A cover letter (one page) is required for consideration for this position and must be attached to the first page of your resume.  The letter should specifically outline the reasons for your interest in this position and describe your particular skills and experience that directly relate to this position.  Please submit contact information (phone and email) for 3-5 professional references along with your resume. Applicants who do not meet these requirements will not be considered.

Rackham Graduate School seeks (6) part-time temporary Program Assistants to assist with the execution of the Summer Research Opportunity Program (SROP), Michigan Humanities Emerging Research Scholars (MICHHERS), and the Rackham Aspiring Fellows (RAF) programming. These positions will be supervised by the Rackham Senior Program Lead for Outreach and Summer Programs.

The Summer Research Opportunity Program (SROP) is a 10-week residential program at the University of Michigan designed for outstanding undergraduate students. The program strives to increase the number of diverse students with unique experiences by supporting their preparation for graduate studies. Through intensive mentorship, active learning, and enrichment activities, SROP fosters a community of scholars who increase social and cultural capital and networking while mastering research skills and knowledge that advance their preparation as candidates for successful graduate study at U-M and success in future careers, increasing representation in professional fields. (Program Dates: Saturday, May 23, 2026, to Thursday, July 30, 2026)

The Michigan Humanities Emerging Research Scholars (MICHHERS) program is a 2-week residential program designed to encourage rising seniors, recent B.A.s, and terminal Master's students from diverse cultural, economic, geographic, and ethnic backgrounds to consider pursuing a doctoral degree in humanities at the University of Michigan. (Program Dates: Saturday, May 23, 2026, to Saturday, June 6, 2026)

The Rackham Aspiring Fellows (RAF) is a year-long fellowship program at the University of Michigan designed to support a cohort of undergraduate students from select Partner Institutions to prepare for doctoral study. Fellows will work collaboratively on a research project with faculty from both U-M and their home institution, while also engaging in professional and academic development activities throughout the experience. RAF participants will begin their experience with a summer visit to campus. (Program Dates: TBD)

PLEASE NOTE: Late afternoon and early evening work will be required; possible weekend work may be required with advance notice. The schedule varies based on the needs of the programs. 

Each position will be assigned to work specifically with one of the programs (SROP, MICHHERS, RAF), though there may be opportunities to support the other programs, as needed. 

Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 

Assisting with the execution of program content; working closely with Rackham staff, departmental faculty, and other university administrators to plan and facilitate cohort-building activities; meeting with participants individually and in small groups; assisting students with graduate school applications; assisting with the development of program evaluation tools; facilitating communication between staff and participants; anticipating and resolving participant problems or concerns; completing related administrative tasks such as drafting documents, data entry, data management, and final reports. 

Responsibilities could also include 

• Pre-arrival planning, post-departure support, and programming and logistical support of academic programming and social events during the programs (SROP, MICHHERS, or RAF).  
• Facilitating academic seminars and scholarly dinners (e.g., booking rooms, contacting guests, hosting/MCing, setting up, cleaning up, etc.). 
• Providing support to residential staff during evening community hours and weekly social outings, as well as supporting the academic programming with seminar/event tasks (e.g., checking in guests, taking attendance, helping set up and cleaning, etc.)
• Capturing photographs and other media artifacts during key moments of events, as well as organizing and sending marketing materials to the Rackham Communications team for promotion.

All staff will be expected to attend regular all-staff meetings and team meetings, more specifically, with the program they are more closely working with during the summer. 

PLEASE NOTE: In your application materials, please indicate if you have a specific interest in a program (SROP, MICHHERS, or RAF) and/or, when appropriate, an area of work (e.g., archival, program support, facilitation, etc).

• Familiarity with diversity issues in higher education, and specifically the challenges faced by underrepresented populations 
• Demonstrated experience in mentoring undergraduate students from diverse backgrounds 
• Experience delivering the required qualifications in both in-person and virtual formats, including familiarity with Canvas, Zoom, and other virtual platforms 
• Demonstrated experience in and understanding of program development and implementation 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to maintain confidentiality in matters of a sensitive and confidential nature
• Ability to handle multiple projects with excellent attention to detail, and the ability to meet deadlines 
• Ability to work as part of a team and capacity to exercise independent initiative; 
• Demonstrated customer service skills 
• Knowledge of personal computer productivity tools, including word processing,  spreadsheets, presentations, electronic communication, social media, and  calendaring software packages  

• Previous experience in SROP, MICHHERS, and/or other Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU)
• Reasonable knowledge of University and departmental policies and procedures, University organization, and University protocol and governance
• Research and scholarly interest in graduate student development.

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.

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.