Assistant Director, Operations And Administration

How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached 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.

Summary

This position operates in a hybrid work environment, consisting of both in-person and remote work.

Reporting to the Director, Operations and Administration, the Assistant Director, Operations and Administration is responsible for directing the efficient and proactive day-to-day management of activities and staff that support the business operations teams in the Office for Research and Sponsored Projects (ORSP).

The Assistant Director serves as an active participant on the office's leadership team, contributing to the implementation of strategies that drive organizational success, and managing the day-to-day operations that successfully activate those strategies.

The Assistant Director aids in and contributes to decisions and implementation relating to the planning, development and implementation of short and long-range objectives, aids in the management of financials, including implementation of annual budgets, and contributes to the development and implementation of administrative policies, policies and initiatives.

This position has input in the review and evaluation of organizational and program activities and outcomes, prepares papers and reports as required, and may represent the organization to internal and external audiences in the absence of the Director.

The Assistant Director is responsible for supporting the implementation of the vision of the Assistant Vice President for Research-Sponsored Projects and ORSP's efficient and effective operations, including strategic planning and direction of ORSP in collaboration with other members of the ORSP leadership team.

Responsibilities*

Oversee immediate, day-to-day business activities within ORSP, initiation and coordination of work orders and requests to and from U-M facilities, Information Technology Services, Human Resources, and OVPR Finance. Ensure that the day-to-day work of the business operations support team is well coordinated, accurate, timely, consistent and that these efforts are reliable contributors to the office's success.

Oversee workflow of human resources actions and assist in recruitment and hiring logistics to include scheduling interviews and coordination of panels.

Ensure responsible stewardship of the office's resources and provide accurate and timely reports to the Director to achieve cost effective, equitable management of physical and financial resources.

Advise leadership on the status of the office's physical resource budget (equipment, supplies, computers, etc.), resolve questions and issues, make recommendations on how to spend or apply funding. Collaborate with OVPR finance, human resources, and IT to ensure office's requirements are met.

Work with training, communications and project management to maintain a robust orientation program for new employees. Oversee consistent support for training, communications and project management initiatives.

Assess and implement office standard operating procedures that will maximize internal information flow, decision-making, and overall office effectiveness and conduct systematic reviews of procedures specific to office administration.

Develop, analyze, and recommend changes to relevant office policies, processes and practices as they relate to workflow, quality, and timeliness.

Participate in the implementation of strategic planning and continuous improvement initiatives in collaboration with other members of the ORSP leadership team.

Actively participate as a member of the ORSP Leadership Team, playing a key role in ensuring smooth and effective delivery of necessary services.

Establish, maintain, and facilitate effective communications and working relationships with other units within ORSP, OVPR and across the University.

Required Qualifications*

Bachelor's degree.

At least 5 years of relevant leadership and management experience, providing supervision and/or performance management, preferably in an academic setting.

Demonstrated experience in Business Administration, Human Resources, or related field.

Ability to maintain confidentiality in office operational transactions.

Superior communication skills; the experience, ability, and inclination to be an effective, inclusive leader with exemplary interpersonal and listening skills.

Demonstrated knowledge of general management principles and practices, skill in dealing with others in work relationships involving mentoring, receiving and delivering feedback, teamwork, conflict resolutions, problem-solving and the ability to make tough decisions.

Desired Qualifications*

A genuine passion for contributing to the success of an office that is operating in a rapidly changing environment, pursuing the highest standards of performance.

Working knowledge of U-M policies and procedures (including but not limited to accounting, purchasing, personnel and regulatory compliance).

Experience supporting, implementing and managing organizational change.

A keen sense of accountability, including a commitment to organizing, prioritizing, and planning own work activities according to established timelines and schedules, and to anticipating issues in accomplishing work and communicating in advance to affected parties.

A commitment to personal and professional integrity, including compliance with honest, forthright behavior in all business activities.

Additional Information

The Office of Research and Sponsored Projects seeks to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as a reflection of our commitment to serve the diverse people of Michigan and to maintain the excellence of the University. We welcome applications from anyone who would bring additional dimensions to the University's research mission, including women, members of minority groups, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities. The Office of Research and Sponsored Projects, like the University of Michigan as a whole, is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination and equal opportunity for all persons and will not discriminate against any individual because of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, height, weight, or veteran status.

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. This job may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.