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 Civil & Environmental Engineering (CEE) was the first engineering discipline at U-M, founded in 1837. We're building on our enduring legacy to tackle some of the most complex challenges facing our society and our planet.
We are home to 47 faculty, 19 core staff, another 7 staff supported by research, and approximately 240 undergraduate and 210 graduate students. We offer 2 undergraduate majors, 2 minors and 1 certificate, 6 master's degrees and 2 PhD programs. We are located on U-M's North Campus in the Environmental & Water Resources Engineering building and a portion of the GG Brown building, expanding more than 59,000 sq ft.
Candidates for the role of Unit Administrator will provide leadership and managerial support across all business and administrative areas, reporting directly to the Department Chair. In this role, you will manage key operations - such as budget, finance, human resources, research administration, student services, information technology, and facilities - by developing and implementing effective business processes and operational plans. By working closely with the Chair, you will move key initiatives forward and ensure effective resource stewardship within the Department. Additionally, you will focus on building partnerships within the school/college/university and strengthening the support functions that advance the academic, research, and service missions of CEE.
Who We Are Our staff mission is to collaborate, create and innovate alongside our talented faculty and students. We strive to be the best possible resource to the CEE community by being proactive, forward-thinking and streamlined in our work. We support the global impact of the CEE community with our commitment to teamwork, cooperation, and mutual success toward common goals.
CEE is a part of the College of Engineering. Michigan Engineers are world-class educators, researchers, students and staff who strive to build a people-first future. As part of a top national public research institution, Michigan Engineering's mission is to provide scientific and technological leadership to the people of the world, develop intellectually curious and socially conscious minds, create collaborative solutions to societal problems, and promote an inclusive and innovative community of service for the common good.
Responsibilities* Partnerships and Collaborations:
- Operations management fostering a partnership with the College of Engineering and CEE leadership roles, including the Department Chair, Executive Committee, Associate Chairs, etc.
- Build and maintain positive relationships with partners throughout the university, such as ORSP, EHS, AEC, Payroll and Rackham
- Meet consistently with formal and informal mentors to pose questions, learn and engage intentionally with the broader community network
Operational Oversight:
- Manage daily operations
- Oversee the creation, evaluation, refinement, and implementation of policies and procedures.
- Manage internal controls and continuous improvements, reporting annually on behalf of the dept.
- Oversee communications, IT services, and facilities management, including space utilization planning, policies and negotiations
- Oversee student services and community well-being
Financial Stewardship:
- Oversee the departmental operating budgets, including planning, allocations, authorization of expenditures, and monthly reconciliations
- Supervise and monitor all departmental funds (sponsored, gift, designated, equipment, and recharge funds), including startups and fellowships
- Examine budget structure and set up an appropriate model to provide useful management reports for decision making and monitoring budget variances
- Manage financial support for student activities
Human Resources Management:
- Supervise staff managers and coordinate their administrative, financial, and operational activities
- Manage hiring, employment terms, and work planning
- Handle operational issues, performance assessments and employee grievances
- Provide expertise to faculty and staff regarding employee rights, benefits, and responsibilities
- Provide guidance to managers on HR issues and disciplinary processes
- Responsibly supervise direct reports, including annual performance evaluations, career planning and professional development focusing on guidance, collaboration, accountability, adaptability and growth
- Develop and implement department-wide policies and procedures and collection and analysis of data on all aspects of dept activities
- Ensure compliance with employee unions represented within the department, including USU, GEO and LEO
Research Administration:
- Oversee the preparation of grants and contracts
- Ensure compliance with funding sources and federal regulations
- Facilitate research initiatives and support services
- Complete the annual space survey with related research activities and utilization
- Partner with the Associate Chair for Research regarding seating assignments, space policies, renovations, startups, and research equipment needs
Leadership Support to the Chair:
- Deliver strategic advice, detailed guidance, comprehensive reports, and in-depth analyses to the Chair concerning the organization's administrative and operational success and challenges
- Assist in planning department objectives and strategic plans
- Liaise with College development efforts
- Ensure compliance with safety programs
- Oversee development activities, including alumni relations, fundraising and reporting regarding use of donor funds annually
- Collaborate with the Chair and Marketing Specialist to develop and implement strategic communications, materials, and campaigns which highlight our research, demonstrate our sense of community and positively influence our prominence with peer chairs, thought leaders, donors and alumni
Culture and Compliance:
- Maintain a supportive working environment that fosters equal treatment, teamwork and professional development
- Cultivate a positive culture built on the CEE and College of Engineering values of Excellence, Creativity, Collaboration, Social Impact and Trustworthiness
- Foster a sense of community between faculty, staff and students; formulate and empower teams to promote communication; build trust within and between groups; and lead by example
- Serve on departmental and/or college committees and coordinate a wide variety of special projects and new initiatives both independently and at the request of the Chair
- Ensure compliance with the College of Engineering and University policies
- Develop and document department policies and procedures, creating transparency through accessibility
Representation and Advisory:
- Act as department representative to the College of Engineering and other university administrators, with financial, organizational, and operational authority
Other:
- Perform other job-related duties as assigned
Required Qualifications* - Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and a proven record in administration or finance in a research or related organization, preferably in higher education
- Minimum of seven years of supervisory experience in a management/administrative role
- Proven expertise working with spreadsheets and databases to financially manage, budget, and project all types of funding sources
- Demonstrated excellent organizational and analytical skills with a proven ability to productively handle ambiguity and uncertainty in a complex and fast-paced environment
- Proven ability to work under pressure, make independent decisions, and exercise strategic and critical thinking that impacts an entire organization
- Demonstrated strong communication skills, both oral and written, with a proven ability to interact diplomatically and collaboratively across a diverse workforce. Excellent interpersonal skills, with experience building and leading teams, creating relationships, and providing mentorship and supervision to others
- Demonstrated ability to exercise appropriate discretion and confidentiality
- Strong background in research administration
- Extensive experience in recruiting, mentoring, career development, leadership, and team building
- Excellent change management skills to guide administrative and personnel transitions
- Demonstrated ability to present and gain acceptance of ideas and proposals
- Knowledge of finance, accounting, and professional and technical billing
Desired Qualifications* - Thorough knowledge of U-M policies and procedures is highly desired to ensure awareness and compliance, including human resources, sponsored programs, financial management, procurement, travel, facilities, and student services
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 anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO Statement The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.
Job Detail Job Opening ID 266913
Working Title CEE Unit Administrator
Job Title Business Administrator Lead
Work Location Ann Arbor Campus
Ann Arbor, MI
Modes of Work Hybrid
Full/Part Time Full-Time
Regular/Temporary Regular
FLSA Status Exempt
Organizational Group College Engineering
Department Civil & Environmental Engr
Posting Begin/End Date 8/13/2025 - 8/27/2025
Salary $130,000.00 - $140,000.00
Career Interest Administration
