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, experience, and qualifications in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relates to this position.

We are seeking a highly motivated and dynamic Research Recruiter to join our team as a Research Technician Intermediate. This individual will lead efforts to recruit schools nationwide to participate in the Monitoring the Future (MTF) survey, a critically important research project. As a Research Recruiter, you will play a pivotal role in Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs (ATOD) research and directly impact the study's research outcomes nationwide. Your persuasive abilities, strategic mindset, and strong interpersonal skills will be crucial in building long-term partnerships and convincing schools to join our research.

MTF is a large-scale, national study of American youth, making it one of the most prominent research efforts within the Survey Research Center (SRC) at the Institute for Social Research (ISR). Since its inception in 1975, MTF has collected data from well over a million respondents. The study is supported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse and has been ongoing continuously for several decades.

Recruitment - 40%

• Conduct targeted outreach to schools nationwide to communicate the significance and benefits of participating in the MTF survey.
• Utilize expertise in sales, persuasive communication, or school administration to establish trust and credibility with potential participating schools.
• Proactively make cold calls, draft custom communications, and manage a caseload of 100+ schools.

Development - 40%

• Build and maintain relationships with school representatives, providing ongoing communication throughout the recruitment process.
• Create persuasive recruitment materials that clearly articulate the benefits of participating in MTF for school administrators.
• Develop compelling messages, presentations, and materials that highlight the study's outcomes.

Documentation - 20%

• Collaborate with the research staff to fully understand MTF survey objectives and methodologies, enabling confident and knowledgeable communication about the study's purpose and impact.
• Maintain accurate records of communications and progress with school, using database systems and recruitment tools for continuous follow-up communications with schools.
• Stay informed about trends, policies, and developments in school districts, substance abuse prevention, and ATOD issues to position the MTF survey as a valuable initiative.

• High school diploma or Associate's degree
• 2-3 years of experience in recruitment, sales, public relations, or school administration.
• 1-2 years of experience in direct outreach via calls and emails to engage in persuasive conversations, resulting in successful research participation or sales agreements.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with a proven ability to establish and maintain partnerships.
• Proficiency in using technology, including database systems and recruitment tools.
• Familiarity with Google Workspace, Microsoft Office applications, and Zoom for efficient communication and collaboration.

• Five or more years of experience in school administration, particularly as a principal, or significant involvement in working closely with schools.
• Collaborative team player who can work effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Familiarity with research methodologies and survey administration.
• Experience in overcoming objections and converting prospects into active participants.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to develop targeted recruitment strategies.

This position will be on-site at the University of Michigan offices in Ann Arbor, with flexible scheduling and hybrid opportunities made available within our overall Center policies. If relocation is required, we will allow for reasonable time and flexibility to make necessary arrangements.

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 Institute for Social Research (ISR) at the University of Michigan seeks to create a community of respect and authentic collaboration by recruiting and retaining individuals that represent a variety of voices as a reflection of our commitment to serve the 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.

Why Work with Us 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

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.

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.