Unit X Operations and Strategic Initiatives Manager

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.

NOTE: Please include a cover letter that addresses how your experience meets the job requirements. To transmit the cover letter, it should be included as a page of your resume.

This position is a two-year term-limited appointment, with the possibility of renewal

Job Summary

Unit X is a biomedical institute that will make the University of Michigan a global leader in life science innovation by launching companies to accelerate research breakthroughs. We are seeking a dynamic and highly organized Operations and Strategic Initiatives Manager to oversee the development and implementation of essential operational functions, including communications, staffing, space planning, and financial management. This role will collaborate closely with university leadership, external boards, deans, faculty, and other key stakeholders to drive the institute's strategic vision as established by the inaugural faculty directors. The successful candidate will foster effective board engagement, support high-level decision-making, and ensure smooth operation and growth across all facets of Unit X.

Responsibilities*

Program Operations & Financial Oversight

• Develop and manage staffing plans including recruitment, onboarding, and ongoing professional development, to support the institute's growth.
• Oversee space planning and workplace management, coordinating with university facilities for allocation, renovation, and optimal utilization.
• Serve as the implementation lead for new initiatives, ensuring strategies are translated into actionable plans and tracked to completion.
• Collaborate with finance teams to create, monitor, and report on annual and project-specific budgets, ensuring financial sustainability.
• Track financial commitments and expenditures, provide budgetary oversight for all operational activities, and coordinate with U-M Advancement on donor stewardship.
• Manage vendor relationships and procurement procedures for the acquisition of goods and services necessary for institute operations.

Executive Communications

• Develop and execute a comprehensive communications strategy that supports Unit X programs, initiatives, and stakeholder engagement.
• Serve as primary liaison for internal and external communications on behalf of the institute's leadership, ensuring consistency, clarity, and professionalism.
• Prepare executive-level briefings, reports, presentations, and other materials for university leadership, advisory boards, external partners, and donors.
• Organize and facilitate town halls and public discussions to foster transparent and timely communication with faculty, staff, students, and external stakeholders.
• Respond to high-priority inquiries and coordinate messaging to amplify the institute's vision, achievements, opportunities, and updates.
• Support leadership with communications related to commitment fulfillment, donor relations, and major announcements.

Strategic Planning and Implementation

• Coordinate strategic planning initiatives, partnering with faculty directors, university leadership, and key stakeholders to advance Unit X's mission and vision.
• Organize and document interactions with internal and external advisory boards, serving as the primary coordinator for all board meetings, communications, and tracking of follow-up actions.
• Facilitate outreach and partnership efforts with deans, faculty, alumni, and community leaders to expand the institute's influence and cultivation of new opportunities.
• Grow board membership and influence through targeted outreach and partnership efforts.
• Support programmatic expansion through analysis of space, resources, partnerships, and potential new ventures that align with strategic priorities.
• Monitor progress on strategic goals, preparing regular reports for leadership and evaluating outcomes to support continuous improvement.

Required Qualifications*

• Master's in business administration, Higher Education, Project Management, or a related field and/or Ph.D. or M.D. in a relevant discipline (e.g., science, medicine, administration, public health, education).
• 5+ years of relevant experience in higher education administration, project management, or operations.
• Exceptional organizational and communication skills.
• Experience working with diverse stakeholder groups (e.g., faculty, staff, students, external advisors).
• Proven leadership, facilitation, and conflict resolution abilities.
• Strong financial acumen and budgeting experience.

Desired Qualifications*

• Change management experience.
• Grant Writing and Fundraising Experience
• Professional certifications (e.g., Certified Association Executive (CAE); Project Management Professional (PMP))

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.

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.