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

Responsible for developing and managing U.S. Navy-funded research programs, titled BRIDGE, in the Department of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering. This role involves coordinating, planning, and executing administrative activities for the BRIDGE program. Activities include providing professional development for students, developing program budgets, managing relationships, organizing conferences, and general administrative support. Employees analyze, compare, and evaluate actions, making independent decisions within their responsibilities, while consulting with faculty on significant matters. The BRIDGE Program Manager will support the BRIDGE project by managing daily operations, including staff, budget oversight, and development. This is a five-year grant-funded position, renewable in 2030.

Who We Are

The Department of Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering at the University of Michigan was started in 1879 with an act of Congress authorizing a Navy officer to teach "steam engineering and iron shipbuilding." Since this modest beginning, NA&ME has grown into a worldwide leader in education and research, with 24 faculty and 14 staff, serving our undergraduate and graduate students along with a network of some 3,000 living alumni. Our department continues to develop engineers and technology to advance the state-of-the-art systems operating in the marine environment. The department's students and faculty engage in a wide range of research, with specialists working in hydrodynamics; marine and offshore structures; dynamics, control and marine system integration; robotics and autonomy; yacht design; design, production, and management; marine renewable energy; and structural and hydro-acoustics. Our Marine Hydrodynamics Laboratory with its large physical modeling basin continues to serve as a vital resource for our department. NA&ME's externally sponsored research expenditures are averaged around $10 million annually in the past five years.

Responsibilities*

Administration & Operations

• Manage daily operations of the BRIDGE project, with emphasis on administration, human resources, and financial oversight.
• Arrange travel and process reimbursements for affiliated faculty, staff, students, and guests.
• Lead planning and execution of events such as seminars, conferences, workshops, and social gatherings.

Financial Management

• Oversee financial functions, including budgeting, expenditure tracking, and forecasting.
• Complete and submit annual financial reports.
• Contribute to non-technical sections of grant and contract proposals.

Human Resources

• Coordinate and support various human resources functions, including hiring processes and employee support.
• Facilitate recruitment, selection, and onboarding of temporary student workers, Postdoctoral Research Fellows, and Graduate Research Assistants; advise on pay rates and coordinate work schedules.

Outreach & Engagement

• Manage outreach and relationship-building with other universities engaged with U.S. Navy research.
• Oversee recruitment outreach to prospective undergraduate and graduate program participants.

Marketing & Promotion

• Support marketing efforts through social media management and promotional coordination.

Required Qualifications*

• Bachelor's degree
• Excellent interpersonal verbal communication, written communication, and collaborative skills with a commitment to creating a positive work environment
• Experience and knowledge of HR, finance, and budget policies and procedures
• Demonstrated attention to detail and organizational skills, ability and desire to work independently, be part of a team, and show initiative

Desired Qualifications*

• Project Management Professional Certification or Google Project Management Certification
• Knowledge of University of Michigan policies and procedures or policy procedures in a higher educational environment
• Knowledge of the field of Naval Architecture or Naval Engineering
• Experience with the U.S. Naval Research Enterprise

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 is a five year term limited grant-funded position that has the option for renewal in 2030.

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 Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.