Wayne State University·Detroit, Michigan
The specialist will analyze, verify, and process faculty appointments, renewals, and terminations while ensuring adherence to university and School of Medicine policies. They will also train departmental staff on appointment processes and act as a liaison with payroll to resolve faculty-related issues.
Affairs Senior Specialist - Department of Medicine Faculty Affairs Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Faculty Affairs Senior Specialist - Department of Medicine Faculty Affairs at its Detroit campus location. Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society. Essential functions (job duties): Job Purpose: Analyze, verify and process School of Medicine (SOM) tenure/tenure track, non-tenure, full time affiliate and voluntary faculty appointments, changes in assignment, renewals, and terminations. Train, counsel, and advise departmental representatives on matters relating to the appointment of faculty in the SOM. Assist with promotion & tenure, selective salary, faculty recognition, and professional development programs. Essential Functions Within Smart Path system, evaluate incoming faculty appointment paperwork for accuracy, completeness and adherence to University, SOM policy and any applicable contracts Review/assemble completed various personnel actions for review by the Vice Dean of Faculty Affairs and Professional Development, Executive Committee of the Faculty Senate, Dean and Office of the Provost, as applicable. Work with department administrators to correct deficiencies. Validate that the proper appointment forms are completed for data entry. Upload documents into Xtender assuring that all documents are in order to complete the faculty assignment in the Banner System. Ensure data is added and current in the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC Famous Database. Train and guide SOM departmental staff and administrators in the faculty appointment process in individual and group settings. Respond to queries and guide departments on School and University policy and contracts, as well as appropriate use of templates for faculty appointments, changes in assignments, and/or renewal/non-renewal of appointment. Verify that payroll faculty positions have been properly posted and applied for through Cornerstone Applicant Tracking System. Verify that faculty positions have a valid position number. Validate that the proper Faculty Hiring plans have been completed specific to the position being filled. Create, review and/or approve faculty postings in the Cornerstone Applicant Tracking System for the School of Medicine departments as assigned. Act as a liaison with the Payroll department to resolve faculty payroll related issues in a timely manner. Participate in the annual renewal of faculty appointments by reviewing and tracking the approval process to assure there are no lapses in faculty appointments, and that proper notification is given for non-renewal in accordance with University policies and contracts. Use multiple sources, extract and compile data of a highly sensitive and confidential nature, relating to faculty promotion and tenure, performance, merit and salary reviews, grievances, legal matters, termination and/or non-renewal of appointment, and compensation. Create reports as requested. Perform other related duties as assigned.
Education: Bachelor's degree Additional Education Information: Knowledge typically acquired through completion of a Bachelor’s Degree from An accredited college or university or equivalent combination of education and/or experience. Experience working in a university medical school environment with extensive knowledge of policies, procedures, faculty contracts and appointments. Smart Path experience preferred.
Specialist (minimum 5 years of job-related experience) School of Medicine experience highly preferred Extensive knowledge of Cognos, Banner, and X-tender.
Computer Skills: Proficient in Cognos, Banner and X-Tender (navigation, data entry and document scanning and indexing). Able and willing to learn Smartpath Appointment Processing System and Cornerstone Applicant Tracking system. Ability to use Microsoft Windows, Outlook, Word, SharePoint, Excel, Teams, Zoom, Qualtrics, and utilize the internet/intranet as a resource. Accurately data enter and organize computer files in databases and shared drives. Communication Skills: Applies effective interpersonal skills to provide service one on one and in small groups. Responds to common inquiries and transfers knowledge to others. Write clearly and informatively. Ability to edit documents for accuracy, grammar and spelling.
School/College/Division: H06 - School of Medicine Primary department: H0688 Employment type: Regular Employee Job type: Full Time Job category: Academic/Faculty Funding/salary information: Compensation type: Annual Salary
Salary minimum: TBD Salary hire maximum: TBD Working conditions: Normal office environment. Job openings: Number of openings: 1 Reposted position: No Reposted reason: None (New Requisition) Prior posting/requisition number: Background check requirements: University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.
Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree and possess at least five years of job-related experience, preferably within a university medical school environment. Proficiency in systems such as Cognos, Banner, and Xtender is required, along with strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
Market context
In Michigan, faculty affairs roles in academic medicine are often shaped by steady demand from university medical schools and health systems that manage appointments, records, and compliance. This type of position is competitive because employers look for candidates who combine higher-ed experience with tools like Cognos, Banner, and Xtender, plus strong organization and communication. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this page to save research time, and tailor your application to show direct experience in faculty records or medical school administration.