Statistics PhD Program Coordinator

Who We Are

The Department of Statistics is a diverse and vibrant intellectual community dedicated to excellence through research and teaching. The unit is home to 85+ PhD students, 280 Master's students, 35 instructional faculty, and 10 administrative and student services staff members. Our Student Services office is fast-paced and focuses on the student experience. The student services team provides expert advice to students and faculty leadership, and supports the administrative aspects of our students' academic lifecycle and co-curricular learning experiences in the department.

Our administrative and student services teams work closely together and value collaboration, hard work, and fun.

The mission of the University of Michigan is to serve the people of Michigan and the world through preeminence in creating, communicating, preserving and applying knowledge, art, and academic values, and in developing leaders and citizens who will challenge the present and enrich the future.

The Department of Statistics is seeking a highly skilled PhD Program Coordinator to manage the lifecycle of our doctoral students. This is a critical role that requires a blend of high-level project management, financial precision, and student advocacy. You will oversee everything from graduate student recruitment and admissions to complex funding appointments and degree conferral.

The ideal candidate thrives in a cycle-driven environment - moving from the intensity of December admissions to the complexity of summer funding - and serves as a steady, empathetic, and responsive resource for our graduate community.

Reporting to the Student Services Manager, you will be responsible for the following:

Administration & Student Support 40%

• Oversee all administrative aspects of the student lifecycle including advising Ph.D. students on their academic milestones and tracking their academic progress.
• Work closely with the Director Graduate Studies (DGS) and faculty advisors to support graduate students throughout their progress in the program; coordinate and facilitate key academic milestones and processes; maintain accurate graduate student records and academic information; assist with program administration and communications; and contribute to the ongoing assessment and improvement of program structures, policies, and the graduate handbook; and offer support in organizing events and initiatives that foster graduate student community and engagement.
• Attend Graduate Committee meetings, meet regularly with the DGS, meet regularly with the Student Services Manager,
• Partner with department leadership to foster a vibrant and inclusive community of scholars.
• Act as primary liaison to the Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studies and the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts.
• Coordinate the hiring of Graduate Student Instructors and ensure compliance with the agreement between U-M and the Graduate Employee's Organization.
• Manage the recruitment, application, and admissions processes for the department's doctoral program.
• Lead the planning for PhD Visit Day, Orientation, and Graduation.

Financial and Data Management 30%

• Administer and track fellowship funding, benefits, and grants to support our doctoral students. Advise students on available funding and other funding options.
• Oversee section budget (LISEC), Block Grant, Rackham grant funds, and other gift funds with Chief Administrator guidance and approval.
• Create and monitor basic budgets and ensure expenditures are in line with approved budget proposals.
• Create and maintain a five year projection for graduate student funding

Professional Development and Teamwork 5%

• Serve as an important part of the Student Services team, providing office coverage and general support for all departmental students and faculty, working closely with student services colleagues, and meeting regularly.
• Build relationships with counterparts across LSA and UM, coordinate interdisciplinary events and workshops, attend college and Rackham meetings and training sessions.
• Contribute to process improvements and innovative projects that enhance student support and team effectiveness.

Alumni Engagement and Career Services 5%

• Complete annual Rackham Doctoral Placement Tracking and maintain updated alumni records for the department website.
• Facilitate career services, including maintaining a library of materials.
• Create and send an exit survey or conduct an exit interview with graduating students in collaboration with the Director of Graduate Studies.

• Associate's Degree and at least 4 years of administrative experience, preferably in a higher education graduate program, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Exceptional writing and interpersonal skills; ability to navigate sensitive student issues with empathy and discretion.
• Comfort navigating change, ambiguity, and evolving priorities with flexibility and professionalism.
• Demonstrated ability to work…