How to Apply
Candidates should submit the following as one document:
- Resume or curriculum vitae
- Cover letter describing relevant experience and interest in community-engaged research
- Contact information for three professional references
In order for the Career Portal system to accept a cover letter and professional references, please include these as a page of your resume document.
Candidates must be currently eligible to work in the United States, as we are currently unable to sponsor visas for this job opening.
Job Summary
Study Overview
The Peer-Led Diabetes Self-Management Support (PLDSMS) study is a 5-year, NIH/NIDDK-funded Type 1 Hybrid effectiveness-implementation trial. The study aims to improve diabetes outcomes among 460 men with type 2 diabetes in Metro Detroit through a peer-led support intervention delivered via virtual platforms. The Detroit Health Department (DHD) serves as the primary implementation partner, providing day-to-day supervision of community-facing staff and ensuring community-centered program delivery.
Position Purpose
The Admin Coord/Project Coord serves as the central point of coordination between the Detroit Health Department and the University of Michigan research team. This position is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the PLDSMS program at DHD, including coordinating participant recruitment, supervising peer leaders, scheduling participant assessments, and ensuring smooth program implementation. The Coordinator works onsite at DHD and serves as the primary liaison between community operations and academic research administration.
Supervision Structure
This position operates under a dual supervision model that reflects the UM-DHD partnership:
- DHD Supervision: Day-to-day work assignments, performance management, program guidance, and community priorities are supervised by Yolanda Hill Ashford.
- UM Supervision: Payroll and benefits processing, IRB and regulatory compliance, grant administration, and NIH reporting are managed by the UM research team.
- Peer Leader Supervision: This position directly supervises 8-10 peer leaders administratively (scheduling, reporting, logistics) per active cohort, with clinical oversight support provided by Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (CDCESs). The CDCES will provide training and content support for the peer leaders.
Responsibilities*
Recruitment Coordination (Approximately 5 hours/week)
- Coordinate participant recruitment activities at 2-3 DHD sites per active cohort
- Collaborate with DHD networks and community partners to identify eligible participants
- Support outreach through faith-based organizations via the Minister Alliance network
- Track recruitment progress and report weekly to DHD and UM leadership
Assessment Scheduling and Coordination (Approximately 4 hours/week)
- Schedule and coordinate participant health assessments at baseline, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months
- Arrange assessment locations at DHD sites as needed
- Ensure timely completion of A1C testing, blood pressure measurements, and survey administration
- Coordinate with UM research assistants for data collection activities
Peer Leader Supervision (Approximately 4 hours/week)
- Provide direct supervision to 8-10 peer leaders per active cohort
- Conduct weekly check-ins and huddles with peer leader team
- Support peer leaders in session facilitation and participant engagement
- Coordinate with CDCES for clinical oversight of peer-led sessions
- Address peer leader questions, concerns, and problem-solving needs
DHD-UM Liaison Activities (Approximately 3 hours/week)
- Serve as the primary communication link between DHD operations and UM research team
- Participate in weekly partnership meetings with UM investigators
- Communicate community feedback and implementation insights to research team
- Support CARAB (Community, Clinical, Administrative, and Research Advisory Board) activities as needed
Administrative and Problem-Solving (Approximately 4 hours/week)
- Manage participant follow-up and retention activities
- Address operational challenges and barriers to program implementation
- Maintain accurate program records and documentation
- Support technology needs for Zoom for Health virtual sessions
Required Qualifications*
- Minimum 2 years of experience in community-based program coordination or research
- Experience working in Detroit or urban settings
- Demonstrated ability to supervise and support community health workers or peer educators
- Strong organizational and communication skills
- Proficiency with virtual meeting platforms (Zoom) and standard office software
- Reliable transportation for travel between sites
- Commitment to community-centered, culturally responsive program delivery
Desired Qualifications*
- Experience with chronic disease programs
- Experience with research data management systems
- Familiarity with Detroit Health Department programs and community networks
- Bilingual abilities a plus
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
Required Training (Provided by UM)
The following training must be completed prior to or shortly after hire:
- CITI Human Subjects Research training
- HIPAA training
- Good Clinical Practice (GCP) training for research staff
- CIRTification Online training (designed for community research partners)
- Study-specific training on PLDSMS intervention and protocols
Benefits and Work Environment
- University of Michigan employee benefits package (medical, dental, vision, retirement)
- Professional development opportunities including conference attendance
- Opportunity for co-authorship on study publications
- Work at the intersection of community health and academic research
- Contribute to meaningful health equity work in Detroit communities
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.