How to Apply

Candidates should submit the following as one document:

1. Cover Letter / Letter of interest

2. Resume

3. One page statement that discusses/shares a recent experience; what was learned from this experience, and what you did with what you learned.

In order for the Career Portal system to accept a cover letter and one page statement, please include these as a page of your resume document.

Job Summary

The University of Michigan School of Social Work (SSW) is seeking a dynamic and student-centered Assistant Director for Curriculum & Advising to join the MSW Program Office. This is a newly established leadership role created as the School transitions to a professional advising model. The Assistant Director will provide strategic oversight and day-to-day leadership for a team MSW Program Advisors, while also serving as a key partner to the MSW Program Director on curriculum planning, student advising, and other student success initiatives. This role bridges administrative leadership, advising practice, and academic program management to ensure a cohesive and high-quality experience for all MSW students.

This position is based in the MSW Program Office and works in close collaboration with the Office of Student Services and Enrollment Management, the Office of Field Education, and other School and University partners. The Assistant Director is expected to model a student-centered, inclusive approach and contribute to a positive and professional office culture. 

Candidates must be currently eligible to work in the United States, as we are currently unable to sponsor visas for this job opening.

Responsibilities

Curriculum Planning & Course Management

• Collaborate with the MSW Program Director to develop the course schedule each semester, balancing student demand, faculty availability, and program requirements.
• Manage the course enrollment petition process, including reviewing requests, communicating decisions, and maintaining accurate records.
• Maintain expert-level working knowledge of the MSW curriculum, including degree requirements, pathway specializations, special programs, dual degrees and certificate programs.
• Contribute to the development and ongoing refinement of student-facing advising materials, handbooks, and curriculum guides.
• Support the Program Director in evaluating curriculum trends and identifying opportunities for program improvement.

Supervision & Team Leadership

• Directly supervise and support MSW Program Advisors serving both on-campus and online students.
• Provide regular individual supervision, coaching, and professional development to advising staff.
• Establish consistent advising standards, practices, and student-facing protocols across the team.
• Monitor caseload distribution and ensure equitable and effective coverage for the student body.
• Lead team meetings, facilitate shared learning, and foster a collaborative advising culture.
• Conduct annual performance reviews and identify opportunities for staff growth.
• Participate in recruitment and onboarding of new advising staff as needed.

Administrative & Programmatic Leadership

• Oversee the maintenance of accurate and confidential student advising records and ensure compliance with FERPA and university data policies.
• Contribute to data collection and reporting related to student retention, satisfaction, and advising outcomes.
• Assist in the planning and execution of student orientations, professional development workshops, and program events.
• Represent the MSW Program Office in meetings with relevant campus partners and School stakeholders.
• Participate in program recruitment, marketing, and admissions events as needed.

Student Success & Strategic Advising

• Maintain a direct advising caseload, providing academic and professional guidance to an assigned group of MSW students from matriculation through graduation.
• Attend and actively contribute to student success meetings, bringing advising data and student-level insights to inform decision-making.
• Partner with the Program Director on strategic thinking about how to best support students’ academic achievement, retention, and professional development.
• Lead the development and implementation of proactive advising initiatives and early-alert interventions.
• Oversee the advising team’s support for students on academic probation, including the development and monitoring of success plans.
• Serve as an escalation point for complex or sensitive student cases, including those involving academic difficulties, leaves of absence, or withdrawal.
• Facilitate referrals to campus partners including the Office of Student Services (OSS), Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD), and financial aid offices.
• Collaborate with the Office of Field Education (OFE) on cases that span both coursework and field practicum.
   

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 4+ years of progressively responsible experience in higher education, student affairs, academic advising, or a related field.
• Master’s Degree in Social Work, Higher Education, Counseling, or a closely related area.
• Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to the values and ethics of the social work profession.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships with a diverse student population and across institutional units.
• Exceptional organizational skills and follow through, and ability to effectively manage multiple priorities, including supervision, curriculum administration, and direct student support.
• Experience working with complex academic policies and curriculum structures. 

Desired Qualifications

• 1-2 years of supervisory or team leadership experience.
• Experience advising graduate or professional students.
• Familiarity with MSW degree program structures, social work licensure pathways, or field education requirements.
• Experience with advising technology platforms and student information systems.
• Experience utilizing databases and data systems to extract, analyze, and review student data.
• Demonstrated ability to use data to inform advising strategy and program improvement. 

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.