Academic Program Specialist
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How to Apply
A one-page, single spaced cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.
Who We Are
The U-M International Institute (II) is looking for a team member to provide programming and administrative coordination for the Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies (LACS). LACS is committed to promoting a broader and deeper understanding of the region--its histories, cultures, and peoples. The center provides a venue for faculty, students, and the community to learn and share knowledge and partners with a host of units across campus on projects of mutual interest.
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.
Job Summary
The LACS Academic Program Specialist supports the daily operations, communications, and programming of the Center. This role plans and coordinates events, prepares and distributes communications, administers student fellowships, and provides day-to-day oversight of the center budget. The program specialist works closely with the Director and Business Manager to support the Center's programs and strategic initiatives including fundraising, partnerships, and annual reporting. They routinely collaborate with II programming, administrative, and academic staff, as well as LSA Finance staff. This position has a dual reporting relationship; primary administrative supervision is provided by the Global Projects 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.
Responsibilities*
Events & Programming (40%)
Coordinate logistics and planning for Center events (scheduling, room reservations, catering, and publicity).
Assist with international visitor logistics, including visa coordination when needed.Document events through photography or video and draft post-event thank-you messages.
Organize the annual end-of-year gathering, including recognition of student award recipients.
Maintain communication with partner institutions and networks.
Provide administrative and logistical support for Center grants.
Assist with organizing shared programming.
Prepare and distribute a weekly newsletter featuring Center events, campus events of interest, and funding opportunities.
Identify and compile relevant campus events and announcements for inclusion in communications in collaboration with the Director
Work with II Communications team to promote events and programs and maintain LACS website and social media; lead preparation of the year-in-review report.
Academic Program Administration (30%)
In collaboration with II Fellowships and Grants team, administer fellowship programs, including monitoring funds, preparing award letters, and communicating with applicants. Main student fellowships include: Boyce Fellowship, Gutierrez Fellowship, and Tinker Field Research Grants.
Coordinate administration with the Tinker Foundation Collaborative and Rackham Graduate School on a five-year funding cycle. Prepare and submit reports and maintain regular communication with Tinker Foundation, Rackham, and II.
Coordinate internship opportunities associated with Center programs and seek out new internship partners.
Coordinate the annual fellowship showcase for awardees.
Promote undergraduate major and minor in Latin American and Caribbean Studies.
In coordination with the II advising team, review and share LACS course lists with courses that are pre-approved for degree credit.
Provide administrative and logistical support for Center initiatives, including language programs, research networks, lecture series, workshops, and academic collaborations. Key Center initiatives include: Nahuatl and Quechua Language Programs, Indigenous Studies Network, Indigenous language study, Global Migration Education Initiative (GMEI), and Translating the Americas.
Support student groups affiliated with the Center. Student groups include The Quito Project. Oversee allocated funds for the student Quito Project and maintained communication with the student leadership and faculty advisor.
Financial & Administrative Support (30%)
Process payments and reimbursements, and track expenditures associated with Center funds.
In coordination with the Business Manager, monitor and manage center budgets and grants.
Organize and attend Center's Advisory Committee meetings. Prepare agenda and distribute meeting minutes. Maintain records of the Center's Advisory Committee membership and coordinate annual renewals.
Maintain email groups in MCommunity and on Mailchimp.
Identify grant opportunities supporting Center programming and partnerships.
Assist with fundraising initiatives and alumni engagement efforts. Prepare fundraising campaigns including annual giving letters and Giving Blue Day. Prepare thank you notes to acknowledge donations to LACS.
Work with LSA Advancement and International Giving to develop strategies for engaging alumni and potential donors.
Required Qualifications*
Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (international studies, area studies, communications, administration, or related).
Experience coordinating events, communications, or academic programs.
Experience with budget tracking or financial administration.
Strong organizational and project management skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Spanish.
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work collaboratively.
Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends.
Mastery of Microsoft Office and Google Suite.
Desired Qualifications*
Master's degree in a relevant field (international studies, area studies, communications, administration, or related).
Familiarity with University of Michigan policies and procedures.
Experience working in a university or academic environment.
Familiarity with Latin American and Caribbean Studies or related fields.
Proficiency in Portuguese or Indigenous languages of Latin America and the Caribbean
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 $46,400 to $58,000, please note a higher salary may be offered based on equity and the selected candidate's experience.
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 .
Union Affiliation
This position is included in the bargaining unit represented by the University Staff United (USU), which represents bargaining unit members in all matters with respect to wages, benefits, hours and other terms and conditions of employment.
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
276319
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: Latin Amer & Carib St
Posting Begin/End Date
4/15/2026 - 4/29/2026
Salary
$46,400.00 - $58,000.00
Career Interest
Academic & Student Services
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