Compass Managing Director

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.
The University of Michigan National Science Foundation (NSF) Center for Complex Particle Systems (COMPASS), is a collaborative home 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; universities in 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, external advisory board, 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. 
We are committed to creating a positive, inclusive workplace and providing flexible work arrangements.
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 the scientific initiatives on track, on time, and on budget to realize center goals. Serve as liaison and provide support to the center's External Advisory Board (EAB), effectively and respectfully communicating with members of the EAB and other Boards associated with the Center.  Understanding the science of the Center, prepare technical materials, present at meetings/conferences, 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. Aid COMPASS leadership by facilitating 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. Manage Center resources and resource allocation, including financial management and budget preparation, facilities, grant administration, technology transfer, human resources, etc. Oversee the compilation of yearly reports and presentation documents for the National Science Foundation (NSF) and on-site evaluations, coordinating with team members to gather data, research narratives, and reports on research activities and projects under the COMPASS umbrella. Assist with the development and subsequent assessment of processes for each focus area (research, education, technology transfer, outreach, evaluation). Identify potential funding opportunities for the center and work directly with the COMPASS research administrator to submit proposals. 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 databases, and communications with the support of the administrative assistant and other COMPASS staff. Coordinate the scientific outreach and social media representation of the Center. 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). Demonstrated experience in strategy planning and execution. Exceptional project management, relationship building, and public relations skills. Demonstrated experience performing sensitive and confidential duties requiring discretion, independent judgment, and sound decision-making. Demonstrated history of attention to detail, results-oriented mindset, ability to prioritize and to work well with ambiguity Excellent organizational and communication skills. Demonstrated ability to work independently and in teams and thrive in a changing, dynamic environment. Demonstrated skills in problem solving and in recognizing sensitive situations. Demonstrated interest in leading and empowering others and creating a positive culture that supports personal and professional growth at all levels of the Center.  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, Word Press, and other relevant software.  PhD in sciences, engineering, or other STEM fields .  Experience working in a research environment broadly defined Experience in federal agency regulation and administration Experience in an academic setting; In-depth familiarity with academic culture This is a term-limited position currently through August 2028.  Continuation of the position is contingent upon grant funding for another five years.
May require occasional domestic and international travel.
May require evening and weekend work.
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.
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.
The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.
About University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
A great university is made so by its faculty and staff, and Michigan is recognized as one of the best universities to work for in the country. The Michigan culture is known for engaging faculty and staff in all facets of the university to create a workplace that is vibrant and stimulating.For two consecutive years, the Chronicle of Higher Education has placed U-M in its "Great Colleges to Work For" survey. In particular, the university earns high marks for strong relations between faculty and administrators, a collaborative system of governance, strong pay and benefits, and a healthy work/life balance.
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