COMPASS Managing Director

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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. A strong scientific background of education and experience is required for this position. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

Summary

The University of Michigan has announced the launch of the National Science Foundation (NSF) Center for Complex Particle Systems (COMPASS), a collaborativehome for theoretical, experimental, and computational researchers who together are developing a systems-level approach to complex matter for world-leading energy-efficient manufacturing. COMPASS is a collaborative venture with the NSF; University of Michigan; Wayne State University; University of Southern California; Chicago State University; North Carolina State University; University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, universities in Africa and Europe; and industry, education, and evaluation partners.

Reporting directly to the Center Director, this executive-level staff leadership position will manage day-to-day Center operations and be a leadership partner working with the director, center thrust leadership, industry and institutional partners, faculty, staff, students, and other university and external stakeholders to realize strategic goals of importance to the Center.  The successful candidate will be someone with a strong scientific background who, understanding the mission, goals and scientific targets, can operate confidently, independently, and proactively, representing the priorities of the director at all levels and with all stakeholders. 

Find out more about the Center for Complex Particle Systems (COMPASS) at compass.engin.umich.edu. Click the following to review the full COMPASS Managing Director position description . 

We are committed to creating a positive, inclusive workplace and providing flexible work arrangements.

Who We Are

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/  

Why Work at Michigan?

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

• Generous time off
• A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
• Maternity and Parental Leave

Responsibilities*

Strategic Support and Leadership

• Represent the director and serve as the central administrator for the Center, acting within the policies and procedures of the Center, the University, and the National Science Foundation cooperative agreement to achieve the Center's goals.
• Work with the director, faculty leadership, partner institutions, and members of the center's external advisory board to build strategic partnerships. Proactively engage internal and external partners around strategic themes. Grow and manage strategic relationships with stakeholders at all levels.
• Provide strategic and tactical support to the director and other center leaders to keep initiatives on track to realize center goals.
• Serve as liaison and provide support to the center's external advisory board, effectively and respectfully communicating with members of the External Advisory Board (EAB) and other Boards associated with the Center.
• Prepare technical materials and analyze the scientific landscape of the technical fields for the Director. 
• Serve as an extension of the director in working with Center leadership, partner institutions, external advisory board, and other stakeholders to achieve strategic goals.
• Assists COMPASS leadership in the establishment, execution, and update of strategic plans.
• Provide oversight, leadership, and supervision of staff, including hiring and training new staff members as needed.

Operational and Administrative Management

• Manage day-to-day Center operations, scientific progress, and member advances.
• Management of Center operations, resources and resource allocation, including financial management and budget preparation, facilities, grant administration, technology transfer, human resources, etc.
• Manage the preparation of annual reporting for the NSF with team member contributions, including data collection, research narratives, and reports from the research areas and initiatives within COMPASS.
• Assist with the development and subsequent assessment of processes for each focus area (research, education, technology transfer, outreach, evaluation).
• Lead the planning and coordination of the NSF Annual Site Visits and COMPASS Annual meetings with the support of the COMPASS administrative assistant and other personnel.
• Monitor activities and events and facilitate the removal of obstacles that hinder progress so that Center communications, activities, programs, and events stay on course and align with the outreach and broadening participation objectives of COMPASS. 
• Oversee and coordinate Center website development, internal database, and communications with the support of the administrative assistant.
• Coordinate the scientific outreach and social media representation of the Center.

Click the following to review the full COMPASS Managing Director position description . 

Required Qualifications*

• Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in sciences, engineering, or other STEM fields. 
• 5+ years of professional experience (research/development and/or program management in academia, industry, or government).
• Exceptional strategic thinking skills.
• Exceptional project management, relationship building, and public relations skills.
• Demonstrated experience performing sensitive and confidential duties requiring discretion, independent judgment, and sound decision-making skills.
• Demonstrated history of attention to detail, results-oriented mindset, ability to prioritize and to work well with ambiguity, and excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and in teams and thrive in a changing, dynamic environment.
• Demonstrated skills in resolving conflict situations and in recognizing sensitive situations.
• Demonstrated interest in leading and empowering staff and creating a positive culture that supports personal and professional growth.
• Demonstrated history of success working with and leading teams and positive relationship-building with stakeholders at all levels.
• Demonstrated commitment to supporting an organizational culture that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive.
• Demonstrated success interacting with individuals from diverse sectors (academia, industry, the general public, government, international collaborators, etc.).
• Experience in proposal development.
• Experience preparing and presenting technical presentations.
• Experience overseeing budgets for grants and contracts.
• Advanced skills in MS Office suite, Google Suite, and other relevant software.

Additional Information

This is a 5-year, term-limited position.  Continuation of the position is contingent upon grant funding for another five years.

May require occasional domestic and international travel.

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.