The Scholarship Database Manager & Program Specialist is responsible for the management, maintenance, and strategic implementation of the LSA Scholarships Application /Awarding/ 
Communication Portal System (Scholarship Manager, powered by Next Gen). This position also serves as the LSA Scholarship Specialist, ensuring all programs are awarded in a timely and compliant manner, while delivering impactful scholarship support to students.

In collaboration with the LSA Scholarships leadership team, the Database Manager & Program Specialist helps develop and execute a strategic approach to scholarship data and data requests, aiming to create continuous impact and informed decision-making across LSA.

LSA Scholarship Program Specialist: 

• Serve as the primary resource for all LSA scholarship awarding programs, providing support in the awarding process for any program and acting as backup for all coordinators to ensure timely, accurate, and compliant award processing.

Scholarship Database Management:

• Lead the ongoing management and development of the LSA Scholarships Application and Awarding System (Scholarship Manager, powered by Next Gen). Ensure system accuracy, usability, and compliance standards.

Scholarship Program Coordination (50%)

• Serve as the primary resource for all LSA Scholarship awarding programs. Support of the end-to-end process including application development, review coordination, award decisions, and post-award communications.
• Review and verify student eligibility using university systems and ensure awards are distributed accurately and in alignment with donor intent and university policies.
• Maintain program documentation, timelines, and communications to ensure clear processes and a consistent student experience.
• Analyze program data to assess outcomes, track spending, and inform strategic improvements.
• Respond to inquiries from students, staff, and faculty regarding program eligibility, application timelines, and award status.
• Process financial awards through the Office of Financial Aid using spreadsheets and the M-Pathways system.
• Work closely with the Office of Financial Aid to ensure full alignment and compliance with university policies during  processing of the financial awards
• Provide one-on-one advising sessions for students regarding scholarship opportunities and requirements.
• Respond to student inquiries and adjust awards as needed based on enrollment or program participation.
• Collaborate with the Director to determine annual budget and awarding goals by analyzing historical data, projected funding availability, and student demand for scholarships.
• Stay apprised of state/national issues and best practices in admissions, recruitment, scholarships, study abroad, and financial aid.
• Compile, organize, and present data for the annual report, detailing scholarship awards, budgets, and overall program success.
• Ensure accurate records of awards are maintained to facilitate stewardship efforts and assist students throughout the application process.
• 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.

Scholarship Database Management (50%)

• Manage and maintain the LSA Scholarships Application and Awarding System (Scholarship Manager, powered by Next Gen), including configuration of applications, reviewer workflows, automated messaging, and scholarship matching logic.
• Oversee annual system updates, testing, and implementation of new features or enhancements.
• Ensure the system remains accurate, user-friendly, and compliant with institutional policies and data security standards.
• Troubleshoot issues for both staff and students, working in collaboration with IT, Next Gen support, and campus partners.
• Update gift account information, award criteria, and system logic in alignment with evolving donor intent and program guidelines.
• Develop and maintain training materials, how-to guides, and process documentation. Train staff and provide ongoing system support and refresher training for current users.
• Partner with the Communications Coordinator to update and maintain system-generated communications, web content, and notifications.

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 and relevant experience, preferably in higher education and/or Scholarship, Finance or Financial Aid
• Experience managing database or scholarship management systems, ideally in higher education settings.
• Demonstrated experience with system configuration, workflow management, and troubleshooting.
• Strong organizational, communication and documentation skills, ability to develop system training materials and SOPS and deliver training.
• Experience in student services and managing student needs and expectations.
• Strong financial acumen and decision-making abilities.
• Excellent program coordination skills 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.  
• Proven 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.
• Advanced editorial writing skills and strong design capabilities.
• Proficiency in maintaining website and web content.
• Ability to leverage technology to achieve departmental objectives.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace (formerly G Suite).
• Experience with Adobe Creative Suite software.

• Experience in finance
• Experience working with student counseling, scholarships, or financial aid. 
• Knowledge of University of Michigan policy and procedures. 
• Mpathways experience. 
• Communications, design, and marketing background.

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.