Assistant Program Manager

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How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume/curriculum vitae. The cover letter should address reasons for your interest in this position, your experience fostering community building amongst a group of individuals with shared experiences and goals, and your understanding of anti-racism research and praxis.

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.

Job Summary

Assists in the coordination, planning, creation and development of curricula and administration of specific programs. More specifically, The individual in this role will work with the faculty director in planning for anti-racism research related activities, including the administering grant programs (research and community impact fellows, graduate research grants, etc.) which includes creating calls for proposals, managing grant submission processes, organizing and facilitating grant information sessions and review meetings, communicating with grant recipients and business off to properly transfer funds, etc.; Leading graduate grantee monthly professional development which includes topic selection, creating and organizing materials, and facilitating meetings, planning and implementing the graduate student research showcase; Leading the implementation of research talks, symposia, webinars, faculty gatherings, etc. which may include, Identifying topics, speakers, collaborating with special meeting and events planner on meeting and event logistics; Collaborating with other campus units, including the University library and LSA on the Anti-Racist Digital Research Institute (ARDRI) which includes being on the planning committee, reviewing grants, facilitating workshops, etc.

Responsibilities*

Grants Administration (25%)

  • Collaborate with the faculty director to administer grant initiatives (Research and Community Impact Fellows, Graduate Research Grants, etc.). Leading and administering grants may include:

  • Identifying and onboarding reviewers and grant recipients

  • Managing grantee communications, including budget adjustment requests, funding extensions, proposal feedback.

  • Support all administrative functions of all grant programs

  • Providing grant administrative support for the ARDRI Grant application, review, and award process.

Graduate grantee support and development (20%)

  • Support the planning of meetings and events that foster community-building among U-M scholars engaged in anti-racism and racial justice research.

  • Meetings and events may include faculty community building activities, research talks, panel discussions, symposia, etc.

  • Access and apply current research and scholarship to guide the development of impactful, transformative experiences for U-M anti-racism and racial justice scholars (i.e., faculty, staff, and students)

  • Manage graduate grantee programming, including but not limited to:

    • Implementation and planning of monthly meetings

    • Coordinate with speakers for meeting facilitation

Administrative Activities (15%)

  • Provide managerial supervision for temporary staff

  • Monitor and manage the faculty director's email

  • Process reviewer honoraria for the review cycle

  • Field and collect newsletter content by remaining abreast of relevant events and opportunities on the UMich campus through various newsletter subscriptions 

  • Reconcile the initiative budget (actual vs projected) and work with the budget administrator to develop future projections

  • Maintain accurate and organized records of all Anti-Racism Research activities, communications, and documents.

Anti-Racism Research Programming (35%)

  • Support and serve as primary liaison between the Bowman Center and the Anti-Racism Digital Research Institute (ARDRI) with program implementation in partnership with U-M Library and LSA Digital Studies Institute. This may include:

  • Fostering and representing the Anti-Racism Research's goals and values and ensuring our mission is reflected in the institute's execution.

  • Manage feedback requests for the Grad Grantee Competition, including

  • Organizing applicant information

  • Drafting feedback from review meeting notes and review sheet

  • Manage additional tasks as needed to support the Anti-Racism Research initiative.

Bowman Center Engagement and Collaboration (5%)

  • Support the planning and execution of broader Anti-racism research programming, including framing activities and events, setting agendas and run of shows, coordinating with collaborators, etc.

  • Coordinate with Bowman Center Special Meetings and Events Planner on logistics for project-related activities, such as workshops, seminars, and community engagement opportunities

  • Coordination may include venue selection, event registration and evaluation, etc.

  • Provide input and assistance in strategic planning and decision-making processes.

  • Additional duties as needed within reason to foster collaboration and engagement across broader Bowman Center activities.

Required Qualifications*

Doctoral degree in education, public administration, business administration, social sciences, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

At least 3 years of progressively responsible experience in program coordination, program administration, project management, academic administration, student services, training, or a related area.

Demonstrated experience supporting the planning, implementation, and evaluation of programs or initiatives.

Ability to analyze information, compare options, make recommendations, and exercise independent judgment within assigned responsibilities.

Experience coordinating multiple priorities, timelines, stakeholders, and deliverables.

Strong organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision and as part of a collaborative team.

Proficiency with standard office and productivity tools such as Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, project tracking systems, or similar platforms.

Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion when handling sensitive information.

Desired Qualifications*

  • Experience working in a higher education or complex, decentralized organizational environment.

  • Experience developing or coordinating curricula, training programs, workshops, or educational initiatives.

  • Experience with program assessment, metrics development, survey tools, data analysis, or reporting.

  • Familiarity with University of Michigan policies, procedures, systems, or administrative processes.

     

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Ability to prepare reports, summaries, presentations, and recommendations for leadership or stakeholders.

  • Ability to develop and maintain productive relationships with internal and external partners.

  • Ability to interpret policies, procedures, and guidelines and apply them appropriately.

  • Ability to manage ambiguity and adapt to changing priorities.

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

The salary range for this position is $64,800 to $81,000, please note a higher salary may be offered based on equity and the selected candidate's experience.

This position is term-limited through June 30, 2027.

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 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 any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.