Assistant Program Manager

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How to Apply

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 in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

Summary

ONR has established the Center for Naval Research & Education (CNRE) at the University of Michigan (UM). CNRE will address fundamental Science and Technology challenges of the future within the context of naval applications while training a diverse and capable future workforce. The core of the CNRE is a group of highly talented, energetic, multi-disciplinary postdoctoral researchers, senior graduate students, and undergraduate research trainees who create the vibrant and intellectually stimulating environment of excellence that will define the CNRE. CNRE research is both computational and experimental; we work on exciting problems in diverse areas such as bio-fluid interactions, platform health and design, hydroacoustics, autonomous vehicles, wave energy, and fluid-material interactions.

We are seeking a talented, experienced, highly motivated, and organized individual to assist in leading and overseeing the daily activities of the Center for Naval Research & Education (CNRE). The Assistant Program Manager will report to and assist Krishnan Mahesh in all operations of project management for the Center for Naval Research and Education (CNRE). The CNRE Assistant Program Manager will support the responsibility for CNRE programming, directing daily operations and management of the program including management of staff, budget oversight, and development. This is a 5 year term limited grant-funded position that has the option of renewal in 2029.

Mission Statement

Michigan Engineers are world-class educators, researchers, students and staff who strive to build a people-first future. Michigan Engineering's mission is to provide scientific and technological leadership to the people of the world, develop intellectually curious and socially conscious minds, create collaborative solutions to societal problems, and promote an inclusive and innovative community of service for the common good.

Our vision, mission, and values are supported by a people-first engineering framework that guides our work. As Michigan Engineers, we strive to apply excellent engineering fundamentals, integrated expertise, and equity-centered values to reimagine what engineering can be, close critical gaps, and elevate all people. Information about our vision, mission, and values can be found at: http://strategicvision.engin.umich.edu/ .

The University of Michigan has a storied legacy of commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Michigan Engineering models that commitment in our research, culture, and
collaborations. We seek to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as a reflection of that commitment. Learn more about DEI at Michigan Engineering: https://www.engin.umich.edu/culture/diversity-equity-inclusion/ .

Who We Are

The Department of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering (NAME) at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, was started in 1879 with an act of Congress authorizing a Navy officer to teach "steam engineering and iron shipbuilding." Since this modest beginning, NAME has grown into a worldwide leader in education and research, with 25 faculty and 11 staff, serving our undergraduate and graduate students along with a network of some 3,000 living alumni. Our department continues to develop engineers and technology to advance the state-of-the-art systems operating in the marine environment. The department's students and faculty engage in a wide range of research, with specialists working in hydrodynamics; marine and offshore structures; dynamics, control, and marine system integration; robotics and autonomy; yacht design; design, production, and management; marine renewable energy; and structural and hydro-acoustics. Our Marine Hydrodynamics Laboratory with its large physical modeling basin continues to serve as a vital resource for our department. NAME's externally sponsored research expenditures have averaged around $10 million annually in the past five years.

Responsibilities*

Manages the daily operation of the Center for Naval Research and Education (CNRE) primarily in the areas of administration, human resources, and financial management.

Represents the CNRE on business affairs to the institution community.

Overseeing financial operations, encompassing budgeting and monitoring/forecasting expenditures.

Provides input into non-technical portions of grant/contract proposals and completes annual financial report.

Coordinates and participates in a variety of human resources activities for CNRE.

Manages travel arrangements for seminar speakers/guests and processes reimbursements.

Facilitates in interviewing, selecting and training/onboarding of temporary student workers, Postdoctoral Research Fellows, and Graduate Student Research Assistants; setting and adjusting their rates of pay and hours of work; and handling their complaints and grievances.

The Assistant Program Manager will also take part in maintaining website updates, event planning and organizing for all seminars, conferences, workshops, socials, and all other events held by CNRE.

Required Qualifications*

• Bachelor degree in business, human resources, accounting or a related field.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal communication, written communication, and collaborative skills with a commitment to creating a positive work environment.
• Experience and knowledge of HR, finance, and budget policies and procedures.
• Demonstrated attention to detail and organizational skills, ability and desire to work independently, be part of a team, and show initiative.
• Knowledge of UM policies and procedures or policy & procedures in a higher educational environment.

Work Locations

The Department of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering is committed to providing flexible work arrangements and operates in a hybrid work environment consisting of both in-person and remote work. This position will be classified as a FLEX position within the Michigan Engineering STARR classification matrix which means working on campus three to four days per week and working remotely the rest of the week. You can find more information here: https://rpm.engin.umich.edu/human-resources/telecommuting/ . Flexible work agreements are reviewed annually and are subject to change based on the business needs of the hiring department, throughout the course of employment.

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.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days.  The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

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