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.
Job Summary
The Business Manager for the Asia Centers at the International Institute (II) is responsible for the daily operations of the following area studies centers: Center for Japanese Studies, Center for South Asian Studies, Center for Southeast Asian Studies, Lieberthal-Rogel Center for Chinese Studies, and Nam Center for Korean Studies. Responsibilities include strategic and administrative leadership; management of human resources, finances, and grants; and operations. The position reports to the Chief Administrator of the II and works closely with center faculty directors and other II administrators.
We are seeking an experienced and dynamic leader who can lead a robust and effective team to support and promote Center programs and activities. The ideal candidate will be an individual that embraces the II mission to provide the U-M community with the knowledge, tools, and experience to become informed and active global citizens. Key skills and attributes required for this position include:
- Fundamental understanding of liberal arts education and demonstrated commitment to the LSA values of exploration, common good, inclusion, well-being, and integrity.
- High-level administrative experience in higher education or international programs.
- Flexibility to shift priorities as programs develop and change.
- Positive leadership and development of staff teams.
Mission Statement
The mission of the University of Michigan is to serve the people of Michigan and the world through preeminence in creating, communicating, preserving and applying knowledge, art, and academic values, and in developing leaders and citizens who will challenge the present and enrich the future.
Responsibilities*
Strategic and Administrative Leadership
- Oversee effective delivery of Center programs and services. Provide strategic oversight and set priorities and goals with Center Directors and their respective faculty committees.
- Ensure implementation of Center, II, LSA, and U-M policies and procedures through effective communication.
- Delegate responsibilities to staff and ensure they have the necessary time and resources to implement public events and programs.
- Ensure that student programs and grants have necessary support from Center and II staff.
- Model positive leadership behavior, participate in II leadership team, build positive culture among Center staff and across II, and develop strategic partnerships.
- Represent the II to other University units and administrators and outside units.
- Ensure responsible stewardship of university resources including human, physical, and financial resources.
- Seek out and engage in training and professional development opportunities to develop leadership and management skills.
- Support and foster productive relationships between faculty leadership and staff members.
Human Resources Management
- Manage all human resources activities including hiring, training, salary, disciplinary action, and terminations for Center staff including temporary and student employees.
- Lead work planning for staff, providing regular performance feedback, coaching, and professional development.
- Evaluate staff workloads and engage in regular discussions with Center directors and II Chief Administrator to ensure appropriate staffing levels are maintained.
- Manage annual review process for center staff and provide salary program recommendations to II Chief Administrator.
- Create position and reclassification requests as needed.
- Foster and sustain an inclusive culture for faculty, staff, and students.
- Manage center director appointments and salary payments according to II and LSA HR procedures.
- Develop and engage in teambuilding activities across centers and II.
- Review and approve staff work schedules in accordance with current LSA and U-M flexible work policies.
- Work with Centers and HR to support postdoctoral and research fellow hiring and support.
- Address complaints, grievances, and discipline when needed.
Financial Management
- Oversee finances to ensure compliance with II, LSA, and U-M policies and donor intent.
- Develop and manage Center budgets and monitor account balances.
- Review endowment portfolio and anticipate returns to aid in budget planning.
- Approve all financial transactions and expense reports. Monitor budgets and ensure compliance for all grant-funded activity.
- Ensure funding for all Center faculty administrative positions are allocated and processed with LSA Finance and HR.
- Oversee distribution of center funding to students.
- Prepare budgets for presentation to committees, donors, and II/LSA leadership.
Research and Grant Management
- Oversee successful proposal process and post-award activities of grants administered by centers, including U.S. Department of Education National Resource Center (NRC) grants, Foreign Language and Area Studies Fellowship grants, and several foundation grants.
- Track expenses and partner with LSA Research on accurate financial reporting.
- Work with II units to coordinate collection of institutional data for NRC reports.
- Coordinate efforts among Centers to ensure approved projects are implemented and outcomes are correctly reported.
- Assist with data collection across II and Centers to ensure timely and accurate reporting.
General Operations
- Review and analyze various business practices and organizational needs and make procedural/policy recommendations to achieve Center and International Institute goals.
- Be familiar with U-M policies and procedures and assure awareness and compliance among faculty, staff, and students.
- Routinely monitor Center activities and proactively address issues as they arise.
- Determine best use of assigned physical space in Weiser Hall and engage with partners at II and LSA to plan for and accommodate organizational change.
- Oversee and order computers and other capital equipment as needed.
- Serve on II, LSA, and U-M committees.
Required Qualifications*
Bachelor's degree plus one to two years of experience in an administrative and supervisory role. Excellent verbal and written communication skills with demonstrated ability to produce original documents of high quality. Ability to handle highly confidential and sensitive matters/materials. Ability to prioritize multiple projects simultaneously and successfully meet deadlines. Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills with demonstrated commitment to creating a positive work environment. Excellent computer skills with advanced knowledge of Office and Google tools. Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends.
Desired Qualifications*
Master's degree in international/area studies, business, or higher education. Proficiency in at least one foreign language. Experience traveling abroad as a professional or a student. Experience working in international organizations and/or higher education. Experience developing a highly interactive and collaborative team environment, with demonstrated ability in managing staff and working within a complex and collaborative administrative structure. Experience with management of externally-funded sponsored research. Two years University of Michigan experience with knowledge of U-M policies, rules, and administrative procedures.
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.
Additional Information
As one of the world's great liberal arts colleges, LSA pushes the boundaries of what is understood about the human experience and the natural world, and we foster the next generation of rigorous and empathetic thinkers, creators, and contributors to the state of Michigan, the nation, and the world.
To learn more about diversity, equity, and inclusion in LSA, please visit-lsa.umich.edu/lsa/dei.
To learn more about LSA's Mission, Vision and Values, please visit-lsa.umich.edu/strategicvision.
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 anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO/AA Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.