PDE Certificate Program- GSSA Fall

PDE Posting Certificate Program- GSSA for Fall 2026

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and must be attached as the first page of your resume. The letter should address your specific interest in and fit with this GSSA position. Please include your University Department/Program affiliation and year in graduate studies.

Through the Professional Development and Engagement Certificate Program, Rackham prepares graduate students and postdoctoral scholars to lead research with clarity, confidence, and global understanding. Designed for scholars working in increasingly global, interdisciplinary, and collaborative environments, the program integrates leadership development, global understanding, project management, and ethical research practices. This position provides support for the certificate program and reports to the Sr.

Academic Program Manager coordinating the certificate program. This GSSA position is ideal for students that are interested in working with graduate students to expand and apply their knowledge and skills related to leadership within research .

Appointment Period:
Fall 2026 (This position is for one term with renewal for Winter 2026 contingent upon completion of performance expectations and available funding).

Estimated FTE: 50% (20 hours per week)

Compensation:
This appointment provides tuition, required fees, stipend (at the GEO negotiated GSSA monthly rate), Grad Care health insurance, and dental insurance (Option
1).

Number of applicants from last academic year: N/A (previous position was renewed last year no applications were submitted).

This position provides support for the certificate program and reports to the Sr. Academic Program Manager coordinating the certificate program. This GSSA position is ideal for students that are interested in working with graduate students to expand and apply their knowledge and skills related to leadership within research .

• Manage the online dashboard to track program participant application in collaboration with Rackham ITS team
• Manage participants progress to completion using the Canvas Course Management System.
• Draft consistent communications to certificate program participants in collaboration with Rackham Communications team and/or Rackham PDE program managers.
• Compile and analyze program evaluation and participant data and draft reports on the program for stakeholders
• Respond to the needs of certificate participants via email, Canvas, and Zoom.
• Assist with the planning and implementation of student programming related to the certificate program, including support of the certificate recruitment process
• Assist in the facilitation/co-facilitation or direct support of workshops and programs for the certificate program when called upon to do so
• Support signature and other PDE-related events, some of which may take place outside regular business hours
• Assist in the planning and execution of the final ceremony/celebration
• Collaborate with Rackham Communication team to develop ideas for using video, social media and marketing to connect with students and promote the program
• Evaluate student submissions for the certificate
• Conduct program progress reports to the certificate program managers upon request
• Address questions or inquiries emailed to the PDE certificate inbox

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work to be performed and are not an exhaustive list of all associated responsibilities.

NOTE: SOME FLEXIBILITY OF SCHEDULED WORK HOURS IS REQUIRED, INCLUDING EVENINGS OR WEEKENDS ON A PRIOR SCHEDULED BASIS.

Applicants must be currently registered in a Rackham graduate program. Preference will be given to doctoral students who have reached candidacy. Students who are unsure if they are in a Rackham graduate program should check their graduate program listing in http://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

• The work described above for this position must be considered academically relevant by the department or degree program in which the student is enrolled.
• Experience with issues in graduate education, student development, leadership, research, and global understanding.
• Ability to handle multiple projects
• Ability to collaborate effectively on a team
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, prioritization, and follow-through
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work and communicate effectively and professionally with the University community as well as external community partners
• Ability to work collaboratively or independently, as the task requires
• Experience in delivering presentations
• Familiarity with technological platforms including Canvas and Google suite

• Familiarity and experience with Rackham Professional Development and Engagement programming
• Experience using Canvas, Zoom and other web based tools
• Experience in designing and maintaining…