• A cover letter and resume are required for consideration for this position. The cover letter should be included in the same document as your resume and should specifically address your interest in this position and highlight related skills and experience.
• The Ford School is committed to providing a positive and inclusive work environment. This includes providing employees with flexible work opportunities. This position will generally be expected to work in the office 2-3 days per week after an introductory training period.

The Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy is looking for an Academic and Student Engagement Advisor for our new Online Master of Public Affairs (OMPA). You will be key in delivering a high-touch, high-impact student experience in a new position that blends academic advising, student engagement, and event coordination. You will serve as a primary point of contact for students from enrollment through graduation, helping them navigate their academic journey and engage meaningfully with the community. You will also work closely with faculty teaching in the Online MPA program to coordinate activities and residency sessions,  communicate relevant student needs, and ensure a cohesive academic experience. You will have the unique opportunity to participate in the ongoing development of this new degree program as we prepare to launch in January 2026. You will report to the Online MPA Program Manager.

• Advising and Academic Planning - 40%
  • Deliver individualized advising on course planning, degree progress, and academic policies.
  • Serve as students' primary, trusted point of contact throughout the program.
  • Monitor progress and proactively support students facing academic or personal challenges.
  • Help design and refine advising processes in collaboration with school partners.
• Student Experience & Engagement - 35%
  • Serve as the primary resource for student inquiries, connecting them with appropriate campus services (e.g., academic support, wellness, financial aid).
  • Maintain the student handbook and related program materials.
  • Create and implement student onboarding, orientation, and support systems to ensure a smooth transition into the program.
  • Design virtual events and programming that build community and foster belonging.
• Program Events & Milestone Support - 25%
  • Collaborate on the planning and delivery of residency weekends (approximately four per year) and graduation.
  • In partnership with the program manager and additional staff, provide event logistics support for the residency weekends and graduation (e.g., communications, registration, travel arrangements, on-site coordination).

• Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 4+ years of professional experience in student services or administration, recruiting and admissions, or a related field.
• Willingness to work some pre-scheduled evenings and weekends for in-person and virtual events (e.g., occasional webinars, four residency weekends per year, graduation).
• Experience with enterprise resource planning (ERP) software.

• Experience supporting adult learners, online or hybrid graduate programs, or executive/professional education cohorts.
• Experience coordinating and/or hosting events and programs, including managing timelines, logistics, and stakeholder communication.

You will bring curiosity, critical thinking, and a student-centered mindset to your work. You will thrive in a collaborative environment and be excited to shape and improve the experience of online learners in a growing and evolving program. Flexibility, creativity, and a strong commitment to student support, along with providing inclusive, responsive service to a diverse, non-traditional student population, are key to success in this role. You'll approach student needs with professionalism, empathy, and a solution-oriented mindset, all in service of the mission of public higher education.

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.

About University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

A great university is made so by its faculty and staff, and Michigan is recognized as one of the best universities to work for in the country. The Michigan culture is known for engaging faculty and staff in all facets of the university to create a workplace that is vibrant and stimulating.For two consecutive years, the Chronicle of Higher Education has placed U-M in its "Great Colleges to Work For" survey. In particular, the university earns high marks for strong relations between faculty and administrators, a collaborative system of governance, strong pay and benefits, and a healthy work/life balance.

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