COMPASS Program Manager

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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 COMPASS Program Manager is responsible for the development and ongoing management of the COMPASS academic and outreach programs. These programs are led at the University of Michigan but have substantial involvement of COMPASS partner institutions. The Program Manager operates with a high degree of autonomy, receiving general directional supervision from the Managing Director, but functionally supports the Director, Deputy Director(s), and other Program leads to achieve high-level grant objectives.

Responsibilities*

CERA Fellowship Administration and Management - 30 %

• Oversee and manage Collaboration and Exchange with Researchers in Africa (CERA) application and selection process, working closely both with the COMPASS Managing and Deputy Director, including;

• designing and optimizing the infrastructure for the online application portal,

• developing and executing targeted global outreach/recruitment strategies to attract applicants,

• conducting initial eligibility screenings of incoming submissions,

• synthesizing and presenting applicant dossiers for the selection committee,

• chairing/facilitating committee review meetings and issuing formal acceptance or deferral notifications.

• identify and recommend strategic new partnerships.

• Provide expert guidance, accurate, and comprehensive support to CERA Fellows throughout the application, selection, and research exchange process by serving as by serving as the primary program authority, communicating program requirements and application updates, and ensuring fellows receive the information and assistance needed for a successful program experience.

• Develop, implement, and analyze a system to track both applicants and potential applicants and to monitor their status in the program.

• Direct travel planning for CERA fellows and related travel needs.

Outreach Program Direction & Improvement - 30 %

• Collaborate with COMPASS staff to ensure appropriate administrative processes are in place to support the academic and outreach programs.

• develop specific SOPs

• partner with COMPASS Research Administrator to track grant-allowable expenses

• collaborate with evaluation team to design, track, and interpret program metrics

• Formulate and execute structured onboarding schedules and resources for incoming program participants and fellows

• Manage the planning, coordination, and administration of COMPASS outreach programs including KidsWhoCode (KWC), Active Duty military fellowship (ADF), and Veterans Administrative Personnel (VetAP). This involves holding accountability for deliverables, serving as the operational liaison between UofM and external program participants, assisting in preparing data-driven milestone reports to monitor program efficacy and participant engagement.

• Formulate, propose long-term strategic plans for improvement and enhance ongoing objectives of all COMPASS outreach programs to ensure success, including the VetIF program by partnering with the VetIF Program Manager .

Communications, Website, & Social Media Management - 20%

• Define the communication strategy and identify areas for improvement regarding COMPASS social media and website working closely with COMPASS personnel and website consultants.
• Continue development of a living COMPASS Handbook. Oversee and manage high-level programmatic content and digital media .

Event Planning & Leadership Support - 20%

• Serve as the Principal Organizer for COMPASS events (the Annual All hands meeting and the NSF site visit), and the hosting of visiting guests, working in close coordination and collaboration with COMPASS staff to ensure successful programmatic execution.
• Manage executive scheduling priorities, high-level travel portfolios, and financial compliance workflows (i.e. reimbursements) for the COMPASS Director.
• Provide strategic communication and editorial leadership to COMPASS and COMPASS leadership by drafting, proofreading, editing, and formatting professional correspondence, meeting materials, agendas, minutes, annual program reports, and other official documents, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and timely completion.

Required Qualifications*

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of experience in communications, data management, information sciences, or a related field.
• Three to five years of experience in a related position.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in data analysis and data management tools (e.g., Excel, Google Sheets, database software).
• Experience with content creation, social media management, and newsletter platforms (e.g., Mailchimp, Constant Contact).
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Desired Qualifications*

• Previous experience in an academic or research setting.
• Experience writing assessments, reports, and/or grant proposals.
• Familiarity with visual communication tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite).
• Knowledge of website content management systems (e.g., WordPress).

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
• 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.

Additional Information

This is a two-year, term-limited position. Continuation of the position is contingent upon grant funding renewal for another five years.

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.

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.