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A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

Job Summary

The Aerospace Engineering Academic Services Office (ASO) is seeking an experienced Student Services Manager to lead and oversee all academic and student services activities within the department. This position reports directly to the department administrator, with functional reporting lines to the Associate Department Chair for Teaching and Curriculum Initiatives and the Graduate Program Chair. This role oversees a dedicated student services team responsible for supporting both students and faculty with the administrative aspects of the academic experience for approximately 250 graduate and 500 undergraduate AERO students

The Student Services Manager will provide strategic direction for key functions such as recruitment and admissions, financial aid, academic advising, curricular and co-curricular activities, and student support services. The ideal candidate is an inspiring leader with exceptional interpersonal, communication, and management skills, and has demonstrated success in delivering services that promote student academic, personal, and professional growth. Proficiency in leveraging data systems for program support and decision-making is required, as is a deep understanding of student services operations.

The successful candidate thrives in a collaborative environment, excels at problem-solving and resource management, and has a proven ability to support and mentor students and staff.

Responsibilities*

50% Student Advising: 

Provide academic and non-academic advising for Aerospace Engineering undergraduate students, and Sequential Undergraduate/Graduate Studies (SUGS) participants. Back-up support for graduate students. Support students facing academic or financial challenges, including those on probation, in coordination with faculty advisors.Assess individual student needs and refer to relevant campus resources (e.g. C.A.R.E. Center, CAPS, Financial Aid, Accessibility Services).Advise students one-on-one and in groups on curriculum, major exploration, university policies, and adjustment to college life.Advise on graduation requirements, create degree-completion plans, conduct degree audits, and work with the Office of the Registrar as needed.Maintain collaboration with College and University student affairs offices; share best practices with advising colleagues across campus.

40% Management: 

Lead, empower, and mentor a high-performing team to deliver and continuously improve student services programs and activities.Manage day-to-day in-person office operations and implement a flexible hybrid work model.Recruit, hire, onboard, supervise, assign work, train, and coordinate schedules for three full-time staff members covered by the University Staff United (USU) collective bargaining agreement, as well as additional educational support staff such as temporary student peer advisors. Foster their professional growth while promoting a customer service-oriented environment.Provide clear expectations and timely feedback, conduct regular one-on-one and team meetings, and oversee performance reviews and professional development for direct reports. Oversee and ensure accurate collection, administration, and reporting of student data, maintaining compliance with all internal and external standards. Generate comprehensive reports on student services, including student satisfaction, and coordinate data for institutional and external surveys and reports (e.g. Big Ten, NIH, ASME, NSF). Maintain oversight of all administrative student services, including time schedules, course offerings, curriculum management, student office assignments, advising, financial aid, registration, events (e.g. graduation, recruiting), academic requirements and plans, and student services website content. Develop, implement, and continuously improve effective processes and standard operating procedures to enhance instructional and administrative support. Maintain collaborative relationships and a positive, customer service-focused, team-oriented departmental culture.

10% Student Funding and General Responsibilities:

Manage Summer Undergraduate Research in Engineering (SURE) program, student funding budgets, recruitment of instructional support appointments to include Graduate Student Instructors (GEO), Instructional Aides, Graders, and all fellowship/scholarship awards.Oversee budgets for academic services office operations, programs, services, and student-support funds.Assign funding sources and forecast financial resources for graduate and undergraduate student support and financial aid.Collaborate with administrative office staff, finance, HR, IT, and communications to ensure seamless operations.Plan and coordinate student services-related events.Advise senior leadership on student experience and provide insights on student impact for strategic decision-making.Required Qualifications*

A Bachelor's degree in a related field (Higher Education, Sociology, Psychology, Student Affairs) and a minimum of five years (5) of experience in the field of student services or a combination of experience in student services advising and counseling. Previous supervisory experience is required, with a track record of building great teams and bringing out the best in staff.

General understanding of both Graduate and Undergraduate programs.

Demonstrated ability to mentor, manage, and develop a high functioning work team, to collaborate across units, to engage with faculty, and to build consensus.

Demonstrated ability to formulate strategic plans, implement programs, and evaluate the success of these initiatives. Awareness of and appreciation for the evolving role of technology and social media in all aspects of student affairs work.

Demonstrated ability to handle crises effectively and to solve problems pro-actively and creatively.

Demonstrated success in interpersonal relations, collaboration, reasoning, and exercising sound judgment.

Strong ability to work independently and as part of a team. 

The Student Administration Manager must be able to handle multiple priorities and initiatives at once while also maintaining the team's level of service to faculty, students, and staff. 

Excellent interpersonal skills and the capability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and students.

High proficiency with MS Office, Google Workspace, and other applications.

Desired Qualifications*

Experience with Wolverine Access, University reporting tools, Google applications, and general University policies and procedures would be helpful.

Knowledge of GEO, USU, and LEO union contracts preferred.

A master's degree in a related field (Higher Education, Sociology, Psychology, Student Affairs)

Modes of Work

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.

Additional Information

A higher salary may be considered for an extraordinarily qualified candidate.

Application Deadline

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.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.