Assistant Director for Collaborative Engagement

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How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be included as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

Job Summary

Based in the OVPR Office of Research Development, this position reports directly to the Assistant Vice President for Research Development. The Assistant Director will be responsible for the planning, development, implementation and evaluation of programs, events, and services that catalyze interdisciplinary research and support institutional strategy. The Assistant Director will supervise personnel responsible for Bold Challenges programs and faculty engagement. The Assistant Director will also lead ideation sessions and facilitations to build new and expand existing interdisciplinary research collaborations. They will work closely with the Director of Research Development to develop and implement a full range of research development services effectively, in ways that empower University of Michigan (U-M) researchers at every career stage and help U-M improve its capacity to conduct large-scale interdisciplinary research.

Primary responsibilities include: planning and facilitating workshops, ideation sessions and other convenings that engage faculty researchers for collaborative activities; strategic planning and coordination of the Bold Challenges initiative; evaluation and reporting for Bold Challenges, and continuous program improvement driven by feedback from program participants; and disbursement of internal grant awards.

This is a hybrid position. The Assistant Director will be expected to work in the office a minimum of two days per week and be on campus as needed for events.

Responsibilities*

Program Management

• Develop and manage the implementation of Bold Challenges and other programs in collaboration with the AVP for Research Development.
• Coordinate Bold Challenges activities and events.
• Coordinate effective communication around Bold Challenges and interdisciplinary programs.
• Coordinate Bold Challenges program timelines, processes, templates, and deliverables.
• Build and maintain productive partnerships with key campus and external organizations.
• Manage and delegate tasks to program personnel.
• Support Bold Challenges efforts to monitor emerging trends in research to inform priority themes for programming.
• Coordinate processes for managing applications, funding, and award allocations.
• Conduct evaluation, reporting and continuous program improvement of Bold Challenges activities.

Collaborative Engagement

• Plan and facilitate workshops, ideation sessions and other convenings that enable the exchange and convergence of ideas between researchers.
• Work closely with Michigan Research Launchpad and Strategic Intelligence to identify emerging research areas to mobilize faculty for future federal funding priorities.
• Pilot new strategies for convening and catalyzing interdisciplinary researchers for sustained progress.

Stakeholder Engagement and Outreach

• Develop, implement, and promote strategies and events that highlight Bold Challenges achievements and impact.
• Coordinate with OVPR Communications to market program offerings and recruit eligible participants.
• Prepare communications for teams, applicants, campus partners, etc.
• Communicate regularly with the Research Development staff about ongoing initiatives and team support.
• Support campus engagement of Bold Challenges by presenting at information sessions, workshops, and events, and meeting with partner organizations.
• Regularly communicate with the AVP for Research Development regarding the program's status and escalate identified potential risks to deliverables.
• Create and deliver progress reports and presentations related to assigned duties.

Supervision of Program Managers

• Provide supervision and manage the workflow and performance of staff, including program managers, project managers, etc.
• Conduct annual performance evaluations for relevant staff members with input from others who regularly interact with them.
• Manage team member on-boarding and off-boarding functions, as needed.

Required Qualifications*

• Bachelor's degree and at least 3-5 years of relevant work experience.
• 3-4 years of project management experience and/or research project coordination with a demonstrated ability to simultaneously manage multiple projects to deadline.
• Effective organization and management of multiple priorities in a complex environment.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, including the ability to effectively communicate with both faculty and staff members.
• Careful attention to detail.
• Experience facilitating brainstorming, strategic planning, or similar workshops for the exchange of ideas.
• Ability to effectively provide training to others in the form of workshops and individual instruction.
• Experience with administrative aspects of activity and event planning.
• Strong initiative and demonstrated ability to work independently and in collaborative settings are essential. Must be able to work in a sensitive and confidential manner using independent judgment and professionalism.
• Ability to manage a successful team.

Desired Qualifications*

• Master's degree in a field relevant to job responsibilities.
• Experience supervising and mentoring others.

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.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.