A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached to 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 University of Michigan's Institute for Social Research (ISR) invites applications for our Assistant to the Director position. The primary responsibility of the assistant is to provide highly responsible, sensitive, and confidential executive-level administrative support to the ISR Director's Office.

The recommended salary range for the full-time staff position is from $60,000 - $75,000 annually, to be determined by the selected candidate's education and experience.  The job includes the University of Michigan staff benefits package.

About ISR:

Established in 1949, ISR is the worlds largest academic social science survey and research organization and is a leader in developing and applying new social science methods.  The ISR scientific mission includes the planning and conduct of high-quality social science research, the dissemination of findings from this research, and the training of future generations of social scientists. The research is conducted through faculty and staff within five research centers, with central portions of administration handled through the ISR Center for Institute Services.

Benefits at the University of 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 any eligible family members, and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

• Generous time off
• A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting upon meeting eligibility requirements
• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses

 Learn more about U-M benefits.

What You'll Do

• Represent the Director's Office in a friendly, professional, and inclusive manner.
• Manage calendars for the Director and Managing Director's calendars with accuracy and responsiveness.  Exercise sound judgment and discretion in scheduling and prioritizing appointments. 
• Coordinate all aspects of ISR leadership committees, including scheduling, preparing agendas, organizing and distributing materials, arranging room setup and technology, and taking accurate meeting minutes.
• Process and reconcile expense reports and P-Cards transactions in accordance with the Institute and University policies.  
• Handle invoice processing for ISR membership payments.
• Assist with ISR-level faculty appointments and promotions and provide guidance and coordination with Center Administrators throughout these processes.
• Serve as a liaison between the Director's Office and both University units and external organizations. Foster positive and collaborative relationships through proactive and effective communication. 
• Manage incoming calls and visitors with professionalism. Screen inquiries, resolve routine and complex matters, and ensure timely follow-up.
• Work independently and within a team on nonrecurring and ongoing projects. Research issues, distribute information, and organize special events. Prepare regular reports and updates on projects/activities relevant to the director's interests, agendas, and roles.
• Create and maintain electronic and paper filing systems.  Maintain systematic follow-up systems; ensure that deadlines are met and materials are received on a timely basis.
• Inventory and order office supplies, sort and distribute mail, and ensure organization and maintenance of the Director's Office community spaces and equipment.
• Initiate, draft, edit, and finalize a variety of correspondences, reports, or other materials as assigned.
• Perform other duties and assist with special projects as assigned.

We'd like to hear from you if you have:

1.Minimum of 3 years of administrative experience providing direct support to senior-level executives or leaders in a fast-paced, professional environment.

2.Demonstrated experience managing complex calendars and coordinating meetings or events involving multiple stakeholders.

3.Proficiency with key administrative technologies, including Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Google Workspace, Zoom, and Dropbox (or similar platforms).

4.Strong organizational and project management skills, with a proven ability to prioritize tasks, manage competing deadlines, and maintain attention to detail.

5.Experience handling sensitive or confidential information with discretion, sound judgment, and professionalism.

6.Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience drafting professional correspondence and reports.

7.Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team, contributing to a respectful and cooperative workplace.

8.Experience coordinating or supporting academic processes, such as faculty appointments or promotions (preferred but not required).

9.Ability to effectively interact with diverse individuals and groups, with a commitment to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment.

10. Proven ability to adapt to interruptions and shifting priorities, maintaining a positive and solutions-oriented approach in a dynamic setting. 

In support of the Director, this position will be on-site Monday through Friday 8 AM-5 PM at the University of Michigan Offices in Ann Arbor.

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 statements included in this description are intended to reflect the general nature and level of work assigned to this classification and should not be interpreted as all-inclusive.

The Institute for Social Research (ISR) at the University of Michigan seeks to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as a reflection of our commitment to serve the diverse people of Michigan, to maintain the excellence of the university, and to ground our research in varied disciplines, perspectives, and ways of knowing and learning. 

Institute for Social Research job openings are posted for a minimum of fourteen (14) calendar days. 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.