Digital Learning Innovation Program Assistant - Temporary Assignment

Program Assistant

The School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS) is seeking a Program Assistant to provide temporary coverage within the Digital Learning Innovation team. While this role carries a Program Assistant title, the primary focus during this specific coverage period will be driving the recruitment, admissions, and onboarding lifecycle for our digital learning programs. You will report to Sheila Schueller, Faculty Lead for Digital Learning Innovation.

You will act as the central hub for incoming students, ensuring they move seamlessly from prospective inquiries to fully registered, tuition-paying, oriented participants. This role requires exceptional cross-functional collaboration, working closely with the Faculty Lead as well as core institutional partners across SEAS Admissions, the Rackham Graduate School, the Registrar, Student Services, and Communications & Marketing.

This position is intended to start on August 24, 2026, and conclude on February 5, 2027. These dates may be adjusted for availability of the selected candidate and business needs. We expect that you will work 25-30 hours per week, with up to 40 hours per week during peak student recruitment season for the program.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact for prospective students, providing high-touch support and managing inbound inquiries
• Attend events to promote SEAS digital learning programs and expand outreach
• Partner with the SEAS/ PitE Admissions team to streamline the recruitment pipeline and support students through the admissions process
• Manage and analyze recruitment data, adhering with strict compliance with University, State, and Federal student data regulations
• Coordinate with SEAS Admissions Team, Rackham Graduate School, and the Registrar to ensure admitted students are processed efficiently
• Proactively manage the yield pipeline by ensuring admitted students register for classes, complete tuition payment steps, and meet critical deadlines
• Assist with execution of virtual orientation event to successfully transition incoming students into the digital learning environment
• Utilize project management software (Wrike) to track, maintain, and update digital learning project timelines and milestones
• Manage project scope to ensure deliverables stay within identified constraints; maintain transparent, highly organized documentation for the Faculty Lead and leadership team to ensure a smooth hand-off when the permanent employee returns

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience
• Experience creating, participating in, or managing digital learning/online education programs
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, with a proven ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders (faculty, staff, and students)
• Demonstrated experience managing projects or workflows with multiple institutional partners
• Demonstrated ability to adapt to new technologies and platforms
• Available for occasional travel within the state of Michigan to promote the certificate program at events

Desired Qualifications

• 1+ years of experience in university admissions/recruitment or student services
• Background in, or demonstrated interest in Sustainability, Environmental Studies, or related fields that support the mission of SEAS
• Familiarity with University of Michigan systems and structures
• Familiarity with customer relationship management within programs such as Salesforce

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.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.