor expenditures and financial commitments with Asia BusinessManager and LSA Finance Office
Coordinate invitations and subsequent visa and university affiliation processes for visiting scholars with the Asia BusinessManager and other units
Serve as first point of contact for the Center, monitoring the Center's inbox and triaging inquiries to appropriate faculty/staff members
Maintain internal controls and good stewardship of all university resources
Center Programmingand Event Planning 40%
Maintain CSAS programming calendar, ensuring the distribution of accurate details for each event
Coordinate annual CSAS Friday Lecture Series, including issuing invitations on behalf of the director, scheduling speakers, and arranging speaker travel as well as plan event logistics, including venue, refreshments, tech support, and set-up and break-down
Support annual conferences, including coordinating speaker travel in collaboration with faculty or student organizers, arranging venue and tech support, and hosting
Ensure accurate and timely follow-up after each event, ensuring payments and reimbursements for guest expenses and vendors are processed, and serving as a central point of contact between units and external partners
Support any special event requests for CSAS Film Series with director, series curator, and Michigan Theater
Coordinate event promotion and publicity with Center and II staff and external vendors
Academic and Student Services 10%
CoordinateCSAS scholarship and fellowshipcompetitions, working with the II Academic Services team to open applications and collate applicant data, Center and II staff to publicize awards, and the II Academic Services team toensure award letters are completed and funds are disbursed
Coordinate admissions committee meetings for the South Asia specialization in the II's Master's in International and Regional Studies (MIRS)
Support student initiativessuch as planning info sessions and other supporting events like the Summer in South Asia Symposium,and responding tofundingrequestsfor student events and programs
Provide center-related support for all South Asia students, MIRS and represent the center at II student focused events such as campus visits and graduation
Required Qualifications*
Bachelor's degree in a relevant international studies field or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
Familiaritywith academic program administrationand event planning
Demonstrated excellence in communication
Demonstrated organizational, time management,and interpersonal skills
Ability to work effectively with colleagues, donors,and government officials
Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends
Desired Qualifications*
Master's degree in a relevant international / area studies field or equivalent combination of education and work experience is preferred
Experience with South Asia is preferred
Previous experience with academic programs andmanaging academic events
Two years of experience with University of Michigan organization, practices, policies and procedures
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 thework modes (https://hr.umich.edu/working-u-m/my-employment/ways-we-work-resource-center/ways-we-work-implementation-group/modes-work) .
Additional Information
The salary range for this position is $45,600 to $57,000, please note a higher salary may be possible for well-qualified applicants
This position is term limited through October 31, 2026with the possibility of renewal contingent upon funding and satisfactory performance.
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.
Job Detail
Job Opening ID
267351
Working Title
Academic Program Specialist
Job Title
Academic Program Specialist
Work Location
Ann Arbor Campus
Ann Arbor, MI
Modes of Work
Onsite
Full/Part Time
Full-Time
Regular/Temporary
Regular
FLSA Status
Nonexempt
Organizational Group
College Of Lsa
Department
LSA II: S. Asian Studies
Posting Begin/End Date
8/18/2025 - 8/30/2025
Salary
$45,600.00 - $57,000.00
Career Interest
Academic & Student Services
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