Director of Strategic Partnerships, Youth Policy Lab

How to Apply

• A cover letter and resume are required for consideration for this position. The cover letter should be included in the same document as your resume and should specifically address your interest in this position and highlight related skills and experience.
• This is a two-year term-limited appointment with the possibility of extension, dependent on performance and continued grant funding.
• The Ford School is committed to providing a positive and inclusive work environment. This includes providing employees with flexible work opportunities. This position follows a hybrid schedule and will generally be expected to be in the office 3-4 days/week.

Summary

The Youth Policy Lab is looking for a Director of Strategic Partnerships to lead the strategic planning of YPL's external partnerships, fundraising, and communications, in collaboration with the Faculty Co-Directors and the Managing Director. You will report to the Faculty Co-Directors. You will work with the Faculty Co-Directors and Managing Director to help the Lab achieve new strategic objectives, which include:

• Working to ensure sustainable sources of funding through project development and other Strategic Partnerships
• Increasing the Lab's visibility and policy impact
• Training and mentoring the next generation of policy researchers

The University of Michigan Youth Policy Lab, a joint research center between the Ford School and the Institute for Social Research, helps community and government agencies make better decisions by evaluating and strengthening programs intended to address some of our most pressing social challenges. Using rigorous evaluation design and data analysis, we work closely with partners to build a future where public investments are based on strong evidence, so all Michiganders have a pathway to prosperity. For more information, please visit us at www.youthpolicylab.umich.edu.

Why Work at Michigan?

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

• Generous time off
• A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
• Paid parental leave

Responsibilities*

Partnership Development and Grant Procurement (40%)

• Along with the Managing Director, identify, develop, and cultivate new and existing partnerships with people and organizations outside of the University who are actively working on and have the capacity for improving public policy.
• Establish and maintain good working relationships and collaborative agreements with elected/appointed leaders, policy makers, community groups, funders, and other entities
• Drafts content for grant proposals and reports to sponsors.

Program Development and Expansion (40%)

• Develop sustainable funding streams and secure ongoing operational support to continue and/or expand YPL's signature programs, ASPIRE and the Michigan Data & Policy Fellowship
• Oversee planning and day-to-day operations for the ASPIRE undergraduate summer research pipeline program
• Oversee YPL Fellows program; provide supervision to YPL Fellows; leverage the fellows to help build partnerships and develop new projects.

External Outreach and Communications (20%)

• Develop and implement a communication strategy and marketing efforts aimed at increasing the visibility of the Lab, including developing events to raise the visibility of the Lab, and oversee and/or create written materials including newsletters, policy briefs, and website/social media content
• Coordinate YPL communications and marketing efforts with communications teams at the Ford School, ISR, and the University of Michigan
• Oversee development and implementation of events strategy
• Along with the Managing Director and Faculty Co-Directors, represent YPL at public functions, events, workshops, academic conferences, and policy events to publicize the organization's activities and garner new opportunities
• With support from the Faculty Co-Directors, develop and implement a plan to ensure sustainable sources of funding through project development and other Strategic Partnerships

Required Qualifications*

• Graduate-level degree in public policy, education, political science, economics, or a relevant social science discipline
• 5+ years managing complex programs
• 5+ years leading staff teams
• Experience managing outreach activities and strong communication and fundraising skills
• Commitment to principles of social justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. For more information on the University's commitment to these principles, please visit: https://diversity.umich.edu/

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 anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

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