University of Michigan

Director of Student Services

University of Michigan$80K — $115K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree and 5+ years of experience in higher education student services.
  • Experience in leading teams and fostering diverse communities.
  • Strong interpersonal skills, with a history of collaboration and sound judgment.
  • Proven track record in managing high-performing teams across academic units.
  • Experience in strategic planning and implementing change initiatives.

Responsibilities

  • Lead and mentor a team of 8 student services professionals.
  • Collaborate with senior leadership on policies and student initiatives.
  • Advise on trends impacting student experience and engagement.
  • Oversee administrative operations for academic programs and student services.
  • Manage a multi-million dollar budget for student funding and support.

Benefits

  • Hybrid work options available, offering flexibility in work arrangements.
  • Collaborative work environment with a support-focused culture.
  • Opportunities for professional development and growth.
  • Engagement with a diverse academic community and student population.
Full Job Description
How to Apply

Provide a cover letter and resume addressing your interest in this position and outlining
your relevant skills and experience.

In the cover letter please include the following:
  • Your interest in the position and your experience aligns with the responsibilities
  • Description of how you have lead teams

Job Summary

The Department of Psychology in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA), is seeking an experienced and highly qualified Director of Student Services for the undergraduate and graduate programs to lead our Student Services Office. The person in this position will serve as a key member of the Psychology Leadership Team working closely with the Department Chair, the Associate Chairs for Graduate and Undergraduate Studies, nine Ph.D. program Area Chairs, and Chief Administrator to implement the strategic vision and mission of the department as it relates to student academic programs.

The Director of Student Services occupies a critical role within the Psychology Department, working collaboratively with leadership, faculty, staff, students, and alumni to promote student recruitment and enrollment, enhance the quality of student learning, wellness, and engagement. The Director will provide strategic leadership, direction, and oversight for activities related to academic, administrative and student services across all degree programs. These activities include recruitment, admissions, student funding, operational budgets, financial aid, academic advising, records and registration, academic standards, curricular/co- curricular learning activities, and student support services. We seek a proven leader with exceptional interpersonal, communication, and management skills with demonstrated excellence in the design and delivery of services that foster enrollment, and the personal, academic, and professional development necessary for a varied community of students.

The person in this position will manage a team of eight (8) full-time student services professionals, directly supervising 3 staff, and will receive direct supervision from the Chief Administrator.

Responsibilities*

LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT (65%)
  • Lead, mentor, and develop a team of 8 student services professionals. Directly supervising two Graduate Program Coordinators and an Undergraduate Program Manager. Provide backup support as needed for direct reports. Foster open communication, accountability, and professional growth.
  • Collaborate with the Chair, Associate Chair of Undergraduate Studies, Associate Chair for Graduate Studies, Program Area Chairs, and Chief Administrator on strategy, policies, and student initiatives.
  • Advise senior leaders on student experience, trends, and emerging opportunities.
  • Lead administrative operations for undergraduate and graduate academic programs, supervising staff and ensuring effective delivery of academic services, admissions, enrollment, student records, financial aid, recruiting, and placement functions across undergraduate, master's, Ph.D., and joint Ph.D. programs.
  • Interpret LSA and U-M academic policies and offer expert guidance to faculty and students throughout their implementation.
  • Coordinate monthly meetings for the Student Academic Affairs Committee.
  • Oversee the hiring process for GSIs and GSRAs.
  • Manage the hiring process for lecturers in consultation with the Associate Chair for Undergraduate and Graduate Studies.
  • Manage human resources matters for staff, students, and lecturers.
  • Guide faculty and students to appropriate campus resources when student health issues arise.
  • Attend Rackham and LSA meetings as appropriate.

STUDENT FUNDING AND OPERATIONAL BUDGET (20%)
  • Manage a multi-million dollar budget for graduate student support, ensuring timely and accurate processing of student funds each term.
  • Complete financial forecasting and reporting for all funds related to student services.
  • Manage all department graduate fellowship and research funds, including gift, endowment, general/College/Rackham funds, and external funding in consultation with the Associate Chair for Graduate Studies and Chief Administrator.
  • Manage undergraduate gifts and research funds in consultation with the Associate Chair for Undergraduate Studies and Chief Administrator.
  • Manage the student recruitment budget.
  • Oversee the annual funding reports for Rackham.

ACADEMIC PROGRAM INITIATIVES AND EVENT PLANNING (15%)
  • Supervise staff who manage the planning, organizing, and implementing a variety of student events including recruitment activities, new student orientation, graduate student professional development and social events, department commencement, and other events in support of the graduate and undergraduate programs.
  • Implement the use of technology to create efficiencies and enhance the delivery of student affairs initiatives, services, activities, and programs
  • Encourage faculty involvement in student out-of-class programs and research projects that enhance student learning outcomes
  • Conduct research on the student experience in the department that includes student satisfaction surveys, enrollment trends, and post-graduation employment/career outcomes.

Required Qualifications*
  • Bachelor's degree and a minimum of five (5) years of experience in higher education student services.
  • Demonstrated history of fostering and leading a variety of communities/teams.
  • Demonstrated success in interpersonal relations, collaboration, reasoning, and exercising sound judgment.
  • Proven ability to recruit, mentor, and manage high-performing teams and collaborate across academic units.
  • Demonstrated success in leading organizational change initiatives, including formulating strategic plans, implementing programs, and evaluating their effectiveness.
  • Knowledge of emerging technologies and social media trends and their application to student affairs programs, services, and communication strategies.
  • Demonstrated ability to handle crises effectively and to solve problems proactively and creatively.
  • Proficiency in financial forecasting, program budgeting, and reporting.
  • High level of proficiency with spreadsheets and database software applications.
  • Event and program planning experience.
  • Ability to thrive independently and as part of a collaborative, positive, and hard-working team.
  • Proven ability to effectively prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities concurrently, delivering high-quality outcomes within tight deadlines in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
  • Enthusiasm and energy for working on behalf of students and their career interests.
  • Professionalism, attention to detail, and dedication to outstanding customer service.
  • Demonstrated strong communication skills including verbal, writing, and listening skills.
  • Ability to set expectations and achieve results while contributing to the harmony of the team.

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

The salary range for this position is $80,000 to $115,000, please note a higher salary may be offered based on equity and the selected candidate's experience.

To learn more about LSA's Mission, Vision and Values, please visit lsa.umich.edu/strategicvision

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 any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

Job Detail

Job Opening ID

280152

Working Title

Director of Student Services

Job Title

Student Administration Manager

Work Location

Ann Arbor Campus

Ann Arbor, MI

Modes of Work

Hybrid

Full/Part Time

Full-Time

Regular/Temporary

Regular

FLSA Status

Exempt

Organizational Group

College Of Lsa

Department

LSA Psychology

Posting Begin/End Date

7/15/2026 - 7/29/2026

Salary

$80,000.00 - $115,000.00

Career Interest

Academic & Student Services

About University of Michigan

The University of Michigan is a public research university in Ann Arbor, Michigan. It is the state's oldest university and the flagship campus of the University of Michigan system. The University of Michigan was founded in 1817 in Detroit, as the Catholepistemiad, or University of Michigania, 20 years before the territory became a state. The school moved to Ann Arbor in 1837 onto 40 acres (16 ha) of what is now known as Central Campus. Since its establishment in Ann Arbor, the university campus has expanded to include more than 584 major buildings with a combined area of more than 34 million gross square feet (781 acres or 3.16 km²), and has two satellite campuses located in Flint and Dearborn. The University of Michigan is a founding member of the Association of American Universities.
Learn more about University of Michigan
Size
50,000 employees
Industry
Founded
1817

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