Applications are welcomed and encouraged from all qualified individuals regardless of background and identity. To apply, please complete the application on the U-M Careers site. A one page 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 experience that is directly related to this position.

The Operations and Engagement Specialist at the University of Michigan's Center for Sustainable Systems (CSS) plays a crucial role in ensuring efficient operations. Reporting to the Associate Director, you will provide comprehensive support to the center's leadership, faculty, and student researchers by managing office and business operations, coordinating and implementing events, contributing to strategic planning, and developing high-impact communications campaigns. As the ideal candidate, you will be mission-driven, demonstrating a strong interest or background in sustainable systems and related sciences to effectively engage with our center's work.

Note: This position will be a two-year, full time term limited appointment with the possibility of renewal.

The School for Environment and Sustainability (https://seas.umich.edu/) is a collaborative and interdisciplinary school. Our mission includes contributing to the protection of environmental resources and the achievement of a sustainable society. We accomplish this by generating and sharing knowledge, contributing to policy and engaging managers and stakeholders. The University of Michigan is a top-ranked public university with excellence in research and teaching.  Ann Arbor, home to the University of Michigan, is a town known for arts, culture, parks and restaurants.

To learn more about SEAS and our values, please visit our website at https://seas.umich.edu/about/seas-values.
 

For more than 30 years, the Center for Sustainable Systems at the University of Michigan has pioneered systems science to accelerate real-world solutions for sustainability challenges across systems of energy, mobility, the built environment, food, water, and consumer goods. CSS researchers have published more than 1,000 scientific studies, many in collaboration with partners across industry, government, and communities. CSS's mission is to advance systems science for climate action and a sustainable society.  

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

• Generous time off
• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability coverage 
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses

Administrative Oversight

• Manage physical space needs for CSS, including (but not limited to) desk assignments and office access permissions
• Responding to email outreach from potential internal and external partners
• Supervise student office workers, delegating work and overseeing their performance
• Develop job descriptions, post, and hire student positions as needed in collaboration with HR 
• Maintain up to date records on CSS spending using internal budgeting tools
• Provide light administrative support to Associate Director, including Calendar and Meeting Management

Strategy and Planning

• Collaborate with associate director, research staff, and faculty members to assess, document, and support strategic initiatives
• Assist with creation and management of strategic plan and initiatives
• Develop and monitor annual budget forecasts in partnership with Associate Director
• Gather data for regular updates to CSS performance scorecard and metrics

Communications

• Maintain CSS and ESS website and Social Media communications with regular updates
• Create and distribute monthly CSS newsletter, create policy briefs and other non-technical communications of CSS research material

Event Planning and Execution

• Plan and execute regular speaker events (seminars), teambuilding events (social hours), faculty meetings, and board meetings
• Represent CSS with tabling at campus events, e.g., EarthFest, conferences, etc.

• Bachelor's degree in environmental sustainability, environmental engineering, sustainable business, or similar field 
• 2+ years experience in administration, strategy, or project management
• 1+ years experience in science communications or research 
• Demonstrated written and oral communication skills, including ability to create and deliver presentations

• Master's degree in environmental sustainability or similar field, with coursework in systems analysis such as industrial ecology and life cycle assessment
• 1+ years experience in supervision or leadership of a team

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.

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. This job may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

Applications will be reviewed as received throughout the posting period and continue until the position is filled.

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.