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How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume or CV. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline your skills and related experience focusing on the required qualifications.

Job Summary

Monitoring the Future (MTF) is a large, national survey of American youth and one of the largest ongoing studies housed within the Survey Research Center (SRC) at the Institute for Social Research (ISR). We are seeking a highly organized and proactive individual to join our collaborative, team-oriented environment as an Administration and Project Coordinator. In this role, you will play a key role in coordinating the study's school district recruitment efforts, supporting the management and documentation of the school sampling frame, overseeing procurement of materials for the data collection team, and managing incentive payments to participating schools and survey respondents. The ideal candidate will be a strong communicator, a reliable team player, and someone who thrives in a detail-focused environment. Experience in project management, school or district engagement, research operations, or procurement is highly desirable. 

Responsibilities*

School District Coordination (45%) 

Lead the preparation and submission of more than fifty school district research proposals and research applications annually 

Navigate complex and varied district research portals and requirements

Maintain clear documentation of specific submission protocols for each district 

Monitor and track the status of applications to ensure timely and complete submissions

Communicate critical deadlines and status updates to the project team during weekly meetings 

Support the school district recruiter by developing and updating district-related documents, materials, and mailings. 

Sample Documentation and Management (30%) 

Support the creation of the MTF data collection database frame every four years  

Conduct validation checks and error detection on school sampling units to ensure integrity and accuracy

Implement resolution procedures and update documentation when sampling errors are detected 

Maintain detailed records of sampling frame creation, design, quality control steps, and any deviations from procedures 

Generate clear, concise reports as needed at the request of the database or project manager 

Provide guidance to the project team on sampling history and procedures, and communicate sampling plans across project units 

Procurement Management (15%)

Oversee procurement processes for a wide range of supplies needed by the data collection team 

Develop procurement schedules based on the study's data collection timeline

Serve as a liaison with internal U-M procurement systems and external vendors to ensure timely and accurate delivery 

Maintain and organize comprehensive records of all invoices, receipts, and purchasing activity

Refine procurement procedures to improve efficiency and accuracy across study cycles

 

Incentive Payment Management (10%) 

Ensure timely processing, distribution, and tracking of payments

Conduct monthly reconciliations and maintain accurate incentive records

Process late payments and manage voids, reissues, and other adjustments as needed

Required Qualifications*

Bachelor's Degree and two years of related experience or equivalent. 

Experience managing multiple projects, including building schedules, assigning tasks, and tracking deliverables 

Experience preparing written progress reports, meeting notes, and leading weekly meetings 

Proficiency working in Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Drive, Calendar) with ability to perform spreadsheet-based data tracking and reporting

Familiarity with Microsoft Access or other database systems. 

Desired Qualifications*

Experience working in research, particularly in large-scale social science studies or school-based research environments 

Knowledge of U-M procurement systems or equivalent large-institution purchasing platforms

Experience in vendor management, including contract review, bid comparison, and performance monitoring 

Demonstrated skill in deadline tracking using project management tools (e.g., Smartsheet, Asana, Trello, or equivalent)

Familiarity with incentive payment processing systems and reconciliation procedures

Experience writing research applications or working with school district administrators

Strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret and synthesize school district policies and guidelines 

Work Locations

This position will be on-site at the University of Michigan offices in Ann Arbor, with flexible scheduling and hybrid opportunities made available within our overall Center policies. If relocation is required, we will allow for reasonable time and flexibility to make necessary arrangements.

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.

Additional Information

The Institute for Social Research (ISR) at the University of Michigan seeks to create a community of respect and authentic collaboration by recruiting and retaining individuals that represent a variety of voices as a reflection of our commitment to serve the people of Michigan, to maintain the excellence of the university, and to ground our research in varied disciplines, perspectives, and ways of knowing and learning.

Why Work with Us at the University of 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 any eligible family members and plan for a secure future. 

Benefits include: 

Generous time off 

A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting upon meeting eligibility requirements 

Many choices for comprehensive health insurance 

Life insurance 

Long-term disability coverage 

Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses 

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

Institute for Social Research job openings are posted for a minimum of fourteen (14) calendar days. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended. 

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.