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

The IOE Unit Administrator serves as the key partner with the Department Chair to strategize, plan and manage the operations and resources of the department. The Unit Administrator will also maintain a collaborative relationship with operations leadership in the College of Engineering, working in partnership to ensure alignment of departmental operations, financial management, resource planning, and administrative practices across the College.

Responsibilities*

Operational Oversight:

• Manage daily operations.
• Oversee the creation, evaluation, refinement, and implementation of policies and procedures.
• Manage internal controls and continuous improvements, reporting annually on behalf of the department.
• Oversee communications, IT services, and facilities management, including space utilization planning, policies, and negotiations.
• Oversee student services, alumni engagement, and community well-being.

Financial:

• Oversee and manage all departmental funds, including sponsored, gift, and equipment accounts
• Prepare budgets and financial projections in collaboration with the Department Chair
• Approve expenditures and reimbursements
• Monitor reconciliations, review financial reports, and ensure compliance with internal controls
• Maintain accurate financial records and archive projects according to retention policies
• Manage cost-sharing, track commitments, and monitor University Designated Codes (UDCs)

Human Resources Management:

• Oversee Human Resources and staffing infrastructure
• Ensure adequate and equitable staff resources for all department functional areas.
• Evaluate staffing roles, responsibilities, and compensation levels, make informed decisions on hiring and promotion.
• Ensure compliance with recruitment, employment, and conflict of interest/conflict of commitment policies and practice.
• Together with department HR, advise supervisors on a wide range of complex HR issues, performance improvement plans, and other stages of the disciplinary process.
• Partner with the Department Chair in all areas of faculty affairs, including offer packages, appointments and faculty satisfaction.
• Provide management of direct reports, including annual performance evaluation.
• Ensure compliance with employee unions represented within the department, including USU, GEO and LEO

Research Administration:

• Lead and train the department's research administration team
• Approve Proposal Approval Forms (PAFs) and Unfunded Agreements (UFAs)
• Oversee pre-award and post-award activities for faculty research projects
• Review and approve award modifications and adjust project files as needed
• Review management reports in line with SSC recommendations
• Provide backup support to research administrators as needed

Leadership Support to the Chair:

• Deliver strategic advice, detailed guidance, comprehensive reports, and in-depth analyses to the Chair concerning the organization's administrative and operational success and challenges
• Assist in planning department objectives and strategic plans
• Liaise with College development efforts
• Ensure compliance with safety programs
• Oversee development activities, including alumni relations, fundraising and reporting regarding use of donor funds annually
• Collaborate with the Chair to develop and implement strategic communications, materials, and campaigns which highlight our research, demonstrate our sense of community and positively influence our prominence with peer chairs, thought leaders, donors and alumni

Culture and Compliance:

• Maintain a supportive working environment that fosters equal treatment, teamwork and professional development
• Foster a sense of community between faculty, staff and students; formulate and empower teams to promote communication; build trust within and between groups; and lead by example
• Serve on departmental and/or college committees and coordinate a wide variety of special projects and new initiatives both independently and at the request of the Chair
• Ensure compliance with the College of Engineering and University policies
• Develop and document department policies and procedures, creating transparency through accessibility

Representation and Advisory:

• Act as department representative to the College of Engineering and other university administrators, with financial, organizational, and operational authority

Other:

• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications*

• Bachelor's degree and 5-7 years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience, and a proven record in administration or finance in a research or related organization, preferably in higher education.
• Supervisory experience in a management/administrative role.
• Proven expertise working with spreadsheets and databases to financially manage, budget, and project all types of funding sources.
• Demonstrated excellent organizational, critical thinking, and analytical skills with a proven ability to productively handle ambiguity and uncertainty in a complex and fast-paced environment.
• Proven ability to communicate well, both orally and in writing, and to work collaboratively and diplomatically with others, with the ability to mentor, supervise, and interact with a diverse workforce.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise appropriate discretion and confidentiality.
• Proven ability to work under pressure, make independent decisions, and exercise strategic and critical thinking that impacts an entire organization.
• Strong background in research administration.
• Extensive experience in recruiting, mentoring, career development, leadership, and team building.
• Strong communication skills combined with excellent people skills and experience in building and leading teams and creating relationships.
• Excellent change management skills to guide administrative and personnel transitions.
• Demonstrated ability to present and gain acceptance of ideas and proposals.
• Knowledge of finance, accounting, and professional and technical billing.

Desired Qualifications*

• Thorough knowledge of U-M policies and procedures is highly desired to ensure awareness and compliance, including human resources, sponsored programs, financial management, procurement, travel, facilities, and student services.

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. However, in this role, we would expect the person who holds this position to be on campus a minimum of 3 days/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. work modes .

Additional Information

Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications

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 any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

Job Detail

Job Opening ID

283188

Working Title

IOE Unit Administrator

Job Title

Business Administrator Lead

Work Location

Ann Arbor Campus

Ann Arbor, MI

Modes of Work

Hybrid

Full/Part Time

Full-Time

Regular/Temporary

Regular

FLSA Status

Exempt

Organizational Group

College Engineering

Department

CoE Industrial & Oper Engin

Posting Begin/End Date

9/22/2026 - 10/06/2026

Career Interest

Administration