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.

SPRL Labs is seeking a Research Administration Senior Manager to work closely with the laboratory director, managing director, staff, and laboratory clients inside and outside of the university to help ensure efficient operations for our clients and staff.

SPRL Labs is a facility of the College of Engineering that serves clients who are faculty, government agencies (such as NASA and DoD), and commercial companies in the development of unique integrated systems and instrumentation that are often used in challenging environments (e.g. space, arctic, above/on/below the water).  The SPRL Lab professional staff, with faculty and researchers, have built more than 35 space systems and instruments; instrumented numerous sounding rockets, balloons and aircraft; and developed ground-based instruments (placed in eight remote observatory sites in Michigan, Canada, Greenland, Chile and Antarctica) in the Space Physics Research Laboratory (SPRL). The lab includes offices, electronic test labs, a machine shop, and specialized environmental test equipment.

• Oversee the development, implementation, and maintenance of financial systems and business operations to allow careful stewardship of financial and human resources.  Support effective management and strategic planning activities.  Work with director, managing director, and project managers to ensure the needs of projects, proposals, and operational needs at SPRL are met. Ensure that processes and operations adhere to regulatory and internal controls standards.
• Assist managing director in planning SPRL's general administrative operations.  Work closely with senior staff to coordinate the complete activities of the unit and undertake special duties and projects as assigned.
• Foster a partnership with the College of Engineering while Representing SPRL to the College of Engineering, the University, and other administrators with authority to make commitments on administrative policies and procedures.  Serve on committees and work groups at the College and University level that examine processes, new initiatives, and other activities as needed. 
• Prepare and oversee the department budget for annual program allocations; establish and monitor the operating budgets; ensure appropriate use of financial resources.  Manage day-to-day operations in Research Administration, Human Resources, and General Administration Support. 
• Work with The College of Engineering to support human resource activities of the lab.  Work with the Managing Director and Project Managers to support staffing needs of the lab including strategic hiring activities.  Support efforts to enhance professional development and job satisfaction of all SPRL staff.
• Supervise, manage, and support administrative staff as assigned, including regular and temporary employees.  Assess work flows, processes, and staff training and development needs.  Work with the administrative team to develop, document, and maintain standard operating procedures.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Five to seven of experience in a management/administrative role with progressively increasing responsibility
• Demonstrated excellent organizational, critical thinking, and analytical skills
• Demonstrated ability to communicate well, both orally and in writing, be a team player and work collaboratively and diplomatically with others
• Experience with the University's financial systems, including sponsored programs
• Experience with the financial aspects of project management
• Experience with organizational change and restructuring

• Advanced Degree preferred such as Master's in Business Administration or Management, or Operations
• Reasonable knowledge of University policies and procedures, including those regarding financial and contract/grant management
• Demonstrated knowledge of organization and management of engineering research and development projects
• Experience with human resources and personnel support
• Experience with subcontract and service unit billing organizations

A higher salary may be considered for an extraordinarily qualified candidate.

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 employment opportunity 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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