Assistant Director, Interdisciplinary Research Programs

University Of Michigan; Ann Arbor (MI); Hybrid; USD 78,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Michigan is seeking an Assistant Director in the OVPR Office of Research Development to plan, implement, and evaluate interdisciplinary Bold Challenges programs. The role includes supervising staff, ideation sessions, and faculty engagement to advance research collaborations across campus.

The position is hybrid, requiring on-campus presence for events, and works with Michigan Research Launchpad and Strategic Intelligence to identify emerging research areas and funding priorities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and at least 3-5 years of relevant work experience.
• 3-4 years of project management experience and/or research project coordination.
• Effective organization and management of multiple priorities in a complex environment.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, including the ability to communicate with faculty and staff.
• Experience facilitating brainstorming, strategic planning, or similar workshops.
• Ability to provide training in workshops and individual instruction.
• Experience with administrative aspects of event planning.
• Strong initiative and ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Responsibilities

• Plan and manage Bold Challenges and related programs, collaborating with the AVP for Research Development.
• Coordinate Bold Challenges activities, events, and timelines.
• Develop partnerships with campus and external organizations and manage program deliverables.
• Supervise program staff and provide onboarding/offboarding support.
• Monitor research trends to inform priority themes and funding considerations.
• Prepare evaluations, reports, and communications for stakeholders.
• Engage faculty researchers through workshops, ideation sessions, and convenings.

Skills

Communication skills

Project management

Team leadership

Workshop facilitation

Event planning

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Asana

SharePoint

Job description

University of Michigan is seeking an Assistant Director in the OVPR Office of Research Development to plan, implement, and evaluate interdisciplinary Bold Challenges programs. The role includes supervising staff, ideation sessions, and faculty engagement to advance research collaborations across campus.

The position is hybrid, requiring on-campus presence for events, and works with Michigan Research Launchpad and Strategic Intelligence to identify emerging research areas and funding priorities.