Statistics PhD Program Coordinator

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How to Apply

A 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. Please upload your cover letter and resume in PDF format.

Who We Are

The Department of Statistics is a diverse and vibrant intellectual community dedicated to excellence through research and teaching. The unit is home to 85+ PhD students, 280 Master's students, 35 instructional faculty, and 10 administrative and student services staff members. Our Student Services office is fast-paced and focuses on the student experience. The student services team provides expert advice to students and faculty leadership, and supports the administrative aspects of our students' academic lifecycle and co-curricular learning experiences in the department. Our administrative and student services teams work closely together and value collaboration, hard work, and fun.

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 Department of Statistics is seeking a highly skilled PhD Program Coordinator to manage the lifecycle of our doctoral students. This is a critical role that requires a blend of high-level project management, financial precision, and student advocacy. You will oversee everything from graduate student recruitment and admissions to complex funding appointments and degree conferral.

The ideal candidate thrives in a cycle-driven environment - moving from the intensity of December admissions to the complexity of summer funding - and serves as a steady, empathetic, and responsive resource for our graduate community.

Responsibilities*

Reporting to the Student Services Manager, you will be responsible for the following:

Administration & Student Support 40%

• Oversee all administrative aspects of the student lifecycle including advising Ph.D. students on their academic milestones and tracking their academic progress.
• Work closely with the Director Graduate Studies (DGS) and faculty advisors to support graduate students throughout their progress in the program; coordinate and facilitate key academic milestones and processes; maintain accurate graduate student records and academic information; assist with program administration and communications; and contribute to the ongoing assessment and improvement of program structures, policies, and the graduate handbook; and offer support in organizing events and initiatives that foster graduate student community and engagement.
• Attend Graduate Committee meetings, meet regularly with the DGS, meet regularly with the Student Services Manager,
• Partner with department leadership to foster a vibrant and inclusive community of scholars.
• Act as primary liaison to the Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studies and the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts.
• Coordinate the hiring of Graduate Student Instructors and ensure compliance with the agreement between U-M and the Graduate Employee's Organization.
• Manage the recruitment, application, and admissions processes for the department's doctoral program.
• Lead the planning for PhD Visit Day, Orientation, and Graduation.

Financial and Data Management 30%

• Administer and track fellowship funding, benefits, and grants to support our doctoral students. Advise students on available funding and other funding options.
• Oversee section budget (LISEC), Block Grant, Rackham grant funds, and other gift funds with Chief Administrator guidance and approval.
• Create and monitor basic budgets and ensure expenditures are in line with approved budget proposals.
• Create and maintain a five year projection for graduate student funding

Professional Development and Teamwork 5%

• Serve as an important part of the Student Services team, providing office coverage and general support for all departmental students and faculty, working closely with student services colleagues, and meeting regularly.
• Build relationships with counterparts across LSA and UM, coordinate interdisciplinary events and workshops, attend college and Rackham meetings and training sessions.
• Contribute to process improvements and innovative projects that enhance student support and team effectiveness.

Alumni Engagement and Career Services 5%

• Complete annual Rackham Doctoral Placement Tracking and maintain updated alumni records for the department website.
• Facilitate career services, including maintaining a library of materials.
• Create and send an exit survey or conduct an exit interview with graduating students in collaboration with the Director of Graduate Studies.

Required Qualifications*

• Associate's Degree and at least 4 years of administrative experience, preferably in a higher education graduate program, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Exceptional writing and interpersonal skills; ability to navigate sensitive student issues with empathy and discretion.
• Comfort navigating change, ambiguity, and evolving priorities with flexibility and professionalism.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and respectfully with people from a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.
• Prior experience working with confidential materials.
• Experience working with and being responsible for budgets.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and adept at communicating with others.
• Significant experience organizing and tracking detailed information.

Desired Qualifications*

• A Graduate degree and five years of progressively responsible administrative experience or equivalent combination of experience
• Proficiency with U-M systems (Wolverine Access, Financial Aid system, M-Pathways, eRecruit).
• Prior experience working with graduate students and/or international students.
• Familiarity with U-M, Rackham, LSA policies and procedures.
• Enjoys working with others as part of a team as well as being skilled at working independently on projects.
• Familiarity with GSRA/GSI appointment structures and LSA/Rackham funding models.
• Knowledge of University of Michigan and Rackham Graduate School policies and procedures.
• Experience with graduate student recruiting and organizing large-scale visit events.
• Experience with database management and creating multi-step workflow processes

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.

Additional Information

The salary range for this position is $47,600 to $59,500. 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 and sciences 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 any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.