"Thompson Scholar Coordinator"

Job Details

Ensured Consideration Date: March 6, 2026

Michigan Technological University is an R1 technological research university founded in 1885 in Houghton. Our rural campus is situated just miles from Lake Superior in Michigan's scenic Upper Peninsula and is home to nearly 7,500 students from more than 60 countries around the world. Consistently ranked among the best universities in the country for return on investment, Michigan’s flagship technological university offers more than 185 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Research focus areas include defense, health, energy, automotive, environment, and aerospace.

The area’s waters, forests, and snowfall support year-round recreation, including skiing, snowboarding, hiking, biking, and paddling. The University is an integral part of the region, supported by a friendly and welcoming community that takes pride in being a true college town. We embrace our size, climate, sense of adventure, and originality.

Summary

The Thompson Scholar Coordinator position requires an individual who is dynamic, student-oriented, and a critical thinker. This position will perform a variety of financial aid duties related to University, State of Michigan, and Federal aid programs, and a significant focus will be committed to the Rollin A. Jones and James E. Lindstrom Working Families Scholarship program. This position will require applicants to have a genuine interest in promoting student success.

Responsibilities and Essential Duties

1. Administer, support, and coordinate the $4-5 million in annual funding from the Rollin A. Jones and James E. Lindstrom Working Families Scholarship program, funded by the Thompson Foundation and the Universities funding match.
2. Serve as a primary point of contact for recipients of the Working Families Scholarship (known as Thompson Scholars), advising and referring students as needed to support their success and retention.
3. Identify students eligible for the Working Families Scholarship and collaborate with Advancement, Admissions, and Financial Aid to support and expand cohorts.
4. Maintain accurate data in financial aid and student information systems.
5. Conduct data analysis to assess student eligibility, financial need, retention and program impact.
6. Prepare reports, dashboards and visualizations for University Leadership and the Thompson Foundation.
7. Perform need analysis functions using financial aid information submitted by applicants utilizing established federal, state and university standards and guidelines.
8. Provide coverage and support as needed for the Financial Aid office, admissions events, counselor sessions, financial literacy presentations, and Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) nights.
9. Meet with and assist current and prospective students and families in understanding the financial aid process.
10. Represent the Thompson Scholars Program through assigned University committees and collaborative programs.
11. Provide excellent customer service and demonstrate empathy, understanding, and care in all student and family interactions.
12. Collaborate with faculty and staff to assist students as needed.
13. Ensure the security and integrity of confidential student data.
14. Other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Functional supervision may be exercised over student assistants.

Required Education, Certifications, Licensures

Bachelor’s Degree, or a combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Required Experience

• Two years of customer service experience in a fast-paced and high-demand environment.
• Skill and experience in project management and organizational effectiveness while maintaining strict attention to detail.
• Experience using advanced features of word processing and spreadsheet/ database software.
• Experience with managing process-oriented projects.

Desirable Education and/or Experience

• Experience working in student financial aid at a college/university.
• Experience supporting and/or advising students.
• Experience delivering presentations to large audiences through face-to-face and virtual formats.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to work with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal, customer service, and written/oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge of proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Demonstrated ability to explain and convey complex information.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and take initiative to solve problems.
• Demonstrated ability to organize and prioritize work assignments independently in a complex work environment.
• Demonstrated ability to use appropriate judgment when dealing with highly confidential information.
• Demonstrated ability to work well with others in a team environment.
• Demonstrated ability to learn new computer skills and features.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively across cultural boundaries and work harmoniously with diverse groups of students and staff.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities

• Experience using Banner and Perceptive Content.
• Experience using Zoom for individual and large group virtual presentations.

Work Environment and/or Physical Demands

• Some Evening and weekend work will be required.
• The employee is occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.
• The work environment is that of a typical office setting.

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) % (1=100%)

1

FLSA Status

Exempt

Appointment Term

12 months

Pay Rate/Salary

The minimum salary for this position is $45,000. The final salary will depend on experience and qualifications

Title of Position Supervisor

Director of Thompson Scholar Programs

Posting Type

Internal & External

Special Instructions to Applicants (if applicable)

To be considered, interested applicants must submit a cover letter and resume.

Full consideration will be given to applicants who apply on or before March 6, 2026