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How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and must be attached as the first page of your resume. The letter should address your specific interest in and fit with this GSSA position. Please include your University Department/Program affiliation and year in graduate studies.

Job Summary

Through the Professional Development and Engagement Certificate Program, Rackham prepares graduate students and postdoctoral scholars to lead research with clarity, confidence, and global understanding. Designed for scholars working in increasingly global, interdisciplinary, and collaborative environments, the program integrates leadership development, global understanding, project management, and ethical research practices. This position provides support for the certificate program and reports to the Sr. Academic Program Manager coordinating the certificate program. This GSSA position is ideal for students that are interested in working with graduate students to expand and apply their knowledge and skills related to leadership within research. 

Appointment Period:   Spring/Summer 2026 (This position is for one term with renewal for Fall 2026 contingent upon completion of performance expectations and available funding).

 

Estimated FTE: 50% (20 hours per week)

 

Compensation: This appointment provides tuition, required fees, stipend (at the GEO negotiated GSSA monthly rate), GradCare health insurance, and dental insurance (Option 1).

 

 Number of applicants from last academic year: N/A (previous position was  renewed  last year no applications were submitted).

Course Description

This position provides support for the certificate program and reports to the Sr. Academic Program Manager coordinating the certificate program. This GSSA position is ideal for students that are interested in working with graduate students to expand and apply their knowledge and skills related to leadership within research. 

Responsibilities*

Manage the online dashboard to track program participant application in collaboration with Rackham ITS teamManage participants progress to completion using the Canvas Course Management System.Draft consistent communications  to certificate program participants in collaboration with Rackham Communications team and/or Rackham PDE program managers.Compile and analyze program evaluation and participant data and draft reports on the program for stakeholdersRespond to the needs of certificate participants via email, Canvas, and Zoom.Assist with the planning and implementation of student programming related to the certificate program, including support of the certificate recruitment process Assist in the facilitation/co-facilitation or direct support of workshops and programs for the certificate program when called upon to do soSupport signature and other PDE-related events, some of which may take place outside regular business hoursAssist in the planning and execution of the final ceremony/celebrationCollaborate with Rackham Communication team to develop ideas for using video, social media and marketing to connect with students and promote the programEvaluate student submissions for the certificate Conduct program progress reports to the certificate program managers upon request Address questions or inquiries emailed to the PDE certificate inbox 

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work to be performed and are not an exhaustive list of all associated responsibilities.

NOTE: SOME FLEXIBILITY OF SCHEDULED WORK HOURS IS REQUIRED, INCLUDING EVENINGS OR WEEKENDS ON A PRIOR SCHEDULED BASIS.

Required Qualifications*

Applicants must be currently registered in a Rackham graduate program. Preference will be given to doctoral students who have reached candidacy. Students who are unsure if they are in a Rackham graduate program should check their graduate program listing in http://www.rackham.umich.edu/programs-of-study.

The work described above for this position must be considered academically relevant by the department or degree program in which the student is enrolled.Experience with issues in graduate education, student development, leadership, research, and global understanding.Ability to handle multiple projectsAbility to collaborate effectively on a teamExcellent organizational skills, attention to detail, prioritization, and follow-throughExcellent oral and written communication skillsStrong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work and communicate effectively and professionally with the University community as well as external community partnersAbility to work collaboratively or independently, as the task requiresExperience in delivering presentationsFamiliarity with technological platforms including Canvas and Google suiteDesired Qualifications*

Familiarity and experience with Rackham Professional Development and Engagement programmingProject management experiencePrevious experience developing resource materialsExperience using Canvas, Zoom and other web based toolsExperience in designing and maintaining asynchronous and synchronous courses and modulesHow You'll Grow

The GSSA position will strengthen professional competencies in the following areas:

Program development skills, including designing and implementing professional development content Program evaluation skills, including assessment of student development and program outcomesUnderstanding of project management, and leadership scholarshipBest practices in graduate student successCommunity-building in higher education environmentsStudent should be able to present a proposal/paper regarding their experience at a local/regional conference in their field.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 the work modes.

Contact Information

Questions regarding this position may be emailed to [email protected].  Applicants may request the status of their application from the appointing unit.

Decision Making Process

Applications will be reviewed following the posting deadline and selected candidates will be contacted for an interview. Selected candidates may be asked to submit a writing assignment.  

References will be contacted for the finalist. 

Kelli Dowd, Sr. Academic Program Manager, is leading this search

Every effort will be made to have a hiring decision by February 1, 2025 

Selection Process

Applications will be reviewed following the posting deadline and selected candidates will be contacted for an interview. Selected candidates may be asked to submit a writing assignment.  References will be contacted for the finalist. 

 

 

GEO Contract Information

The University will not discriminate against any applicant for employment because of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, genetic information, marital status, familial status, parental status or pregnancy status, sex, gender identity or expression (whether actual or perceived), sexual orientation, age, height, weight, disability, citizenship status, veteran status, HIV antibody status, political belief, membership in any social or political organization, participation in a grievance or complaint whether formal or informal, medical conditions including those related to pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding, arrest record, or any other factor where the item in question will not interfere with job performance and where the employee is otherwise qualified. The University of Michigan agrees to abide by the protections afforded employees with disabilities as outlined in the rules and regulations which implement Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Information for the Office for Institutional Equity may be found at https://oie.umich.edu/ and for the University Ombuds at https://ombuds.umich.edu/

Unsuccessful applications will be retained for consideration in the event that there are last minute openings for available positions. In the event that an employee does not receive their preferred assignment, they can request a written explanation or an in-person interview with the hiring agents(s) to be scheduled at a mutually agreed upon time.

This position, as posted, is subject to a collective bargaining agreement between the Regents of the University of Michigan and the Graduate Employees' Organization, American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO 3550.

Standard Practice Guide 601.38, Required Disclosure of Felony Charges and/or Felony Convictions applies to all Graduate Student Assistants (GSAs). SPG 601.38 may be accessed online at https://spg.umich.edu/policy/601.38 , and its relation to your employment can be found in MOU 10 of your employment contract.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.