Job Description

How to Apply

A cover letter and resume are required for consideration for this position; include the cover letter as the first page of your resume. It should specifically address your interest in this position and outline particular skills and experience directly related to this position.

Job Summary

The mission of the University of Michigan Office of the Vice President for Research is to catalyze, support, and safeguard U-M research. To that end, our team is constantly striving to foster new research, build partnerships, and provide support to our researchers in order to realize our vision of research that serves the world.

OVPR has numerous reporting units conducting research as well as units focused on services and support of our researchers. The service and support units all provide critical support to position our researchers for success. In addition, OVPR is led by a strong leadership team supporting the Vice President for Research and Innovation that consists of Associate and Assistant Vice Presidents for Research and Executive Directors. The Office of the Vice President for Research is seeking a project manager, reporting to the chief of staff and working closely with the leadership team, to help manage projects and services within our office that will serve the research community.

For this project management position, strong writing skills are required. As part of the interview process, you will be asked to complete a short writing task to assess your ability to communicate complex concepts.

Responsibilities*

Under general direction, responsible for the management, performance, and completion of multiple concurrent projects, and provide a single point of contact for those projects.

Develops detailed work plans, schedules, project estimates, resource plans, status reports progress tracking and projections. Manages project scope. Maintains effective and transparent documentation for the project owner or leadership team.

Measures project performance and tasks using appropriate tools and techniques in order to monitor the progress of the project, identify and quantify any variances, perform any required corrective actions and communicate to all stakeholders.

Collaborates with business process owners and provides project scoping direction and set up. Ensure a common understanding by setting expectations in accordance with the project plan, in order to align the stakeholders and team members.

Effectively communicates stakeholder requirements to team members and communicates project progress to all stakeholders.

Prepares written communications and presentations for a variety of audiences including senior leadership. Effectively coordinates and facilitates communication planning and deliverables for projects and initiatives.

Synthesizes complex concepts into written form in collaboration with faculty and staff committees, often culminating in a formal written report and presentation that will be used to inform university decisions.

Takes projects from original concept through completion, on time and on budget (if applicable), using appropriate tools.

Identifies and assesses issues, risks, and interdependencies, and escalates appropriately. Proactively makes recommendations, before such information is requested.

Builds mutual trust and encourages respect and cooperation among team members.

Required Qualifications*

Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

At least five years of considerable progressively responsible experience in project management or similar type experience.

Proven ability to create and manage detailed project plans, including schedules, and resource allocation.

Strong written communication skills to be assessed as a part of the interview process.

Desired Qualifications*

Bachelor's degree in English, communications, or related field, or previous experience that would indicate strong understanding of writing standards.

Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.

Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in order to achieve results.

Proven track record of successfully managing multiple projects concurrently, using a systemic approach, demonstrating flexibility in methods and tools, and meeting deadlines and delivering high-quality results.

Strong analytical ability is required to gather and summarize data and information, solve administrative problems, and prioritize work assignments independently.

Experience in producing in-depth, high-level written reports and presentation materials (e.g., slides) to synthesize complex findings and recommendations.

Ability to provide outstanding customer service.

Modes of Work

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.

Background Screening

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.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

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