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CNRE Assistant Director

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

The Office of Naval Research (ONR) has established the Center for Naval Research & Education (CNRE) at the University of Michigan. CNRE will address fundamental science and technology challenges within the context of naval applications while training future generations. The core of the CNRE is a group of talented, energetic, multi-disciplinary postdoctoral researchers, senior graduate students, and undergraduate research trainees who create our vibrant and intellectually stimulating environment of excellence. We work on exciting problems in diverse areas such as bio-fluid interactions, wave energy, advanced materials, electromagnetics, complex hydrodynamics and hydroacoustics, data assimilation and multi-disciplinary optimization.

We are seeking a talented, experienced, highly motivated, and organized individual to assist in leading and overseeing the daily activities of the Center for Naval Research & Education (CNRE). The Assistant Program Manager will report to and assist Krishnan Mahesh in all operations of project management for CNRE. The CNRE Assistant Program Manager will support the responsibility for CNRE programming, directing daily operations and management of the program including management of staff, budget oversight, and development. This is a 5-year term limited grant-funded position that has the option of renewal in 2029.

Who We Are

The Department of Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering at the University of Michigan was started in 1879 with an act of Congress authorizing a Navy officer to teach "steam engineering and iron shipbuilding." Since this modest beginning, NA&ME has grown into a worldwide leader in education and research, with 24 faculty and 14 staff, serving our undergraduate and graduate students along with a network of some 3,000 living alumni. Our department continues to develop engineers and technology to advance the state-of-the-art systems operating in the marine environment. The department's students and faculty engage in a wide range of research, with specialists working in hydrodynamics; marine and offshore structures; dynamics, control and marine system integration; robotics and autonomy; yacht design; design, production, and management; marine renewable energy; and structural and hydro-acoustics. Our Marine Hydrodynamics Laboratory with its large physical modeling basin continues to serve as a vital resource for our department. NA&ME's externally sponsored research expenditures are averaged around $10 million annually in the past five years.

Responsibilities*

Administration & Operations

Manage daily operations of the Center for Naval Research and Engineering (CNRE), with a focus on human resources, and financial management.

Represent CNRE in business matters within the broader institutional community.

Create and maintain database for the annual report and program review.

Assist in the recruitment strategy planning for undergraduate students and postdoctoral researchers.

Financial Management

Oversee CNRE's financial operations, including budgeting, monitoring, expenditure tracking, and forecasting.

Prepare and complete annual financial report.

Provide input to the development of non-technical portions of grant and contract proposals.

Process travel arrangements and expense reimbursements for CNRE faculty, staff, students, and lab members.

Human Resources

Coordinate hiring processes and employee support within CNRE.

Facilitate recruitment, interviewing, onboarding, and training of Postdoctoral Research Fellows, Graduate Student Research Assistants, and temporary student workers.

Support employee relations by addressing complaints and grievances as needed.

Event Planning

Lead the planning, organization, and execution of all CNRE-hosted events, including academic seminars, research workshops, conferences, and social gatherings.

Provide logistical and administrative support for all aspects of event coordination, such as scheduling, space reservations, catering, materials preparation, and guest communications.

Marketing & Communications

Develop and maintain CNRE's communication and marketing strategies, including oversight of website content, newsletters, and social media platforms.

Required Qualifications*

+ Bachelor's degree in business, human resources, accounting, or a related field

+ Excellent interpersonal verbal communication, written communication, and collaborative skills with a commitment to creating a positive work environment

+ Experience and knowledge of HR, finance, and budget policies and procedures

+ Demonstrated attention to detail and organizational skills, ability and desire to work independently, be part of a team, and show initiative

Desired Qualifications*

+ Knowledge of University of Michigan policies and procedures or policy procedures in a higher educational environment

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 thework modes (https://hr.umich.edu/working-u-m/my-employment/ways-we-work-resource-center/ways-we-work-implementation-group/modes-work) .

Additional Information

This is a 5-year term limited grant-funded position that has the option of renewal in 2029.

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

266310

Working Title

CNRE Assistant Director

Job Title

Assistant Program Manager

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

Naval Arch & Marine Dept

Posting Begin/End Date

7/29/2025 - 8/05/2025

Salary

$61,000.00 - $73,000.00

Career Interest

Administration