Tianyi Zhai

U-M Highest Honors Graduate | TV Writing & Producing | Filmmaking | Administration | Psychology

Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States

About

Experience

  • Admissions Program Coordinator (Communications) at University of Michigan - School of Music, Theatre & Dance
    Oct 2025 - Present · 9 mos

    Coordinate all front-line admissions communications, managing high-volume email inboxes, main phone line, and information sessions for prospective students and families year-round. Design, build, and schedule targeted Slate Deliver drip, cycle, and ad hoc campaigns; audit and update SMTD Admissions web content to ensure accurate, timely information. Plan and execute key recruitment and yield events, including Faculty Showcase concerts, Welcome Celebrations, and the Michigan Performing Arts College Fair. Oversee admissions office operations, including recruitment materials, supplies, mail, storage, and coordination with Facilities/IT to keep office spaces and equipment running smoothly. Co-manage a multi-role student worker team (tour guides, office assistants, team leads, Dean’s Liaison): hire, train, schedule, review timesheets, and provide ongoing coaching and feedback. Support data-informed decision-making by administering daily historic enrollment reports and assisting with data pulls, forms, events, and records in Slate.

  • Admissions Representative - Office of Undergraduate Admissions at University of Michigan
    Jun 2025 - Oct 2025 · 5 mos

    Provided front desk support, walk-in advising, and campus tour check-in for prospective students and families. Resolved multiple admissions inquiries via phone, live chat, and TeamDynamix timely and accurately. Supported recruitment events such as the MACRAO college fair across Michigan, helping expand access and visibility in local communities. Reviewed undergraduate applications for different schools, including the College of LSA, College of Engineering, and Ross School of Business.

  • Research Administration Assistant at University of Michigan College of Literature, Science, and the Arts
    Dec 2024 - Jun 2025 · 7 mos

    Supported Peabody Award-winning Filmmaker and Lecturer III Carleen Ling Hsu in developing documentary curriculum by conducting in-depth research on over 20 local nonprofits, compiling organizational data, and drafting partnership proposals. Managed external communications with nonprofit leaders, scheduled and coordinated high-level meetings, and oversaw logistical planning to establish and sustain strategic partnerships that support community-engaged student filmmaking.

  • Marketing and Communications Intern at University of Michigan Information and Technology Services
    May 2022 - Jun 2025 · 3 yrs 2 mos

    Planned and executed high-impact events for 50-intern cohorts, combining logistics, team engagement, and creative design. Scripted, filmed, and edited over 50 promotional videos for platforms including Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube, resulting in a significant increase in social media engagement. Authored over 30 engaging social media posts, news releases, feature stories, and website content to enhance awareness of IT services for university students, faculty, and staff.

  • WOLV-TV (On-site)
    • President, General Manager
      May 2024 - May 2025 · 1 yr 1 mo

      • Led 100+ station members and managed the overall functional planning, show programming, and alumni relationships. • Organized guest speakers workshops and lunch tables to provide members with learning and networking opportunities • Ensured that the technical aspects of production, such as lighting, camera operations, and audio mixing, running without any glitches. • Supervise post-production processes, including graphics, editing, and audio to meet high-quality standards. • Managed budgeting and resources for each show while ensuring optimal usage of resources during each project.

    • E-Board, Director of Sports Channel, Producer and Director
      Aug 2023 - Jul 2024 · 1 yr

      • Produced a new sports program interviewing the personal life of U-M athletes and received 20K+ views cumulatively. • Liaised with the U-M school teams’ PR directors and U-M Athletics for media permissions and internal updates.