President

University of Michigan; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 350,000 - 400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

403(b) retirement plan with employer 


Paid parental leave

Employee Assistance Program

Generous paid time off

Job summary

The William Davidson Institute (WDI) at the University of Michigan seeks a President to provide strategic leadership in alignment with its mission. Reporting to the Board, you will guide a talented team, oversee operations, and lead fundraising to ensure financial sustainability and growth.

WDI is a distinguished research-oriented institute within the UM ecosystem, committed to expanding inclusive economic growth through business knowledge and global partnerships.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in business, economics, organizational management, international relations or related field.
• 15+ years of experience with at least 5 years in a senior executive leadership role.
• Experience in a research-oriented or academically affiliated institution.
• Proficiency in Spanish or French preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction aligned with the Institute's mission and Board guidance.
• Lead fundraising and business development efforts to sustain impact.
• Oversee operations and financial sustainability of the Institute.
• Solidify WDI as a premier partner of choice in emerging markets.

Skills

Senior executive leadership

Fundraising

Business development

Strategic planning

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Master's degree in business, economics, organizational management, international relations

Job description

ZRG Aspen Leadership Group is proud to partner with the William Davidson Institute at the University of Michigan in the search for a President.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the President will provide strategic direction aligned with the mission of the Institute and under the guidance of the Board of Directors. This will include providing overall leadership of the organization in partnership with a talented team of professionals, oversight of operations, responsibility for financial sustainability, including leading fundraising and business development efforts, and solidifying WDI as a premier partner of choice to have a lasting positive impact on businesses in emerging markets.

At the William Davidson Institute (WDI), they are dedicated to unlocking the power of business and markets to tackle critical global challenges and drive inclusive economic growth. Their mission is to empower entrepreneurs, enterprises, and decision-makers in emerging markets with the business knowledge, insights, and tools to succeed and scale impact where it matters most.

WDI is an independent 501(c)(3) organization and a 'sponsored affiliate' of the University of Michigan (U-M) with its own payroll, benefits, and financial management systems. Their offices are located on the U-M Business School Campus, and they are tightly integrated with the U-M community.

Operating across markets, the William Davidson Institute connects the dots to enable cross-learning and support businesses at every growth stage. Their work is backed by top-tier research from the University of Michigan, inspired by Michigan's vibrant innovation ecosystem, and informed by over three decades of experience in business education, leadership development, entrepreneurship support, and impact measurement in emerging markets. They're not just solving for business—they're solving for the future.

A master's degree in business, economics, organizational management, international relations, or other relevant area and at least 15 years of experience, including at least 5 years in a senior executive leadership role, is required for this position. Experience in a research-oriented or academically affiliated institution and/or in a leadership role in a 501(c)(3) organization, along with proficiency in another language (Spanish or French preferred) is desirable.

The William Davidson Institute will consider candidates with a broad range of backgrounds. If you are excited about this role and feel that you can contribute to WDI, but your experience does not exactly align with every qualification listed above, we encourage you to apply. All applications must be accompanied by a cover letter and résumé. Cover letters should be responsive to the mission of the William Davidson Institute and the responsibilities and qualifications specified in the position prospectus.

The salary range for this position is $350,000 to $400,000. The William Davidson Institute offers a comprehensive package of benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance, a 403(b)-retirement plan with employer matching, paid parental leave, an Employee Assistance Program, and generous paid time off.

The William Davidson Institute is committed to the inclusion of all qualified candidates. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, or participating in the selection process, please contact Marianna DiVietro at [e-mail].

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