How to Apply
A cover letter and resume are important submissions for the hiring team to get a sense of your experience. In the cover letter, one page or less, please let us know how this role aligns with your career aspirations and skills. Submit both a cover letter and resume as one file, due to system limitations.
Job Summary
Located within the Stephen M. Ross School of Business, the Weiser Center for Real Estate equips the next generation of real estate professionals with the tools to create positive and equitable impacts on built environments. The Center serves as the central hub for real estate activities at the University of Michigan, offering students educational and professional development opportunities, supporting applied research that addresses industry and policy needs, and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration within the University and beyond. Learn more about Ross HERE.
This role is hybrid with on-site expectations in Ann Arbor, MI. May require work during early mornings, nights, or weekends. You will travel domestically 4 -6 times per year. For a full job description, see link here. For questions about this role, email [email protected].
Purpose:
The Managing Director of the Weiser Center for Real Estate provides management and strategic direction for the Center under the direction of the Executive Director. You will curate and build upon existing educational real estate offerings at Ross and at the University, and develop new programming and activities that align the Center's activities with the main strategic priorities of the school and other units on campus. You will manage two full-time staff members.
Responsibilities*
Manage Center: 50%
- Manage the daily operations for all Center activities; promote a collaborative, learning-oriented, and high-achieving culture.
- Work with other University of Michigan schools, Ross units, students, and faculty to develop and deliver high-quality curricular and co- curricular experiences for students.
- Assist the Executive Director in engaging external stakeholders (donors, alumni).
- Act as a liaison with students about classes, Weiser offerings, and general real estate program questions.
- Promote enrollment and curricular offerings for the undergraduate minor in real estate and the graduate certificate program in real estate.
- Oversee the development and assessment of activities to support the Blau Initiative for Diversity in Real Estate and Infrastructure, Related Scholars program and internship scholarship program.
- Support admissions efforts by engaging prospective students, attending information sessions, hosting prospective students, and developing marketing materials.
- Select, supervise, develop and evaluate staff; establish and model performance expectations and standards to foster a positive, high-service, and innovative culture. Provide leadership for the training and motivation of staff to make full use of individual capabilities and to meet the center's needs.
- Establish and manage the operating budget, including compliance with any budget target, and compliance with all applicable financial policies, procedures and requirements.
- Maintain contracts/relationships with Costar, getrefm.com and other key vendors that support student knowledge and development.
Strategic Direction: 25%
- Work with the Executive Director to set the strategic direction of the Center, including planning and implementing short and long-term goals.
- Oversee the communication, management, and logistics of annual meetings for the Weiser Center Advisory Board under the direction of the Executive Director.
- Provide oversight to the student led RECON Convention and any other real estate conventions the Center participates in.
- Provide operational leadership support to the Executive Director in carrying out the mission of the Center.
- Monitor latest trends, research, student interests, resources and prospects to enhance the visibility and influence of the Center through new opportunities. Oversee and develop new content, workshops, co-curricular activities, student treks, case competitions (including the Future of Real Estate Competition) and other competitions. Develop other programs to complement and build on the student, and especially the Related Scholar, experience.
- Provide oversight to the Real Estate Fund and soon to be formed REIT Fund.
Relationship Management and Marketing: 25%
- Build and nurture internal relationships with individuals and organizations to determine how they can best partner with the Center. Assist the Executive Director in building external relationships.
- Oversee the student/mentor pairings of the Weiser Advisory Board Mentorship Program.
- Foster relationships with campus units and faculty involved in real estate-related programs and activities.
- Oversee the strategic direction for all marketing and communications efforts including web presence, use of social media, and other vehicles to communicate with internal and
external audiences. Promote positive public relations. Review weekly newsletter and other major Weiser pronouncements before distribution. - Provide draft written reporting for the Executive Director to distribute to donors (at least annually) in coordination with Advancement about what the Center is accomplishing.
- Coordinate MAP projects related to real estate.
Required Qualifications*
- Bachelor's degree in Real Estate, Urban Planning or Business Administration or appropriate combination of education and professional experience.
- 5+ years of experience in a complex matrix organization, ideally some higher education experience.
- 3+ years of managerial experience, formal or project based.
- Experience in strategic planning and organizational development.
- Experience networking with both internal and external partners.
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
Benefits at the University of 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 (Vacation, Holidays, Season Days)
- 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
- Flexible Work Program
- Ross Onsite Fitness Center
Salary Information: The general salary range for this position is $94,200-$127,100. You can expect to be paid a great compensation package. Factors used to determine salary include experience, knowledge and skills for the position. You are encouraged to discuss salary questions to honor alignment and transparency throughout the recruiting process. Selected candidates whose start date is 4/1/2025 or after, will not be eligible for the university FY25-26 salary/merit plan unless otherwise notified.
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.