Position Summary

This position will start in October 2024 and will be renewed annually contingent on satisfactory performance and funding availability. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) are essential elements, vital to the culture our team endeavors to cultivate. This includes providing opportunities and access for all people which incorporate differences of race, age, color, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, national origin, migratory status, disability/abilities, political affiliation, veteran status and socioeconomic background.

Duties and responsibilities: 
• Managing all STRIDE Center project- and service-related activities and monitoring progress and expenses of the projects and service;
• Managing strategic partnerships with districts and agencies across the state/nation;
• Collaborating with businesses and organizations in creating potential internship/job placements that matches customers’ career interests and goals;
• Collaborating with businesses and organizations in developing necessary neurodiversity awareness training;
• Performing office operations and managing various administrative functions (HR, space allocation, budget); 
• Providing direct supervision over STRIDE Center staff and individual and group meetings;
• Developing project materials and preparing related documentation with the team;
• Organizing and communicating information with the team and relevant groups in a timely manner;
• Ensuring service and research compliance and improving the quality assurance of programmatic procedures;
• Supporting account setup and post-award activities and ensuring timelines/goals are met;
• Leading strategic planning for the Center and individual members;
• Supporting budget reviews, monitoring budget forecasts, spending and re-budgeting;
• Collaborating with other STRIDE Center managers/coordinators to conduct all Center meetings to review pending projects and services, team goals, and timelines;
• Managing product delivery and preparation of Center reports to partners and the public to maximize use and impact;
• Managing the creation of branding materials for publicizing work and raising visibility;
• Building and maintaining relationships and trust with community stakeholders;
• Performing related work as assigned and appropriate based on the specific interests and expertise of the selected candidate.

The Managing Director will oversee STRIDE staff and graduate assistants of the team to ensure programmatic, research, and service progress. We are seeking a person who is excited to be a member of an interdisciplinary, dynamic and motivated group, and who is driven by a desire to produce high-quality and practical products aimed at driving improvements for individuals with disabilities. The position, which include benefits, is fixed term annual, 100% time position beginning October 1, 2024 with the potential for renewals in the College of Education. 

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Doctorate -rehabilitation, counseling, psychology, disability studies, education, allied health, social work, social science or related field

Minimum Requirements

• A doctoral degree in rehabilitation, counseling, psychology, disability studies, education, allied health, social work, social science or related field;
• 3-5 years of professional experience in grant/project management;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite products;
• Highly motivated, self-directed and extreme attention to detail;
• Have strong organizational, management and problem solving skills;
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills;
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with internal and external team members; 
• Ability to manage multiple project tasks and competing priorities while maintaining flexibility;
• Willing to travel across the state and be flexible with working hours.

Desired Qualifications

• Project management, including developing and maintaining project timelines with contingency plans, coordinating the work of others and ensuring project deliverables are met to a high standard for quality and accuracy;
• Knowledge or interest in partner-orientated special education and rehabilitation research;
• Experience working in career counseling and related areas;
• Experience working with individuals with disabilities from marginalized groups (e.g., racial/ethnic minorities/low socio-economic status/rural areas);
• Experience with data collection and analysis activities across a large team;
• Experience in communication/marketing and community outreach;
• Experience presenting research products to a wide variety of audiences.

Required Application Materials

1) a letter of application stating qualifications for and reasons for interest in this position; and 2) current resume or curriculum vitae.

Remote Work Statement

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.