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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.
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
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.
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