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 College of Engineering's Center for Entrepreneurship seeks a proactive, strategic leader to join our team as the Assistant Director for the NSF I-Corps Hub: Great Lakes Region. In this role, you will oversee the daily operations of the NSF I-Corps Hub: Great Lakes Region across partner and affiliate institutions, ensuring that program execution aligns with grant requirements and adheres to budget and resource constraints.

As the Assistant Director, you will:

Drive Program Implementation: Manage the planning, execution, and budgeting of regional programming, ensuring program goals are met and funds are optimally allocated.
Coordinate Evaluation and Reporting: Oversee data collection for evaluation purposes and ensure timely, accurate reporting to the National Science Foundation.
Support Strategic Planning: Partner closely with the Hub Director to shape and execute the annual strategic plan, keeping operational feasibility and resource alignment in focus.
Monitor Financial and Grant Compliance: Collaborate with Hub Leadership and the research administration team to track expenditures and uphold grant metrics.

Reporting directly to the Director of the NSF I-Corps Hub, you will also be responsible for maintaining strong, collaborative relationships with personnel at partner institutions and the sponsoring organization, facilitating seamless communication and swift resolution of operational issues.

Join us in advancing innovation, collaboration, and economic growth across the Great Lakes region. The NSF I-Corps Hub fosters regional impact by empowering academic researchers to engage with the entrepreneurial ecosystem, all with the support of the National Science Foundation. More information about the hub can be found here.

Mission Statement

The Mission of the CFE is to unlock the full entrepreneurial potential at the University of Michigan by helping people to understand, experience, practice, and refine the skills needed to successfully translate their knowledge, ideas, leadership, creativity, and enthusiasm into lasting value in the world. We achieve this potential by providing access to a wide variety of educational opportunities, immersive learning experiences, timely and powerful mentorship, and meaningful connections to the global industry leaders who are building the future. More information about the CFE can be found here.

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.

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

Responsibilities*

Program Management (35%)

Hub Operations: Collaborate with the NSF I-Corps Hub Director to coordinate efforts across partner institutions, including program planning, execution, budget management, data collection, and reporting. Serve as the main operational point of contact for the NSF I-Corps Hub.
Liaison with NSF Program Officers: Provide updates, presentations, and required documentation to NSF program officers, preparing and submitting reports as outlined in grant agreements.
Logistics and Event Management: Oversee logistics for I-Corps programs and events, including vendor contracts, coordination with U-M Procurement Services, budget oversight, event timeline creation, and travel arrangements for group activities.
Strategic Planning: Contribute to the Hub's annual strategic planning process and support the achievement of target objectives and performance metrics.
Broadening Participation Initiatives: Participate in the I-Corps Hub Broadening Participation Working Group to support activities aimed at expanding program accessibility and engagement.

Program Delivery and Execution (35%)

Program Implementation: Manage I-Corps program delivery, from curriculum development and team communications to assignment tracking and deadline management. Facilitate hybrid meetings, prepare presentation templates, and coordinate with teaching staff for efficient program delivery.
Oversight of Contractors and Training: Supervise contractors and students involved in program support and manage training sessions for new instructors, ensuring they are familiar with the curriculum, methodology, and digital tools used in the program.
Recruitment and Training: Work with program directors to recruit and prepare teaching talent, program participants, and teams for each program cycle.
Class and Workshop Facilitation: Host both remote and in-person classes, workshops, webinars, and meetings to ensure a consistent and impactful learning experience.
Participant Support: Serve as the primary contact for program participants, addressing inquiries related to funding, program guidelines, and other essential aspects.

Data Management and Reporting (30%)

CRM and Data Management: Oversee the I-Corps Hub CRM system and data management activities in collaboration with the Business Intelligence & CRM Analyst.
Survey and Feedback Collection: Manage program surveys, track attendance, collect feedback, and assess participant progress in partnership with the NSF I-Corps research team to ensure data-driven program improvement.

Required Qualifications*

Advanced degree in Business, Engineering, or an equivalent combination of education and progressively responsible program management experience.
3+ years of experience in program management.
Enthusiastic about translating scientific discoveries into real-world applications with a relentlessly positive outlook on their potential impact.
Exceptional communication, listening, and influencing abilities with strong networking skills to build and maintain effective professional relationships.
Detail-oriented and self-motivated, with a proven ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines.
Background in customer-focused roles with a commitment to providing outstanding service.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and Google Suite.
Familiarity with customer relationship management (CRM) systems for data and relationship management.

Desired Qualifications*

Experience in Lean Launchpad methodologies and customer discovery.
Familiarity with the different pathways for technology commercialization including licensing, joint ventures, joint development agreements, and startups.
Experience with Zoho CRM and associated products.

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.

Additional Information

This position is funded by an award from the National Science Foundation in support of the NSF I-Corps Hub: Great Lakes Region.

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.