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.

Climate and Space Sciences and Engineering (CLaSP) research and education focuses on the atmospheres and space environments of the Earth and other solar system objects, as well as the physics of the sun and the heliosphere. Climate & Space researchers design, develop, operate, and analyze data from ground-based, airborne, and space-based experiments - our department is one of the few places where students can participate in world-class engineering projects on NASA space missions. We develop models for the global atmosphere and its interactions with the biosphere and cryosphere. Our space weather models are used both for research purposes and are provided to NOAA for operational space weather forecasts.

CLaSP is home to 27 T&TT faculty, 29 research Faculty, and 28 administrative staff and is located in the Climate and Space Research Building on north campus, comprising approximately 45,000 sq ft of usable space.  

CLaSP is home to a diverse group of undergraduate, graduate, and post-doctoral students.  With roughly 60 undergraduate majors and minors, 60 masters-level, 65 PhD, and 15 post-doctoral students, CLaSP can offer personal attention to each student who joins the department.  We have a variety of degree options, including two BSE degrees, one undergraduate minor, two Master of Engineering programs, one Master of Science, one certificate, and one PhD program. 

Candidates for the role of Unit Administrator will provide leadership and managerial support across all business and administrative areas, reporting directly to the Department Chair. In this role, you will manage key operations - such as budget, finance, human resources, research administration, student services, information technology, and facilities - by developing and implementing effective business processes and operational plans. You will also be a part of the coordination group, focusing on building and maintaining a collaborative relationship with the Space Physics Research Laboratory. By working closely with the Chair, you will move key initiatives forward and ensure effective resource stewardship within the Department. Additionally, you will focus on building partnerships within the school/college and strengthening the support functions that advance the academic, research, and service missions of CLaSP.

Michigan Engineers are world-class educators, researchers, students and staff who strive to build a people-first future. As part of a top national public research institution, Michigan Engineering's mission is to provide scientific and technological leadership to the people of the world, develop intellectually curious and socially conscious minds, create collaborative solutions to societal problems, and promote an inclusive and innovative community of service for the common good.

Partnerships and Collaborations:

• Operations management fostering a partnership with the College of Engineering, CLaSP leadership roles, including the Department Chair, Administrative Committee, Associate Chairs, etc.

Operational Oversight:

• Manage daily operations.
• Oversee the creation, evaluation, refinement, and implementation of policies and procedures.
• Manage internal controls and continuous improvements in various areas.
• Oversee communications, IT services, and facilities management.
• Oversee student services and well-being.

Financial Stewardship:

• Oversee the departmental operating budgets, including planning, allocations, authorization of expenditures, and monthly reconciliations.
• Supervise and monitor all departmental funds (sponsored, gift, designated, equipment, and recharge funds).
• Authorize expenditures and monitor reconciliations.
• Manage financial support for student activities.

Human Resources Management:

• Supervise staff managers and coordinate their administrative, financial, and operational activities.
• Manage hiring, employment terms, and work planning.
• Handle performance assessments and employee grievances.
• Provide expertise to faculty and staff regarding employee rights, benefits, and responsibilities.
• Provide guidance to managers on HR issues and disciplinary processes.
• Directly supervise direct reports, including annual performance evaluations.

Research Administration:

• Oversee the preparation of grants and contracts.
• Ensure compliance with funding sources and federal regulations.
• Facilitate research initiatives and support services.

Leadership Support to the Chair:

• Deliver strategic advice, detailed guidance, comprehensive reports, and in-depth analyses to the chair concerning the organization's administrative and operational challenges.
• Assist in planning department objectives and strategic plans.
• Coordinate the administrative and operational activities of the chair's office to ensure effective use of time and resources.
• Liaise with College development efforts.
• Ensure compliance with safety programs.
• Oversee development activities, including alumni relations and fundraising.

Culture and Compliance:

• Maintain a supportive working environment that fosters equal treatment, teamwork and professional development.
• Cultivate a culture built on the Climate and Space Sciences and Engineering and College of Engineering values.  
• Ensure compliance with the College of Engineering and University policies. 
• Develop and document department policies and procedures, creating transparency through accessibility.

Representation and Advisory:

• Act as department representative to the College of Engineering and other university administrators, with financial, organizational, and operational authority.

Other:

• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and a proven record in administration or finance in a research or related organization, preferably in higher education.
• Minimum of five years of supervisory experience in a management/administrative role.
• Proven expertise working with spreadsheets and databases to financially manage, budget, and project all types of funding sources.
• Demonstrated excellent organizational, critical thinking, and analytical skills with a proven ability to productively handle ambiguity and uncertainty in a complex and fast-paced environment. 
• Proven ability to communicate well, both orally and in writing, and to work collaboratively and diplomatically with others, with the ability to mentor, supervise, and interact with a diverse workforce.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise appropriate discretion and confidentiality.
• Proven ability to work under pressure, make independent decisions, and exercise strategic and critical thinking that impacts an entire organization.
• Strong background in research administration.
• Extensive experience in recruiting, mentoring, career development, leadership, and team building. 
• Strong communication skills combined with excellent people skills and experience in building and leading teams and creating relationships.
• Excellent change management skills to guide administrative and personnel transitions.
• Demonstrated ability to present and gain acceptance of ideas and proposals.
• Knowledge of finance, accounting, and professional and technical billing.

• Excellent change management skills to guide administrative and personnel transitions.
• Thorough knowledge of University policies and procedures is highly desired to ensure awareness and compliance, including human resources, sponsored programs, financial management, procurement, travel, facilities, and student services.

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. However, in this role, we would expect the person who holds this position to be on campus 3+ days. 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.

A higher salary may be considered for an extraordinarily qualified candidate.

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 anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.