Career Center

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.

Nexus provides access to the educational resources from the College of Engineering and develops new online and professional education for learners worldwide. We are currently seeking a personable, motivated, and detail-oriented Strategic Initiatives & Executive Administrative Assistant to join Team Nexus.

The ideal candidate for this position will demonstrate strong oral and written communications, excellent time management skills and experience in an education environment.  This role requires an individual who possesses strong analytical, organizational, and time management skills, an ability to multitask, and enjoys working within a fast-paced, team environment. Knowledge of Wolverine Access, MPathways, Concur, and other University software is highly desired.

In this role and under direction from the Executive Director, you will be responsible for administrative support, strategic initiatives, reporting and assessment.  This position will be considered a remote position requiring 1-2 visits to the Ann Arbor office per year.

Strategic Initiatives (60%)

• Partner with the Executive Director and other Nexus stakeholders to Identify opportunities for business process improvement.
• Collaborate with appropriate stakeholders to improve efficiencies and generate cost savings.
• Support unit with new program research, vendor evaluation and search committee coordination.
• Support existing and future special projects with basic project management and coordination.
• Function as a liaison and catalyst to help connect work activity between unit- and college-level staff and stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities to automate and improve work tasks across the organization.

Administrative Support (20%)

• Support Executive Director with administrative duties to include scheduling meetings with internal and external stakeholders, coordinating unit meetings and supporting office procedures.
• Manage travel arrangements and expense reports for the Executive Director.
• Support unit with the identification of professional development resources.
• Support Executive Director with report and presentation preparation.
• Support Executive Director with off-site events and event planning.
• Support the Executive Director by organizing details related to Nexus program portfolio. Where appropriate, in partnership with the Program Operations group, provide recommendations related to program growth, improvement and sun setting.
• Support facility and operational staff with business process improvement and resource management.
• Support program managers with portfolio-level scheduling and coordination.

Reporting & Assessment  (10%)

• Work with Nexus instructors and staff to optimize course and program assessment.
• Evaluate and organize class, program and student data in dashboards and appropriate formats.
• Lead KPI activity by working closely with the Executive Director and Nexus staff to evaluate measurable outcomes.
• Analyze and improve reporting activity to Nexus stakeholders.

Communication  (10%)

• Assemble unit-level updates and work with Nexus staff to create a monthly update about Nexus activity.
• In partnership with the Nexus Business Administrator, curate unit intranet, oversee document repository activity and provide leadership support for internal Nexus communications.
• Support Executive Director with social media activity to elevate Nexus profile.
• Support Executive Director with email management.
• Coordinate internal Nexus communication activity with ADGPE office and CoE Communications and Marketing.
• Support Nexus with the development of an annual plan of work and year-end report.

• Bachelor’s degree
• At least three years’ experience working as an executive administrative assistant in a higher education environment
• Minimum of two years’ experience with business process improvement projects leading to outcomes that are measurable and well-coordinated with stakeholders
• At least one year experience managing projects using Lean Six Sigma
• Contributes to a positive work community by approaching work with diversity, equity, and inclusion in mind; treats others with respect, dignity and in a manner where individuals feel they belong; listens, values feedback, and learns from the perspectives of others
• Demonstrated project management and organizational skills; strong attention to detail
• Proven ability to successfully interact with a diverse group of people while interacting with students, faculty, staff, and the public both pleasantly and professionally
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships and effective channels of communication at multiple levels inside and outside the organization
• Excellent communication skills, diplomacy, discretion, and presentation skills
• Must be able to handle and be comfortable with ambiguity
• Ability to work independently and to exercise initiative within bounds of standard university practices
• Demonstrated ability in problem identification and resolution
• Must be self-motivated and have the ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment
• Ability to work independently, with minimal supervision
• Must be a quick learner with the ability to multitask

• 4-6 years of administrative assistant experience in higher education
• Three or more years’ experience with business improvement projects
• Minimum of one year experience managing projects using a project management methodology such as Lean Six Sigma

Michigan Engineering seeks to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as a reflection of our commitments to serve the diverse people of Michigan, fulfill the College’s Guiding Principles, and sustain the excellence of the College of Engineering.

To learn more about diversity, equity, and inclusion visit: https://www.engin.umich.edu/about/diversity/

To learn more about the College of Engineering strategic vision visit: http://strategicvision.engin.umich.edu

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.

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