Job Summary
The Community-Engaged Research Program Manager will work closely with faculty and staff to develop external partnerships for funded research projects and serve as a key liaison to local non-profits and educational organizations. This position is responsible for facilitating and supporting research-focused community outreach efforts, building and nurturing stakeholder relationships, and developing impactful engagement strategies to promote awareness and research partnerships in science, technology and health outcomes.
By focusing primarily on collaborative research initiatives between UM-Flint faculty and the community, the Community-Engaged Program Manager will support collaborative efforts with community partners, particularly in Flint and Genesee County, to enhance outreach activities and programs. This role requires expertise in navigating community networks, representing the UM-Flint at various events, coordinating with academic leadership, university advancement, student affairs, and community partners.
This position reports to the director of the UM-Flint Office of Research. This is a term-limited position that is initially funded for two years by an NSF award and internal funding from the Office of the Vice President for Research.
Responsibilities*
Community Engagement and Partnership Development
- Cultivate and sustain research partnerships with local organizations, schools, businesses, and community leaders, especially in Flint and Genesee, and other key areas in mid-Michigan.
- Serve as the key liaison for community partners, ensuring meaningful and productive research collaborations.
- Identify and execute opportunities for stakeholder engagement, in mid-Michigan communities, through events such as workshops and seminars.
Advocacy & Resource Development
- Create content and resources to advocate for impactful community-based science and health outcomes.
- Partner with team members to design and facilitate workshops and presentations focused on capacity building and improving science and health outcomes.
Event Coordination
- Support the planning, organization, and delivery of community-focused research events, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
- Coordinate the logistics of research events including scheduling, material production, staffing, and post-event evaluations.
Administrative Oversight
- Maintain comprehensive records of partnerships, programs, and events; provide regular reports to leadership on outcomes.
- Identify and assist in the pursuit of grant and funding opportunities to enhance community engaged research programs.
Required Qualifications*
- Bachelor's degree
- Three or more years of relevant experience in one of the following: community engagement, relationship management, program management, or community development
- Experience in building coalitions or initiatives in science, health, social sciences, or interdisciplinary research partnerships.
- Strong familiarity with Flint and other Michigan communities.
- Proficiency in MS Office, Google Suite, and other database applications; and expertise in social media management, data analysis and the use of graphic design tools like Canva.
Why Work at U-M Flint
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 after 12 months of eligible service, with immediate vesting.
- Many choices for comprehensive health insurance.
- Life insurance
- Long-term disability coverage
- Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
Eligibility for benefits is based on your job group, your appointment percentage and the length of your appointment. Learn more about employee benefits and eligibility and download the Comprehensive Benefits for Faculty and Staff flier.
UM-Flint offers tuition support for eligible UM-Flint staff members. In addition, UM-Flint offers dependent tuition support (DTS) for qualified dependents of faculty and staff from all UM campuses. Information can be found at: https://www.umflint.edu/hr/benefits/
Information about our vision, mission and values can be found at: https://www.umflint.edu/chancellor/leadership-mission-vision/
Modes of Work
Hybrid:
The work requirements allow both onsite and offsite work and an employee has an expected recurring onsite presence. On occasion, the employee may be required and must be available to work onsite more frequently if necessitated by unit leadership or their designee and/or the job requirements.
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 here.
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 will be performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.
