Assistant to the Department Chair

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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.

Who We Are

At Michigan Engineering, we develop the talent and technologies that move society forward and serve our state and national interests. Through discovery and innovation, we create the foundational knowledge and practical technologies to solve not only today's most pressing challenges, but also power industries and change lives. Our programs and community are designed to promote personal well-being and achievement - enabling everyone to unlock their potential and contribute with confidence.

Job Summary

The Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Michigan College of Engineering is at the forefront of research in human health, sustainable energy, and programmable matter. We are committed to creating a positive, inclusive workplace and providing flexible work arrangements. Find out more about Chemical Engineering at che.engin.umich.edu.

The Department of Chemical Engineering has an immediate opening for a seasoned administrative professional to join our department staff as the Assistant to the Department Chair. Reporting directly to the Department Chair and working closely with department leadership, the successful candidate will provide high-level administrative support and coordination across executive operations, faculty affairs, and key departmental events.

The ideal candidate for this position is a proactive, detail-oriented professional who thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and possesses a high level of discretion. You enjoy working both independently and as part of a team, bringing a flexible, positive work ethic to a wide range of daily tasks. You must be an exceptional communicator, an effective listener, and highly skilled at managing competing priorities while interfacing with high-level internal and external university stakeholders.

Find out more about Chemical Engineering at che.engin.umich.edu. Click the following to review the full Assistant to the Department Chair position description.

What You'll Do

• Provide high-level administrative support to the Department Chair, including complex calendar management, travel arrangements, and support for research group logistics
• Draft, edit, and format high-quality documents, presentations, and communications with minimal supervision
• Manage administrative processes for faculty recruitment, appointments, promotions, casebooks, and awards
• Coordinate logistics, technical support, and tracking for department meetings, committees, and large-scale events
• Handle financial duties, including travel expenses, P-card reconciliation, and event budgets
• Maintain strong partnerships with the Unit Administrator and Dean's Office, while serving as the primary liaison for internal staff and department-level acknowledgments
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the goals of the Department Chair and leadership

Click the following to review the full Assistant to the Department Chair position description

Required Qualifications*

• Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 5+ years of relevant administrative support experience, including experience organizing and staffing meetings and events.
• Proven discretion and the ability to maintain strict confidentiality when handling sensitive departmental information.
• Proven professionalism and the ability to manage competing responsibilities while communicating on behalf of the Chair with tact, diplomacy, and respect for others' time.
• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and standard office software.
• Proven ability to take direction from multiple stakeholders, prioritize tasks under conflicting deadlines, and manage frequent interruptions.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team; features a flexible, positive, and proactive work ethic.
• Commitment to contributing to a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and safe working environment for all community members.

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
• Maternity and Parental Leave

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.

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 any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.