The Rackham Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) team seeks one (1) temporary Graduate Student Program Assistant to work 15 hours per week during the Fall 2025 and Winter 2026 terms. The graduate student will support program design, logistics, fundraising, and planning for the commemoration of 150 years of dissertation research at Michigan that will culminate with public events and programming in Fall 2026. The graduate student will support program design and implementation of these and other related initiatives.

The Student Program Assistant will play a key role in managing and coordinating major activities related to the commemoration of 150 years of doctoral education at the University of Michigan during the 2025-2026 academic year. Primary responsibilities will include project management and planning for public programming as well as student, faculty, staff, alumni, and donor engagement. This may include organizing signature events such as keynote addresses, panel discussions with distinguished Ph.D. alumni, guided exhibit tours, and student poster sessions. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong organizational, communication, and project management skills, and a commitment to celebrating doctoral achievement and university history.  The ability to handle complex logistics and to make progress on multiple fronts simultaneously is essential. This is a perfect opportunity for students interested in careers in university administration or non-profits. 

Job responsibilities include but are not limited to: 

• Work with undergraduate researcher(s) and assistant dean to identify areas for future research and stories of alumni and students that could be highlighted as part of the 150th anniversary. 

• Work with DAR staff to recommend opportunities for all members of the Rackham community to participate in the celebration, including programmatic content that builds identity and engagement for students and alumni who have received significant support from Rackham.

• Support and development of a schedule of events for Fall ‘25 and 2026 that allows Rackham to showcase its contributions to the campus and the importance of doctoral research and will create opportunities for meaningful engagement, including a symposium, public exhibit, and/or other signature events.

• Partner with the Rackham Communications Team on the marketing strategy to promote the 150 commemoration. 

• Collaborate with other campus partners as needed and appropriate.

Required Qualifications: 

• Applicants must be currently registered in a graduate program. 

• Interest in higher education or non-profit administration

• Familiarity with diversity issues in higher education, and specifically the challenges faced by underrepresented populations; 

• Experience delivering programming in virtual formats, including familiarity with Canvas, Zoom, and other virtual platforms; 

• Ability to work as part of a team and capacity to exercise independent initiative; 

• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to maintain  confidentiality in matters of a sensitive and confidential nature;  

• Ability to handle multiple projects with excellent attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines;

• Strong organizational skills; and

• Knowledge of personal computer productivity tools, including word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, electronic communication, social media, and calendaring software packages.

Desired Qualifications

• Previous experience with administration and facilitation

• Student in the humanities or social sciences

• Experience in philanthropy and volunteer management 

• Experience with archival research methods or data visualization is a plus.