A detailed cover letter is required for consideration when applying for this position and should be uploaded via the UM Careers website as the first page(s) of a single, electronic document of application materials that also includes your CV or resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline your skills and experience that directly relate to the duties described below. 

The FAST Lab at the University of Michigan is seeking a Project Manager to work directly with PI Dr. Ashley Gearhardt in support of a fast-paced, high-impact initiative focused on ultra-processed foods, public health, and industry accountability.

This role will independently oversee operational management and execution across multiple complex, fast-moving initiatives within the FAST Lab. The position will translate high-level strategic priorities into coordinated operational plans, establish systems to support project execution, manage cross-functional workflows, and independently resolve operational barriers to ensure timely progress across multiple concurrent initiatives.

The ideal candidate thrives in fast-paced environments, exercises strong independent judgment, and can manage rapidly shifting priorities with professionalism, discretion, and attention to detail. This position requires someone who anticipates operational needs, proactively resolves logistical barriers, maintains strong communication across teams, and ensures consistent follow-through across multiple simultaneous workstreams.

The role involves close coordination with research collaborators, communications partners, consultants, and external stakeholders, while supporting day-to-day operational functioning for the PI and broader initiative. The position exercises substantial independent judgment in prioritizing competing demands, managing operational workflows, coordinating stakeholder engagement, and determining appropriate escalation and resolution pathways across projects.

Responsibilities include:

• Independently overseeing operational workflows and execution across multiple concurrent initiatives within the FAST Lab, including prioritizing competing demands, monitoring progress toward deliverables, and proactively identifying and resolving barriers to project completion
• Managing complex project coordination across internal and external collaborators by establishing timelines, tracking milestones, facilitating accountability, coordinating meetings and follow-up actions, and ensuring timely execution of high-priority deliverables
• Designing, implementing, and maintaining operational systems for workflow management, project tracking, meeting coordination, document organization, communication management, and action-item accountability using collaborative and project management platforms
• Serving as a primary operational liaison across research collaborators, consultants, Bloomberg-funded partners, communications teams, and other stakeholders by independently managing communications, coordinating logistics, and facilitating cross-functional collaboration across multiple workstreams
• Independently managing rapid-turnaround operational and strategic projects on behalf of the PI, including synthesizing information across initiatives, preparing briefing and planning materials, coordinating execution across teams, and proactively resolving administrative and operational challenges that could delay progress
• Coordinating onboarding, operational support, and workflow integration for students, staff, consultants, and external collaborators associated with ongoing initiatives and research activities

Note: The position will coordinate communication and research synthesis with external collaborators, Bloomberg partners, and other stakeholders to ensure smooth execution across multiple workstreams.

• Bachelor's degree and 2 years of progressively responsible experience in program management, operations management, project coordination, research administration, or a related field.
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage complex operational workflows, multiple concurrent projects, competing priorities, and evolving deadlines in fast-paced environments.
• Experience developing, implementing, and maintaining organizational and workflow management systems to support project execution, operational efficiency, and accountability across teams.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating across multiple stakeholders, collaborators, consultants, or external partners while exercising strong independent judgment and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage sensitive information professionally and maintain strong attention to detail under rapidly changing conditions.
• Demonstrated ability to proactively identify operational challenges, independently develop solutions, and ensure timely follow-through across multiple workstreams.
• Strong proficiency with collaborative software platforms, project management tools, and operational tracking systems.

• Master's degree preferred.
• Experience working in academic, public health, nonprofit, healthcare, policy, communications, or research-focused environments.
• Experience independently managing operational coordination for complex initiatives involving multiple teams, external stakeholders, or high-profile deliverables.
• Experience supporting fast-paced initiatives requiring rapid prioritization, strategic coordination, and cross-functional project management.
• Experience preparing briefing materials, synthesizing information across projects, and supporting leadership-level operational planning and execution.

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, including vacation time, sick time, holiday and season days
• 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

In addition, LSA offers:

• Strong commitment to work/life balance
• Flexible work arrangements with respect to campus stakeholder needs
• Enhanced tuition support programs for LSA courses

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.

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.

The salary range is $56,000 - $70,000. Please note a higher salary may be offered based on equity and the selected candidate's experience.

This is a 12-month term-limited position with the possibility of renewal. The anticipated start date is June 2026.

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 https://lsa.umich.edu/strategicvision.

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.

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.

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.