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Director, Center for Labor and Community Studies

Job Summary

The Center for Labor and Community Studies (CLCS) at the University of Michigan (U-M) Dearborn campus, is seeking a full-time Director for its expanding operations. For decades the labor center has run highly successful participant driven education conferences for labor and community activists with a focus on developing leaders from underrepresented groups. We believe that working people engaged on the front lines bring a wealth of knowledge to the table. Thus, all our training design is guided by planning committees made up of those working on the front lines in their Unions and community. The Center also coordinates six-week certificate courses, symposiums, and off campus trainings covering effective advocacy, negotiating, organizing, and leadership development.

Who We Are

The University of Michigan is one of the top ranked universities in the world. The Center for Labor and Community Studies is based in the Dearborn campus, just outside of Detroit. UM-Dearborn was first created as the Dearborn Center of the University of Michigan in 1959. The campus was initially established with an emphasis on cooperative education. In 1971, it became a four-year undergraduate school. Since then, the campus has experienced steady growth in its range of programming to include undergraduate, graduate and doctoral-level programs. Students who participate in CLCS certificate programs are largely non-traditional working adults from a variety of educational backgrounds and job experiences.

Responsibilities*

Responsibilities include supervision of staff and instructional personnel -- including recruitment, hiring and evaluation of full-time and part-time staff. The successful candidate will promote a dynamic and collaborative working environment. The Director will oversee both the running of existing conferences and the development of new conferences, onsite courses, and online learning programming. The Director is responsible to create annual balanced budgets, seek additional funding opportunities and ensure the Center remains financially viable. The Director will collaborate with the state's labor leaders and build synergistic relationships with various components of the UM system. The Director position does offer some opportunities to teach and/or conduct research based upon interest. The successful candidate will be able to contribute to the University's priorities and its Metropolitan Vision agenda.

+ Manage three full-time staff as well as part-time and intern project-based work in a collaborative and consensus-building manner.

+ Staff according to the center's strategic plan and oversee the existing program of annual conferences organized and administered by seasoned staff.

+ Foster new programming.

+ Maintain and expand relationships with regional, state, and national union leadership. Identify new labor educational and research needs.

+ Establish an ongoing labor advisory board from an existing support network.

+ Develop collaborative relationships within the university such as with the Ginsberg Center, School of Social Work, Center for Academic Innovation, Policy Solutions, on-campus Labor Unions and so forth.

+ Help teach and develop curriculum for new programs, especially six-week courses and contracted programs with specific unions.

+ Administer staff work schedules and approve time sheets.

+ Oversee administrative functions, procedures, and staff development.

+ Manage fiscal resources to include budget planning and execution in consultation with the UM-Dearborn Vice Chancellor of Business Affairs.

+ Interface with the national labor education community through participation in the United Association for Labor Education and other professional associations.

+ Oversee and ensure proper internal controls are maintained for the Center and sign and attest to the U-M Sub-certification of Financial Results and Internal Controls.

Required Qualifications*

+ An earned higher degree from a regionally accredited U.S. university in the fields of industrial and labor relations, economics, political science, history, sociology, social work, or similarly related field.

+ Experience working with labor organizations and demonstrated understanding and familiarity with the Michigan labor movement.

+ Ability to teach subjects related to labor studies.

+ Demonstrated leadership in successful development of educational programs and partnerships. Experience managing staff and demonstrated commitment to collaborative and consensus-building management.

+ Respected in the wider community.

+ Excellent communication skills.

+ Demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion in higher education and within our communities. Background in diversity training is a plus.

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) .

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.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.

Job Detail

Job Opening ID

270058

Working Title

Director, Center for Labor and Community Studies

Job Title

Continuing Education Manager

Work Location

Dearborn Campus

Dearborn, MI

Modes of Work

Hybrid

Full/Part Time

Full-Time

Regular/Temporary

Regular

FLSA Status

Exempt

Organizational Group

Dbn Business Affairs

Department

Dbn Ctr for Lbr & Comm Studies

Posting Begin/End Date

10/21/2025 - 11/04/2025

Salary

$85,000.00 - $95,000.00

Career Interest

Instructional Services