How to Apply
A cover letter is required for consideration (one page or less) and should be submitted with your
resume as a single file due to system constraints.
In your cover letter, please briefly describe your interest in this position and specify how your
background aligns with each of the required qualifications.
For questions about this position or to request accommodations, please email
talent.acquisition@umich.edu.
Job Summary
The Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan is a diverse learning
community grounded in the principle that business can be an extraordinary vehicle for positive
change in today’s dynamic global economy. The Ross School of Business mission is to build a
better world through business. Through our powerful ideas, purpose-driven leaders, and positive
impact, we empower business leaders to make a positive difference in the world. Learn more
about Ross HERE. Michigan Ross values a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are
committed to the development of diverse and culturally intelligent staff who thrive and
contribute to a positive and inclusive environment.
The Executive Education Center (“EE”) originated in Ann Arbor, MI, USA in 1935 and by the
1940’s was offering an array of courses, workshops, and conferences with an overwhelming
response from corporations. Today, the Center offers more than 30 different public program
offerings and an extensive portfolio of custom programs annually serving over 4,000 business
executives around the world. Since the early 90’s we have had a global footprint with locations
in the United States, India, and China. We deliver programs globally, wherever our corporate
clients request. We are proud that both our open enrollment and custom programs for Executive
Development are highly regarded. Leadership Excellence Magazine has consistently rated
Michigan’s Executive Education Leadership Development programs #1 from 2008-2013. The
Financial Times lists Michigan Ross as among the top ten executive education providers in the
world.
As the senior member of the Executive Education (EE) Leadership Team and a key member of
the Executive Committee, the Chief Operating Officer and Senior Managing Director, Strategic
Planning & Initiatives, reports directly to the Chief Executive Education Officer (CEEO).
Partnering with the CEEO, you will help set and achieve EE’s mission and 5-year growth goals
through the planning and execution of our strategic goals, and financial leadership.
Responsibilities include establishing budget targets and collaborating with the EE leadership
team according to our priorities.
You will ensure operational excellence for customers (middle and senior-level executives across
multiple sectors) by overseeing faculty, staff, and vendors at four global locations (Ann Arbor,
MI; Los Angeles, CA; Detroit, MI; Southeast Asia). Your role will involve leadership and
development of program delivery and customer service teams, managing three direct and 12-15
indirect reports. Additionally, you will be the primary liaison with internal and external service
providers to achieve strategic and operational initiatives.
This role is hybrid with on-site expectations in Ann Arbor, MI. You will travel to various locations.
Responsibilities
EE-Wide Leadership; Strategic Planning & Financial Management (45%)
● Partner with the CEEO to identify and evaluate growth opportunities, set strategic
direction, develop short- and long-range objectives, and secure alignment from the EE
Leadership Team and Executive Committee, as appropriate.
● Lead the development and implementation of goals, priorities, policies, and procedures;
translate strategic objectives, landscape analysis, SWOT findings, and identified risks
into KPIs and an annual EE-wide work plan that informs resource planning, budgeting,
and performance reviews.
● Lead EE-wide project management and communication for annual budgeting, product
review, pricing, and strategic planning processes.
● Own the unit’s contracting process, with authority to negotiate contracts with partners
and providers; serve as primary liaison to U-M Central Procurement.
● Build and sustain relationships with internal and external partners in support of EE’s
strategic objectives.
Operational Leadership; Global Program Management & Facility Oversight (30%)
● Manage day-to-day global operations across EE’s delivery locations, including facilities,
scheduling, maintenance, and coordination with facilities, ITS, HR, and finance.
● Analyze and improve operational processes, policies, and service delivery to increase
productivity and revenue; recommend appropriate service and staffing levels.
● Ensure effective program delivery through strong Program Manager collaboration with
faculty and program directors, client satisfaction, and adherence to budget.
● Lead negotiations and agreements with vendors providing venues, food and beverage,
accommodations, materials, and other services; oversee contract administration and
compliance.
● Direct cross-EE work across systems, accounting and finance, materials and graphics,
customer service, and administrative support for sales.
Operational Team Leadership; Staff Management and Development (15%)
● Recruit, manage, and develop a high-performing, high-service, customer-oriented team;
guide the Team Lead and serve as functional supervisor for University and Ross Shared
Services support to EE.
● Plan, assign, and review staff work, projects, and programs; evaluate work products and
methods and resolve problems.
● Communicate vision and expectations and support professional growth through ongoing
feedback, coaching, and skill development.
● Build a collaborative and respectful team culture and address team challenges.
● Develop organization-wide documentation, standard operating procedures, and
knowledge management tools that support onboarding, learning, and retention.
EE-Wide Strategic Initiatives (10%)
● Serve as a change champion, driving continuous process improvement and
transformational initiatives in support of EE’s strategic priorities.
● Lead efforts to improve organizational effectiveness by integrating functional, systems,
and administrative operations for efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and quality.
● Track strategic initiatives and the EE-wide project portfolio against objectives,
milestones, and measurement criteria, providing leaders and staff with on-demand
visibility into project status.
● Build strong working relationships with the EE Leadership Team and internal and
external service providers to coordinate strategic initiatives.
● Advise the CEEO by providing context and background on key issues and coordinating
research, projects, and initiatives.
● Other related duties as required.
Required Qualifications
● Bachelor’s Degree and 8+ years of experience, or an equivalent combination of education
and experience.
● Experience developing client relationships with executives and leaders in large global
firms.
● Knowledge of adult learning theory and practices.
● 5+ years of experience in strategic planning.
● 5+ years of managerial and team leadership responsibility.
● 6+ years of fiscal management responsibility.
Additional Information
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 (Vacation, Holidays, Season Days)
● 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
● Flexible Work Program
● Ross Onsite Fitness Center
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.
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.
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.