LSA Scholarships champions the liberal arts at the University of Michigan by providing the financial resources that lead to undergraduate opportunities for learning, engagement, and experiences that will lead to student success and empowerment. We believe deeply in the transformative power of LSA's research and education, so we work to the highest standards of excellence with the conviction that what we do matters to our students, the College of LSA, and the world.

As part of LSA Undergraduate Education, the LSA Scholarships Team fosters a welcoming and supportive student community for students from all backgrounds by providing access, opportunity, and resources at one of the nation's preeminent public liberal arts colleges.  Our office is a dynamic, friendly work environment that values innovation, initiative, collaboration, and teamwork, and respect.

We seek a Scholarship Coordinator who is responsible for oversight of three scholarship programs and support for additional scholarship programs throughout the calendar year. This role involves managing and updating scholarship application materials, participating in the application review and decision-making process for awarding need-based scholarships to LSA students, and outreach to students and departments to increase awareness of funding opportunities. Candidates should have an innovative approach to work and enjoy working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment with a commitment to creating access to opportunities for a diverse population of LSA students. The Scholarship Coordinator reports to the Director of the LSA Scholarships Office.

Position Overview
The LSA Scholarships Office seeks a dedicated and detail-oriented Scholarship Coordinator to oversee three scholarship programs and provide support for additional scholarship programs throughout the calendar year. This position plays a key role in ensuring that financial resources are effectively distributed to LSA students while also enhancing outreach efforts to increase awareness of funding opportunities.

The Scholarship Coordinator will manage and update scholarship application materials, participate in the application review and decision-making process for awarding need-based scholarships, and lead the annual Fall Scholarship Event. The ideal candidate will have an innovative approach to work, thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, and demonstrate a strong commitment to creating access to opportunities for a diverse population of LSA students.

Scholarship Programs Coordination (75%)

• Lead three of the LSA Scholarship programs
  • LSA Internship (domestic), overseeing the application process, awarding, and administration while supporting the Scholarship team in reviewing applications as needed.
  • LSA Spring/Summer Scholarships Program, coordinating with academic units to facilitate funding for departmental programs such as Camp Davis, the Biological Station, Semester in Detroit, and Kitt Peak Observatory.
  • LSA Transfer Scholarship Program, including the administration of the two-year automatic renewal process, ensuring seamless support for eligible students.
• Review and assess individual scholarship applications, determining eligibility based on need-based funding requirements.
• Access, interpret, and evaluate student financial aid packages to make informed scholarship decisions.
• Ensure timely awarding and accurate recipient matching to donor gift accounts and general scholarship funds.
• Maintain and interpret scholarship criteria and guidelines within the Scholarship Application system.
• Ensure deadlines are met and awarding is done on time by proactively managing scholarship timelines, including application openings, review periods, selection deadlines, and award disbursement dates.
• Ensure accurate records of awards are maintained to facilitate stewardship efforts and assist students throughout the application process.
• Develop and maintain a scholarship calendar to track key milestones and ensure alignment with financial aid disbursement schedules.
• Coordinate with relevant departments, faculty, and staff to streamline the awarding process and avoid delays.
• Identify and address any potential roadblocks in the awarding process to maintain efficiency and equity in distribution.
• Engage directly with internal and external audiences to promote funding resources and programming available.
• Collaborate with the Director to determine annual budget and awarding goals by analyzing historical data, projected funding availability, and student demand for scholarships.
• Monitor spending and awarding trends throughout the year to make data-driven recommendations for adjustments as needed.
• Stay apprised of state/national issues and best practices in admissions, recruitment, scholarships, study abroad, and financial aid.
• Create, update, and develop communications relevant to programs in partnership with Communications Coordinator.
• Develop, update, and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs), manuals, and workflow documentation to ensure consistency, accuracy, and efficiency in scholarship administration.
• Regularly review and refine processes to improve operational effectiveness and align with best practices in scholarship management.
• Performs other related duties as needed to support the success of the team and organization, with flexibility to take on additional responsibilities that align with evolving LSA Scholarships departmental and organizational needs, contribute to team success, and advance department goals.

Event Management and Coordination (25%)

• Lead the planning and execution of the annual Fall Scholarship Event for first-year scholarship recipients, including event logistics, student engagement, and collaboration with campus partners to enhance the student experience.
• Lead the planning and execution of all Scholarship events (annual or one-time occurring) including event logistics, student engagement, and collaboration with campus partners to enhance the student experience.
• Collaboration with Campus Partners: Work closely with university departments, faculty, and student organizations across the university to enhance the student experience at events. This includes leveraging campus resources, facilitating meaningful connections, and incorporating mentorship opportunities to create impactful and engaging event experiences. Additionally, ensure LSA Scholarships' presence at key events to support scholarship recipients and promote available resources.
• Communication & Outreach: Manage invitations, reminders, and follow-up communications for students, staff, and special guests, ensuring a strong turnout and engagement.
• Assessment & Improvement: Gather feedback from attendees and stakeholders to assess the event's impact and identify opportunities for enhancement in future years.

Collaboration and Continuous Improvement

• Partner with team members to improve operational processes and enhance student services.
• Participate in training and development opportunities to stay updated on scholarship policies and office procedures.
• Contribute ideas to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of scholarship operations.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience in scholarship administration, financial aid, higher education, or related areas.
• Experience in financial aid and/or scholarship administration, familiarity with financial aid procedures.
• Experience in student services and ability to assess and address student needs and expectations.
• Strong financial acumen and decision-making abilities.
• Experience in program coordination and management, preferably in an academic setting with a demonstrated ability to balance independent and collaborative work.
• Ability to set priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, dynamic environment; adept at adjusting to shifting program, student, and unit needs.  
• Experience handling sensitive and confidential matters with integrity.
• Strong collaboration skills with the capability to partner effectively with teams to achieve shared goals, provide strategic insights, and lead continuous improvement efforts in customer service and operations.
• Demonstrated ability to track key operational metrics, identify process improvements, and successfully deliver on strategic initiatives.
• Proven success in fostering a collaborative, positive work environment and driving team-based results.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to develop and administer scholarship policies, requirements, and procedures.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and exceptional interpersonal skills

• Passion for working with students and supporting the LSA Scholarships Office and its initiatives to provide a welcoming and supportive student community for students from all backgrounds.
• Working knowledge of the University's organizational policies, rules, regulations, procurement, and purchasing is desired.
• Working knowledge of Mpathways, specifically Student Financials and Financial Aid and Students Records and Admissions.
• Experience working with application management systems.
• Experience with event planning and execution, including logistics, stakeholder management, and assessment.

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.

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 anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.