How to Apply
Applications are welcomed and encouraged from all qualified individuals regardless of background and identity. To apply, please complete the application on the U-M Careers site. A one page 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 experience that is directly related to this position.
Mission Statement
Being part of something greater, of serving a larger mission of discovery and care, that's the heart of what drives people to work at Michigan. In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. It's adding a purpose to your profession. Work at Michigan and become a victor for the greater good.
The School for Environment and Sustainability (https://seas.umich.edu/) is a collaborative and interdisciplinary school. Our mission includes contributing to the protection of environmental resources and the achievement of a sustainable society. We accomplish this by generating and sharing knowledge, contributing to policy, and engaging managers and stakeholders. The University of Michigan is a top-ranked public university with excellence in research and teaching. Ann Arbor, home to the University of Michigan, is a town known for arts, culture, parks, and restaurants.
At the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS), we are at the forefront of building a more sustainable and just world for all by transforming the impact of higher education and reimagining the future. We are advancing action through innovation, research, education, and engagement in society, and developing leaders who are empowered to halt the climate crisis and create an environmentally sound future for generations to come.
Job Summary
The School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS) Detroit Sustainability Clinic is looking for an experienced Administrative Specialist to join our team. The Administrative Specialist plays a crucial role in ensuring efficient and effective operations. This position provides comprehensive support to the Clinic's leadership, faculty, and student researchers by managing office and business operations, coordinating and executing events, and contributing to strategic planning. The ideal candidate will be highly motivated and mission-driven, demonstrating a strong interest or background in sustainable systems and related sciences to effectively engage with the Clinic's work in Detroit.
You will report to Dr. Tony Reames, the Director of the SEAS Detroit Sustainability Clinic, and collaborate with the larger SEAS staff in Ann Arbor.
To learn more about the SEAS Detroit Sustainability Clinic mission and activities, please visit www.seas.umich.edu/clinic.
Note: This position will be a three-year, full-time term-limited appointment with the possibility of renewal.
Responsibilities*
- Oversee clinic operations and physical space needs, including desk assignments, office access, and digital records retention
- Serve as the primary administrative point of contact by answering the clinic phone, responding to email inquiries, and partner outreach
- Supervise, hire, and manage student office staff in coordination with HR
- Provide direct administrative support to the Director through calendar and meeting coordination, plus travel and reimbursement processing.
- Track clinic spending using internal budgeting tools and support budget management, including annual forecasting
- Support strategy, planning, and performance reporting by helping advance strategic initiatives and compiling data for annual reports, plus assisting with fundraising and development
- Plan and execute clinic events, represent the clinic at campus and external engagements, and support the creation of non-technical communications such as policy briefs
Required Qualifications*
- Bachelor's degree in environmental sustainability, environmental justice, or a similar field
- A deep understanding of and experience in environmental justice, urban settings, and community-centered work and engagement.
- 2+ years of experience in administration, strategy, or project management
- 1+ years of experience in science communications or research
- Demonstrated written and oral communication skills, including the ability to create and deliver presentations
- Demonstrated experience with Microsoft Office and Google Suite
Desired Qualifications*
- Master's degree in environmental sustainability or a similar field
- Experience working in higher education
- 1+ years of experience in supervision or leadership of a team
Why Work at Michigan?
In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:
- Generous time off
- A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
- Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
- Life insurance
- Long-term disability coverage
- Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
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
Salary will be determined based on experience.
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 at any time after the minimum posting period has ended.
Applications will be reviewed as received throughout the posting period and will continue until the position is filled.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.