How to Apply
The University of Michigan is seeking a collaborative and strategic leader to join our team as the Director of Special Programs. This role offers the opportunity to shape essential University programs and work with a broad network of partners across campus and beyond.
To apply, please include a cover letter with your resume. We'll use your letter to evaluate both your communication style and how your background aligns with the role. In your letter, we encourage you to include examples that highlight your experience in:
- Driving successful outcomes across programs and teams;
- Collaborating with others to support shared goals;
- Developing talent and fostering positive team dynamics
- Creating new, efficient, and effective processes and improving processes already in place; and
- Applying strategic thinking and creative problem-solving.
Job Summary
Reporting to the Deputy Treasurer, the Director of Special Programs plays a critical leadership role in the University's Treasury team. This position oversees two high-profile, University-wide programs, the Human Subject Incentives Program (HSIP) and Merchant Services. Under the Merchant Services programs, this position will be responsible for the University's efforts around Payment Card Industry (PCI) compliance, in collaboration with Information and Technology Services (ITS). Both programs require someone with experience in process efficiency and improvement.
The Director of Special Programs provides leadership and guidance to both direct and indirect staff, ensuring effective service delivery, compliance, and innovation in support of university operations.
Human Subject Incentives Program (HSIP)
HSIP supports over 1,000 research studies each year, issuing more than 150,000 incentive payments to human research participants. The team works closely with faculty, research administrators, Internal Review Boards, the Tax Office, and the Institute for Social Research to ensure secure and compliant processes for issuing payments.
Merchant Services & PCI Compliance
The University's credit card operations span more than 400 merchant accounts across the three campuses and Michigan Medicine, processing approximately 2 million transactions annually, totaling over $300 million. The Merchant Services team ensures secure, PCI-compliant payment solutions and strong customer service across a diverse portfolio of merchants.
What You'll Do
- Provide strategic leadership for HSIP and Merchant Services, aligning program goals with university priorities.
- Guide the work of program managers and staff; support policy and contract development.
- Oversee PCI compliance activities in partnership with ITS and University units.
- Collaborate with the university's Tax Department to ensure ongoing tax compliance with the university's research study payments.
- Ensure compliance with university policies and applicable state and federal regulations.
- Manage internal and external relationships, including vendors, IT partners, and campus stakeholders.
- Represent Treasury in cross-functional initiatives and committees.
- Step in to support operational tasks or troubleshooting when needed.
- Lead, coach, and develop team members; foster a collaborative, engaged, and inclusive work environment.
Required Qualifications*
- Bachelor's degree in business, finance, technology, or a related field-or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Demonstrated success managing multiple programs or initiatives with increasing levels of leadership responsibility.
- Strong interpersonal skills and experience building collaborative relationships across complex organizations.
- Proven ability to coach and develop staff while maintaining a focus on results.
- Excellent communication skills, including the ability to present complex information clearly to a range of audiences.
Desired Qualifications*
- Experience with or knowledge of Positive Leadership concepts.
- Experience navigating Request For Proposal (RFP) processes and managing contractual agreements.
- Experience working in environments governed by federal regulations and/or industry compliance standards.
- Familiarity with university systems and operations.
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 University of Michigan, with an operating budget of $12.4 billion, is a leader in higher education. The Finance Division reports to the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and partners with the University community to provide the financial infrastructure essential to being one of the world's greatest public universities. We are comprised of several units, including Treasury, Financial Operations, Procurement Services, and Institutional Financial Planning & Analysis. Comprised of several distinct divisions, we share a common set of values and goals. For more information about the Finance Division, please go to www.finance.umich.edu
We offer an extensive total compensation package including competitive pay, two-for-one retirement contributions, a variety of health insurance options, and a generous vacation plan. Additionally, there are seven paid holidays and four paid season days.
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.