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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.

Job Summary

This individual serves as the senior administrative officer for the College of Engineering (CoE), entrusted with strategic planning and management of the College's financial operations, financial analysis, human resources, facilities, research administration, business intelligence, project management, leadership and professional development, and institutional research. Acting under the authority delegated by the Dean, this leader oversees the full spectrum of resource planning and management functions, guiding an organization of approximately 40 staff members.

Who We Are

Michigan Engineers are world-class educators, researchers, students and staff who strive to build a people-first future. As part of a top national public research institution, 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.

Responsibilities*

An outstanding and experienced university administrator is needed to oversee:

• Financial Management: Provide comprehensive oversight of all financial operations, including accounting, budgeting, forecasting, including forecasting various scenarios, and financial analysis.
• Strategic Financial and Facility Planning: Collaborate with the Dean and other senior leaders to develop and implement facility and financial strategies that advance the College's academic, research, and outreach missions.
• Budget Management: Lead the development, implementation, and ongoing monitoring of the College's annual budget, the University's annual budget, ensuring strategic alignment and optimal resource allocation.
• Financial Reporting and Compliance: Supervise the preparation of accurate financial reports, ensure adherence to university and external financial regulations (such as GAAP, GASB, FASB), and manage both internal and external audits and compliance initiatives.
• Risk Management: Identify, assess, and mitigate financial risks while maintaining robust internal controls.
• Resource Allocation and Optimization: Allocate and optimize financial resources across departments, programs, and initiatives to maximize institutional impact.
• Leadership and Team Development: Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Stakeholder Relations: Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with university leadership, faculty, external partners, and other stakeholders. Effectively communicate the College's financial strategy and health.
• Facilities Oversight: Provide support on the planning for new facilities and major renovations from conception through occupancy. Oversee and support the team responsible for the day-to-day operations of all College facilities and support efficient space allocations and reallocations.
• Organizational & Leadership Development: Oversee and support the team that drives ongoing organizational and leadership development initiatives to support the College's growth and adaptability.
• Human Resources Administration: Oversee and support the team for all non-faculty personnel, HR operations, and support all personnel-related activities within the College.
• Strategic Project Management: Oversee and support a team of project managers responsible for major strategic initiatives.
• Business Intelligence: Supervise the team responsible for managing and leveraging institutional data to inform decision-making and strategic planning.
• Research Administration: Oversee the research administration team responsible for the approval of all College proposals and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and policies.
• Institutional Representation: Represent the College's interests to the University of Michigan central administration and other external stakeholders.
• College Leadership: Serve as a member of the Dean's Group, contributing to the development of strategic plans and shaping College policies and procedures.
• Special Projects: Initiate and manage special projects as needed, and perform other duties as assigned by the Dean.

Required Qualifications*

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Public Administration, Higher Education, or a related field.
• Experience: Significant and progressive administrative leadership experience (typically 10+ years) in finance, resource planning, or administration in a large, complex organization, ideally within higher education. Demonstrated experience overseeing multiple administrative functions (e.g., finance, human resources, facilities, research administration, business intelligence, project management).
• Financial Expertise: Extensive knowledge of financial management, budgeting, forecasting, planning, and analysis in a university or similarly complex environment. Experience with financial reporting, compliance (such as GAAP, GASB, FASB), audits, risk management, and internal controls.
• Leadership and Supervision: Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop large, multidimensional teams, including managers and professional staff. Demonstrated experience in organizational and leadership development.
• Strategic Planning & Resource Allocation: Experience collaborating with executive leadership and multiple stakeholders to develop and implement strategic financial and operational plans. Expertise in resource allocation and optimization across diverse units or programs.
• Facilities and Operations Oversight: Experience overseeing large-scale facilities planning, renovations, space management, and daily operations.
• Human Resources Administration: Substantial experience with personnel management, including recruitment, performance management, and supporting professional development.
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills. Proven ability to build relationships and work collaboratively across organizational boundaries.
• Project Management: Experience leading or overseeing large-scale strategic projects.
• Analytical and Decision-Making Skills: Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving ability.

Desired Qualifications*

• Master's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Public Administration, Higher Education, or a related field.
• Experience working within a public research university or academic environment.
• Knowledge of the University of Michigan policies, systems, and procedures.
• Experience with research administration and grant compliance.
• Experience with business intelligence and data-informed decision-making.

Modes of Work

In this role, we would expect the person who holds this position to be on campus five (5) days a week. 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 Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.