"Academic Program Specialist"

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.

CSAS is 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.

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 Business Manager, the LSA Finance office, and other units
• Monitor expenditures and financial commitments with Asia Business Manager and LSA Finance Office
• Coordinate invitations and subsequent visa and university affiliation processes for visiting scholars with the Asia Business Manager 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 Programming and 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%

• Coordinate CSAS scholarship and fellowship competitions, 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 to ensure 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 initiatives such as planning info sessions and other supporting events like the Summer in South Asia Symposium, and responding to funding requests for 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

Bachelor's degree in a relevant international studies field or equivalent combination of education and work experience. Familiarity with academic program administration and 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.

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 and managing academic events. Two years of experience with University of Michigan organization, practices, policies and procedures.

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, 2026 with 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.