Academic Program Specialist
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Job Summary
Since its establishment in 2007, theNam Center for Korean Studies (http://ii.umich.edu/ncks) (NCKS) has quickly become one the of the premier research centers on Korea in North America. A member of the International Institute, the Center offers a variety of scholarly, educational, and cultural events related to Korea. It is actively involved in collaborations and partnerships with institutions and organizations in the U.S. and in Korea.
The Nam Center is seeking an individual to serve as the Academic Program Specialist for the unit. The individual will work closely with the Nam Center staff and faculty director to develop and implement interdisciplinary programming activities that serve the U-M community and beyond.This position has a dual reporting relationship; primary administrative supervision is provided by the Asia Centers Business Manager, and the academic direction for the center is provided by the faculty director of the center.
This is a full-time, 40 hours per week position that may occasionally require evening and weekend work hours. This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule which allows for up to 2 days per week remote and a minimum of 3 days per week in person.
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*
Student Programming - 35%
Undergraduate Fellows Program
Oversee program promotion, recruitment, and student application process.
Work with the center director to plan the annual Undergraduate Fellows Membership Training, including creating the training schedule, planning logistics, communicating with participants, and planning and leading cultural and community-building activities.
Provide ongoing support for program activities throughout the academic year including organizing seminars, calendar of experiential learning activities, communicating events and opportunities to fellows, and serving as a point of contact for students as needs arise.
Coordinate annual Undergraduate Experience (UGX) Conference with partners at the University of Southern California and the University of Pennsylvania. Organize U-M student participation, plan conference travel and logistics, and provide on-sight support.
Curriculum
Serve as the main point of contact with II Academic Services unit to implement curriculum and academic program needs.
Coordinate with center faculty and II Academic Services to ensure KRSTD courses are listed in the time schedule each term.
Review list of Korean studies-related courses each term and ensure all relevant courses are included.
Provide administrative support through the proposal process for a new graduate master's specialization in Korean studies. If successful, work with center faculty and II Academic Services to promote and implement the program.
Summer in Michigan Program
Coordinate all aspects of the Summer in Michigan program, an international exchange program for Korean high school students from Gyeonggi-do province.
Work closely with partners in the Gyeonggi-do provincial government. Hold regular planning meetings, communicate program expectations, discuss budget, and select participants.
Supervise Summer in Michigan Program Assistants and Cultural Liaison student assistants.
Work closely with Program Assistants to plan program schedule, logistical needs, and orientation for both Cultural Liaisons and student participants.
Coordinate with on campus partners such as Michigan Housing, the II Business Office, HR and student services to facilitate participants' stay on campus.
Provide back up support for Program Assistants and attend program activities as needed, including joining weekly off-campus field trips.
Academic Programming - 30%
Serve as lead organizer of a number of highly visible and impactful Korean studies programs that include the Sang-Yong Nam Award Night & Memorial Lecture, Nam Center Colloquium Series, Perspectives on Contemporary Korea Conference, Junior Faculty Workshop, and Michigan Korean Studies Summer Institute.
Plan annual program schedule in coordination with center director and other collaborators, including soliciting nominations and coordinating selection of speakers or awardees for certain programs.
Oversee program promotion and recruit participants.
Develop detailed itineraries for program speakers, including logistical information, meetings with U-M faculty and students, and participation in courses.
Purchase supplies and process payments including honoraria and reimbursements while following individual budgets for specific programs.
Coordinate program logistics such as travel arrangements, lodging, classroom or event space reservations, catering, and onsite technical support.
Provide onsite support for conferences, events, and meetings.
Lead the planning and organization of additional special events and ad hoc activities throughout the year.
Assist the Director with planning and implementing new Korean studies initiatives.
Adminis trative Coordination - 15%
Participate in regular meetings with center staff and director to ensure that all projects and programs are moving forward as planned.
Maintain center records for areas of responsibility and create process documentation as needed.
Oversee budgets for individual programs and events, ensuring compliance with all university and college policies, staying within the prescribed costs.
Support the center director in securing funding for programs, including drafting narratives and assembling data for grant applications and reports.
Provide support for various public/outreach events managed by other staff members such as the Korea Cinema Now (KCN) Winter Film Series, Chuseok Festival (Korean full moon celebration), the Korean Performing Arts Initiative, Korea Week partnership with the Ann Arbor District Library, and Korea from 'A Single Shard' program.
As part of a team, provide general administrative support for Nam Center including fielding inquires from students, faculty, visiting scholars, postdoctoral fellows, II and U-M staff, and the general public.
Engage with staff across the Asia Centers and the International Institute, collaborating on programs as appropriate.
Communication - 15%
Provide administrative support for the Korea in Maize & Blue podcast series, implementing the center director's academic vision. Coordinate with the podcast host and editor to plan recording and publishing schedules. Work with the Asia Centers Business Manager to facilitate podcast-related hiring. Recruit undergraduate co-hosts for each episode and facilitate communications between the podcast host and undergraduate participants.
Coordinate program marketing, including collaboration with graphic designer to create posters, flyers, and digital marketing materials.
Contribute content on impacts and outcomes for individual areas of responsibility to Nam Center publications, including the annual newsletter, regular Mailchimp campaigns, and news items on the center website.
Work with II Communications team to add information about programs to the center website, prepare press releases, and send email campaigns.
Required Qualifications*
Bachelor's degree in Asian Studies or a relevant international or area studies field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Familiarity with academic program administration
Knowledge of Korean culture
Demonstrated excellent communication and English language skills
Demonstrated organizational and interpersonal skills
Ability to work effectively with a wide range of people, including faculty, students, colleagues, donors, international visitors, and government officials
Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends
Ability to travel occasionally for student programs
Ability to manage multiple large projects and meet strict deadlines
Mastery of Microsoft Office and G Suite
Desired Qualifications*
Master's degree in Asian Studies or a relevant international or area studies field or equivalent combination of education and experience
Fluency in Korean
Previous experience in program and event planning, including implementing program budgets
University of Michigan experience and familiarity with university organization, practices, policies, and administrative 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
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 visitlsa.umich.edu/strategic vision (https://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
272576
Working Title
Academic Program Specialist
Job Title
Academic Program Specialist
Work Location
Ann Arbor Campus
Ann Arbor, MI
Modes of Work
Hybrid
Full/Part Time
Full-Time
Regular/Temporary
Regular
FLSA Status
Nonexempt
Organizational Group
College Of Lsa
Department
LSA II: Nam Ctr Korean Studies
Posting Begin/End Date
1/08/2026 - 1/22/2026
Salary
$46,400.00 - $58,000.00
Career Interest
Academic & Student Services
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