Department Summary:

Student Life Research encourages and supports a culture of inquiry throughout Student Life through the systematic assessment of student learning, experiences, and usage of resources and services. By partnering with and serving as a resource for all Student Life units in the development of assessment tools, data collection, and the analysis and dissemination of results, the Research Office helps the Division of Student Life engage in data-informed decision making and understanding its impact across the Division and University. Our core work is seeking a nuanced understanding of all facets of the student experience through centralized assessment and research efforts. We support the continuous improvement of student programming, resources, and services, by conducting Student Life unit-based analysis. We serve as a resource for Student Life units in the development of assessment tools, data collection, and the analysis and dissemination of results. And finally, we tell the story of the student experience as well as Student Life’s and the University’s impact on student growth and development.

Position Summary: 
The Assistant Director for Student Life Research directly supports and partners on research and assessment projects with individual units to advance key initiatives. Engages actively across the Division to increase the culture of inquiry through management of the Student Life Research Liaison Network, organization of the annual Student Life Research Symposium, and creation and implementation of other professional development opportunities, trainings, and curricula to support unit-based assessment and research efforts.

Position Responsibilities:

UNIT-BASED ASSESSMENT EFFORTS (60%)

Assist units in identifying, conducting, and reporting on inquiries unique to their mission. Through consultation, coordination, and provision of professional development opportunities for SL staff, support units engaging in inquiries extending beyond divisional assessment efforts. Assist units in interpreting assessment findings and other relevant information related to key project areas through compelling visual and written documents relevant to broad constituent groups, including students, faculty, administrators, parents, and the broader public.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT OF DIVISIONAL ASSESSMENT EFFORTS (20%)

Project management of the Division’s data collection and assessment strategies, including planning, coordination, documentation of processes, and clear communication of project objectives and plans with multiple stakeholders. Development of detailed, organized planning materials that incorporate smaller, individual projects into a comprehensive whole. Manage changes and adapt as necessary.

SUPPORT COMMUNITY BUILDING AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (10%)

Assist unit lead in increasing the culture of inquiry across the division through interaction with the Student Life Research Liaison Network, organization of the annual Student Life Research Symposium, and creation and implementation of other professional development opportunities, trainings, and curricula to support Student Life assessment and research efforts.

STUDENT SUPERVISION (10%)

Using a developmental lens, supervise student employees and provide mentoring and professional development opportunities.

Position Responsiblities Criteria:

• Creative problem-solving skills combined with sound judgment and ability to anticipate emergent issues and needs 
• Demonstrated proficiency in verbal and written communication skills, able to connect with a variety of audiences
• High level of organization, attention to detail, and ability to meet deadlines and manage competing priorities 
• Strong and persuasive writing skills particularly in using a variety of evidence to tell a compelling story
• Excellent interpersonal and intercultural skills infused with a strong sense of tact and diplomacy
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team and to work independently in unstructured situations 
• Demonstrated experience in influencing and contributing to shaping positive organizational culture and values
• Ability to collaborate with others in creating a culture of inquiry in a socially, intellectually, and culturally diverse organization

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a research-based field
• Four years of experience in qualitative research (ethnographic methods, reflexive analysis, narrative inquiry, or other relevant methodologies) 
• Demonstrated proficiency in various qualitative/ethnographic research methods, such as in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and other participatory or human-centered study methods 
• Demonstrated proficiency in qualitative data analysis, including creating codebooks, coding/theming data, narrative analysis, and using MaxQDA qualitative analysis software
• Project management skills to complete all aspects of a research project from design through reporting and distribution
• Strong commitment to equity-minded research frameworks and methods and the ability to articulate them

Desired Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in a research-based field
• More than four years of experience in qualitative research (ethnographic methods, reflexive analysis, narrative inquiry, or other relevant methodologies) in a higher education setting
• Sound understanding of the higher educational organization, culture, and values, including a strong sense of commitment, responsibility, and desire to serve the mission of the University
• Ability to use literature on college impact and student learning and development to ground inquiries

Working Conditions:

Works in a shared office environment 3 days per week, remote 2 days per week

Physical Requirments:

Primarily works at a desk, some traveling back and forth to on-campus meetings required

Requirements

• Start Date: No Start Date
• Education: Bachelor's Degree Required
• Work Experience: 4 - 6 years
• Part/Full Time: Full-Time

Contact / Additional Information

Please apply before August 6, 2026 directly through the University of Michigan's www.careers.umich.edu. Job opening 280577.

This role may have reporting obligations under Title IX and Clery.

Authorization to work in the U.S. is a precondition of employment and applicants for this position will not be sponsored for work visas.

Selected candidates whose start date is between 4/1/2026 - 9/1/2026 will not be eligible for the university FY26-27 salary/merit plan unless otherwise notified.

Salary may vary depending on qualifications, experience, and education of the selected candidate.

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