A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached to 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.
The International Institute seeks a team member responsible for building capacity and providing strategic leadership, particularly in the area of grant management and fundraising. The Strategic Initiatives Manager will collaborate regularly with a wide range of internal and external partners, working closely with the II Faculty Director and Chief Administrator to identify and pursue grants and donations to sustain and enhance international and area studies at the University of Michigan. This position is term-limited for two years, with the possibility of renewal based on funding availability.
Fundraising and Grant Development - 40%
Research potential funding to support II centers and initiatives and share opportunities with relevant center faculty directors and staff.
In collaboration with LSA Advancement and individual II centers, identify potential donors and prepare proposals for funding that will sustain and enhance international and area studies at U-M.
Develop and implement strategies to identify and pursue private, foundation, and government support for international and area studies programs and student fellowships.
Assist the II director and center directors in grant writing.
Communications - 20%
Proactively and transparently communicate with II center directors and staff to ensure understanding and awareness of upcoming grant opportunities and related deadlines.
Facilitate communications between II center directors, staff, LSA Advancement, and potential or current donors.
Collaborate with the II Communications team to research, write, and publish information on fundraising and sponsored research successes for II and center websites and social media.
Promote grant-funded activities and events in collaboration with the II Communications team.
Connect with departments and units across the university to gather support for grant-funded or donor-sponsored activities when collaboration or cost-sharing are appropriate.
Maintain regular communications and a positive working relationship with LSA Research Administration.
Work collaboratively with the U-M federal relations office to advocate for federal funding for international education.
Connect regularly with area and international studies administrators at peer institutions to remain current with trends in the field.
Project Management - 20%
Support grant applications and reports by creating pre-award timelines and task lists, collecting and organizing data, and facilitating submission of materials.
- Organize informational or check-in meetings with II center directors and staff.
- Organize and facilitate internal training for faculty and staff to ensure compliance with grant rules.
- Coordinate shared projects across the II as needed.
Monitor progress on meeting performance measures and project goals.
Financial Administration - 20%
Oversee sponsored research budgets across the II with an understanding of grant spending rules, ensuring that funds are spent properly.
Meet regularly with grant stakeholders including PIs, center administrators, and research administrators to review budgets and monitor spending.
Organizational Relationship: The Strategic Initiatives Manager reports to the II Chief Administrator, who works alongside the II Faculty Director.
Bachelor's degree.
3 years administrative experience supporting operations, planning and delivering programming, and administering a budget.
Demonstrated project management skills, with the ability to manage numerous projects simultaneously.
Experience writing grant or donor proposals and reports.
Direct experience defining the scope of new initiatives with respect to time and financial resources.
Demonstrated excellence in verbal and written communication in English.
Proficiency working in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.
Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends.
Master's degree in international or area studies, education, or related field.
3+ years experience in higher education program planning, management, and delivery.
Experience writing proposals and reports for federal grants.
Experience speaking with donors or direct fundraising through assorted campaign methods.
