Job Description

Responsibilities*
The International Institute (II) is seeking a team member responsible for coordinating the programming and administration of the Donia Human Rights Center (DHRC), with the goal of promoting the mission of, and providing high quality outcomes for, the Center. The Academic Program Specialist liaises with U-M departments, and partner institutions, and collaborates with staff, faculty, and student networks within the II. The DHRC Academic Program Specialist will partner with the DHRC Faculty Director and report to the Global Projects Unit Manager to coordinate the activities related to the Center's projects and activities.
Primary Responsibilities

The Academic Program Specialist serves as the lead Donia Human Rights Center (DHRC) staff representative on campus, working closely with other center staff and the faculty director on short- and long-term programming, communications, and reporting. Collaborates with II, U-M units, and other partners to deliver programming and promote the DHRC's initiatives and academic programs. Serves as a DHRC administrative contact to other II Centers, LSA departments, and other U-M units.


Program Coordination (50%)
Administer programs and manage project budgets for the Donia Human Rights Center.
Work with the DHRC director to organize lectures, panels, and conferences, including planning with invitees; visitor services (travel, visa, honoraria, per diem payments, hosting arrangements, itineraries); and oversight of events (logistical and technical support, including simultaneous Zoom use).
Develop and review project budgets and initiate and track financial transactions.
Coordinate communications with UM faculty.
Organize and participate in staff meetings and cross-center planning
Working with the DHRC director in planning for future expansion of programs


Academics and Fellowships (35%)
Administer Donia Human Rights Center funding programs for U-M students and faculty, including summer internships for undergraduates, graduate student grants, and faculty workshop grants. Prepare announcements, answer questions from applicants, gather and disseminate applications to selection committees, notify applicants, disburse funding, ensure submission of follow-up reports. Respond to requests by other academic units for funding of their events.
Administer Donia Human Rights Fellows Program, including working with the Program in International and Comparative Studies (PICS) to advertise the program, fielding questions from students interested in the program, working with DHRC to determine eligible courses and plan activities for undergraduates in the Fellow program, and developing modalities to ensure student compliance with program requirements.

Collaboration & Communications (10%)
Collaborates with U-M units and other II partners to deliver programming. Prepare and edit publications, websites, and other publicity for DHRC activities. Website work includes updating the list of U-M courses on human rights and publications resulting from DHRC funding or by Faculty Associates; drafting and posting news items related to DHRC programs. Develop and oversee maintenance of specialized DHRC e-mail groups. Advertise events and academic programs through e-mail communication, print publications, and social media. Manage DHRC social media and announcement blogs.


Development (5%)
Maintaining relationships with existing donors for DHRC. Exploring other avenues for funding and liaising with LSA advancement.




Required Qualifications*
Bachelor's degree (or equivalent education/experience), preferably including work related to international studies, or experience; excellent communication and English language skills; ability to handle a variety of tasks and meet deadlines; ability to work occasional evenings and weekends; knowledge of Microsoft Office and Google Office Suite. Ability to occasionally work evenings and extra hours to staff events.

Desired Qualifications*
Previous experience in program and event planning; experience with and knowledge of University policies, rules, and administrative procedures (or equivalent). Knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, MailChimp, Canva and Canvas, familiarity with/interest in human rights issues.