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 University of Michigan is one of the world's most powerful engines for scholarly research, service, and impact. Sustaining and supporting the University's robust research enterprise are vital for maximizing innovation and economic growth. As a service and resource for researchers interested in commercialization of technologies and research discoveries, Innovation Partnerships is a unit of the Office of Research that plays a central role in helping to ensure that society realizes the benefits of the research conducted at the University of Michigan.
Innovation Partnerships enhances research discoveries to encourage licensing and broad deployment with existing businesses and newly-formed U-M startups. Innovation Partnerships has earned a reputation for performance among the top 10 of all universities through providing responsive, professional service to our inventors, industry partners and ecosystem collaborators.
As the Administrative Assistant, you will be responsible for administrative support for the Corporate Research Alliances team, and will provide additional unit-wide support with respective activities and projects. The Administrative Assistant will report to the Director of Corporate Research Alliances within Innovation Partnerships, and will receive directives from the Executive Assistant to the Associate Vice President for Research - Innovation Partnerships and Economic Impact regarding broader unit support needs.
Responsibilities*
Support the Corporate Research Alliances team with a variety of projects, including:
- Organize campus visits and meetings (facilities, catering, parking)
- Schedule meetings and conference rooms, coordinate travel arrangements, maintain calendars, setup Zoom for meetings
- Prepare agendas for visits with industry partners and faculty; coordinate logistics and greet guests
- Coordinate travel arrangements and itineraries
- Reconcile PCards, prepare travel expense reimbursements
- Maintain highly demanding and challenging calendars
Unit-wide support with respective activities and projects, including:
- Event and meeting coordination
- Manage business vehicle permits
- Maintain shared public calendars and conference room scheduling
- Share mail triage along with other administrative team members
- Greet visitors with a positive, helpful attitude and connect them with the appropriate party, on a rotating schedule with other administrative staff.
- Assist in onboarding and training new staff
- Coordinate day-to-day work with other administrative staff
- Provide backup support for one another.
Required Qualifications*
- Associate's degree (preferably in business/office administration)
- Ability to interact effectively with a wide variety of people, including senior executives in industry and high-level administrators
- Strong dedication to customer service and an ability to work within a team-focused framework
- Ability to work as part of a team in a professional and collaborative manner
- Demonstrated organizational skills and attention to detail
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Able to navigate and manage ambiguity successfully
- Must be flexible, proactive and resourceful
- Proficient with computer software (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, G Suite)
- Proficient with conferencing software (Zoom)
- Experience in customer relations and event planning
- Ability to set priorities
- Ability to act effectively both independently and as a member of a team
- Flexibility to meet changing priorities
Desired Qualifications*
- Bachelor's Degree, and a minimum of 2 years of work experience in a corporate/academic/research environment
- Knowledge of University policies and procedures
- Knowledge of and experience with U-M sponsored research, Business Objects, and Salesforce, or a desire and willingness to learn
Work Locations
Units determine the mode of work based on their assessment of the job requirements, operational needs and priorities. Innovation Partnerships has determined that this will be a hybrid position, a role that combines remote and in-office work.
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 anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.