Job Summary

Primary duties entail providing support services for the Ottawa Internship Program under the supervision of the Program Director. The program assistant will be responsible for on-site management of the Ottawa Internship program while students serve in their internships.  The program assistant will reside at the University of Ottawa (where students will also live) during the course of the internship and work with the Program Director, University of Ottawa housing staff, and intern host offices to address any issues that may arise related to the internship during the course of the internship program.  The person will serve as a liaison between students and other on-site personnel and ensure students attend scheduled functions. The program assistant must have a positive, welcoming attitude and be able to work well independently. The person in this role will need to exercise considerable professionalism, discretion, and independent judgment and should be capable of analyzing and resolving various requests and issues.

More information about the program can be found here:  Canada: Political Internship.   

Responsibilities*

The job duties will include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Assist students with logistical matters, such as parking stickers, housing issues, wayfinding, connecting to medical resources, etc. related to their living in Ottawa and other cities visited during the period of the internship program.
• Serve as initial liaison between students and on-site staff of the University of Ottawa, the House of Commons, and providers of housing during program-related trips.
• Serve as point of contact for University of Michigan staff interacting with the program
• Conduct visits to offices where interns are placed
• Interact with students and their assigned offices to ensure a quality internship 
• Mentor students on professional issues related to their placements
• Hold regular group meetings with students
• Accompany students to receptions, cultural institutions, and group visits with government officials
• Stay informed on events and event logistics
• Troubleshoot day-to-day concerns

Required Qualifications*

The program assistant who supports the Ottawa Internship Program is required to have the following educational qualifications:

• Completion of a 4-year undergraduate degree

The program assistant who supports the Ottawa Internship Program is required to have the following job skills or qualities:

• Strong customer service skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Confidentiality
• Excellent time management
• Ability to work well independently
• Ability to adapt
• Must be able to travel (i.e. driver's license, passport, etc.)

Desired Qualifications*

• Canadian citizen 
• Strong customer service skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Confidentiality
• Excellent time management
• Ability to work well independently
• Ability to adapt
• Must be able to travel (i.e. driver's license, etc.)

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.

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks.  Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.