Administrative Manager - Mary H. Weiser Food Allergy Research Center

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.

The Administrative Manager serves as the senior administrative leader for the Mary H. Weiser Food Allergy Research Center (MHWFAC), providing comprehensive operational, strategic, and fiscal leadership to support the Center’s research, education, community engagement, and administrative functions. This role partners with the Center Director, scientific leadership, faculty, and key internal/external stakeholders to advance MHWFAC’s mission to transform lives through food allergy research and education. 

Leadership & Center Administration

• Manage day-to-day administrative operations for MHWFAC, ensuring effective workflows, documentation, and customer service across Center activities.
• Act as an administrative partner to the Center Director and faculty leadership on organizational goals, annual and long-range plans, and performance metrics.
• Represent the Center in institutional committees, cross-unit initiatives, and with external partners and funders.
• Serve as a point of contact for internal partners (departments, shared services, HR, finance, IT, facilities) to ensure timely resolution of operational needs.

Operational & Financial Management

• Oversee day-to-day administrative operations including budgeting, financial planning and analysis, reporting, and resource allocation across programs, grants, and contracts.
• Manage space planning, information systems coordination, and administrative infrastructure to support Center operations.
• Ensure effective internal controls and financial stewardship for all Center funding streams.

Human Resources & Team Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop administrative staff, including hiring, performance management, and professional development planning.
• Collaborate with university HR and departmental leadership on personnel issues, classification, recruitment, promotions, and performance planning.
• Contribute to a positive team culture through clear communication, service orientation, and continuous improvement.

Research Administration & Compliance

• Partner with research teams to support grant lifecycle activities, liaison with Sponsored Programs, and compliance with institutional research policies.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and efficient administrative support for clinical studies and research operations inherent to MHWFAC mission.
• Assist with tracking key deadlines (reporting, progress updates, compliance related milestones).
• Provide administrative oversight of pre/post award staff and activities, including proposal and award support tasks in partnership with Sponsored Programs and research teams

Communication & Stakeholder Engagement

• Coordinate and oversee internal and external communications, updates, and reporting on center activities (e.g., newsletters, website updates, announcements) in collaboration with Center leadership and Communications partners.
• Oversee and support planning and logistics for meetings, educational programs, symposia, and community engagement events.
• Lead communication and reporting efforts to internal and external audiences about Center activities and achievements.

Program Development & Growth

• Contribute to planning discussions and special projects that support program growth and partnerships.
• Support implementation of Center initiatives by tracking action items, timelines, deliverables, and routine metrics.
• Assist in planning for programmatic growth, including donor-related initiatives and symposiums.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration, Business Administration, Public Health, or a related field OR equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Four to six (4-6) years of progressive leadership experience in academic health/ research administration, healthcare operations, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated success managing complex operations, budgets, and interdisciplinary teams.
• Strong communication skills (written and verbal); ability to interact effectively with senior academic leaders, faculty, staff, and external partners.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and apply policies/procedures.
• Excellence in organization and problem solving.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree (MBA, MHA, MPH, or related graduate degree).
• Experience in research administration, grant management, or academic medical center operations.
• Familiarity with Michigan Medicine/UM systems and processes (eg procurement, HR, etc)
• Experience in fundraising, philanthropy engagement, or external stakeholder relations.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Direct supervision of administrative staff supporting MHWFAC operational units, programs, and research initiatives.

Competencies & Attributes

• Strong operational judgment with a service-oriented mindset.
• Collaborative, inclusive team contributor who communicates clearly.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to translate priorities into actionable administrative plans and timelines.
• Commitment to the mission of improving lives through research and community engagement.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

• Primarily office environment; may require attendance at events, and occasional travel.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a dynamic academic and clinical environment.

About the Mary H. Weiser Food Allergy Research Center

The Mary H. Weiser Food Allergy Center at the University of Michigan is a nationally recognized hub for food allergy research, bringing together interdisciplinary faculty scientists and clinicians to understand, treat, and one day prevent food allergy. Its mission emphasizes comprehensive research, patient-centered care, education, and community service.