Position Overview: The Barger Leadership Institute (BLI) is a unit in the College of Literature, Science, & the Arts dedicated to developing the leadership skills of Michigan undergraduates through teamwork and the sustained work and systematic practice of effective leadership habits. 

M-LEAD, guided by three units within Student Life: Center for Campus Involvement, Ginsberg Center for Community Service and Learning, and University Career Center, works to align existing and emerging leadership education efforts across campus and Student Life departments. This is achieved by offering strategic advancements that strengthen the presence and access to leadership opportunities for all students. 

In partnership, the BLI and M-LEAD created the Leadership Certificate (LC) at the University of Michigan. The LC program utilizes research from the field of undergraduate leadership studies to create a framework that brings together existing leadership coursework and experiences across campus. The LC is designed to formally recognize exceptional student leaders on campus that involve themselves in experiential, coursework-based, and co-curricular leadership learning. 

In support of the Leadership Certificate, the BLI and M-LEAD invite current doctoral and master’s students to apply for the 2025 Leadership Certificate Graduate Assistant position. The GA will provide programmatic, administrative, and student-facing support for the LC program while contributing to broader M-LEAD initiatives as needed. Candidates must be available during the 2026-2027 academic year, and throughout the summer dates listed below. See the table below for a detailed outline of the opportunity, expected time commitment, and duties. Note: This is a temporary hourly position and is not benefits-eligible.

Please provide a resume and clearly articulate why you are interested in this position.

Work Products and Expectations: Throughout the program cycle, Graduate Assistants will work with the Student Administration Associate and can expect to provide support with the following: 

• Coordinate and maintain timely communication with LC coaches, students, and LC/M-LEAD staff

• Assist with data entry, tracking, and event logistics for LC cohort

• Conduct and document advising appointments and serve as an accessible point of contact for LC students

• Market the LC in-person and virtually to on-campus units and student organizations

• Review and grade student assignments on Canvas, providing constructive feedback in a timely manner

• Utilize Qualtrics and other digital tools to administer, organize, and support the analysis of program surveys and assessments

• Attend and contribute to weekly LC team meetings

• Work with diverse groups of students and individuals, and LC staff

• Cultivate a positive environment and sense of community

• Provide administrative and project support for M-LEAD initiatives as opportunities arise, particularly during periods of lower LC activity

Required Qualifications:

• Available to attend all required dates (listed below)

• Currently enrolled in a PhD or master’s program

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment

• Comfortable providing timely, concise, and quality feedback on student reflections and assignments

• Strong written and interpersonal communication skills

• Demonstrated interest in working with diverse student populations

• Demonstrated experience creating inclusive work and team environments

• Demonstrated interest in leadership development opportunities

• Experience supervising or mentoring undergraduate students

• Interest in social change model of leadership education, service-learning, and community-centered pedagogy 

Primary Contact/Supervisor: BLI Associate Director, Mary Schlitt

                   M-LEAD Associate Director, Steve Bodei

   Leadership Certificate Program Specialist, Miriam Roth

Time Commitment: Anticipated 2026-2027 Dates

Please submit a resume as a PDF. Please use the file naming convention “Last Name_LC Grad Assistant 2026”.

Please email the LC team with questions (LeadershipCertificate@umich.edu)

• Mary Schlitt, Associate Director, Barger Leadership Institute

• Steven Bodei, Associate Director, Student Life Leadership Education

• Miriam Roth, Leadership Certificate Program Specialist, Barger Leadership Institute