A 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 skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

The Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) works with faculty, staff, and students across the three University of Michigan campuses to catalyze, support, and safeguard research and scholarship. Ensuring research security, safety and compliance across the university is essential to the overall success of the U-M research enterprise which upholds the highest standards of ethics, compliance, and integrity.

OVPR seeks a Managing Director for the Research Security Coordinating Center.  The Research Security Coordinating Center will serve the University by facilitating and maintaining close working relationships between existing research security and compliance offices and other security-related areas of the University in order to ensure a comprehensive approach to evaluating and enhancing research security.   The Managing Director will provide leadership and oversight for the day-to-day operations of the center.  Initial activities include establishing the Center infrastructure and advisory mechanisms, as well as developing and overseeing Center programmatic activities. 
 

• Assist OVPR leadership in developing, implementing and overseeing the Center's operations, activities, and strategic direction.
• Provide effective supervision of direct reports.
• Build strong and active relationships and engagement with key constituencies, including U-M faculty and staff experts, external partners, and other stakeholders.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships campus-wide with units that are responsible for aspects of research security at U-M, including research compliance and security units as well as units such as Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS), the Division of Public Safety and Security (DPSS), Information and Technology Services (ITS), the International Center, and Facilities and Operations.
• Establish a core group of representatives from campus units to convene regularly to evaluate and advise on research security opportunities.  Participate in this group and manage the content of meetings and associated materials.  Facilitate the management of action items resulting from such meetings or discussions.
• Participate in campus-wide committees managed by other units, addressing research security activities and work with appropriate academic and non-academic units to implement solutions.
• Collaborate with University colleges and departments, research-related committees, and central administrative offices, including the Office of the General Counsel, the Office of the Provost, and the Chief Information Officer in order to coordinate research security and safety initiatives.
• Review federal and state statutory and regulatory updates and other resource materials to remain abreast of national and state trends in research compliance.
• Interact with external partners such as federal and state regulatory agencies to ensure continued compliance with regulations.
• Serve as point of contact with external regulators within the scope of designated activities.
• Manage internal and external advisory committees.
• Work with OVPR Business Operations to manage the Center's financial and human resources activities. 
• Oversee communications to internal and external audiences, in collaboration with OVPR Communications when needed.
• Promote and manage campus-wide projects related to research security.
• Develop and deliver educational programs and activities for campus units as needed.  
• Prepare documentation, strategic plans, reports and reviews on Center programs and activities.
• Prepare reports as necessary for the Vice President for Research and Innovation (VPRI), including outcomes of annual assessments.
• Actively participate in relevant national organizations and attend national conferences and educational seminars when applicable.  
• Have a particular emphasis on customer service, metrics, technology, and data collection improvements to support better service, implementation, management, performance of programs, and monitoring and self-correction.
   

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least seven years of relevant experience, including progressively responsible supervisory and administrative experience.
• Demonstrated interpersonal and leadership skills, including expertise in building and managing complex relationships across organizational boundaries.
• Ability to effectively collaborate with faculty and staff in units that vary greatly in size and organizational structure.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail and dependability are essential.
• Strong project management skills.
• Well-developed interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate and manage multiple programs.

• Advanced degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Work experience in a higher education research environment.
• Knowledge of University of Michigan organizational structure, policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of compliance principles, terminology, and regulatory requirements that impact the research endeavors of academic research institutions.
• Significant experience managing research security or compliance programs within an R1 academic institution.
• Experience in leadership or management, program development and management, and research-related administration.
   

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 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 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.