Administrative Manager

Universities of Wisconsin•Milwaukee, WI

22d•$65,000 - $97,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The School of Freshwater Sciences has a rich history of scientific discovery that has evolved over decades. The school’s researchers have studied the Great Lakes and other large freshwater systems around the world, as well as inland waters, urban river systems, groundwater and more. Our research focus is on freshwater system dynamics, human and ecosystem health, the application of water technology to research questions, and water policy and economics. The pioneering graduate program began in 2009, evolving from decades of cutting-edge research conducted by UWM faculty at the Center for Great Lakes Studies and the Great Lakes WATER Institute. The undergraduate program launched in 2021 to expand our interdisciplinary approach and train students to meet the growing demand for water science professionals. Currently the School of Freshwater Sciences offers PhDs, master’s and bachelor’s degrees in freshwater sciences. Our work informs policy, improves water management, and promotes the health and sustainability of freshwater systems worldwide. We are driven to make a difference for our waters because we care about them, the communities they’re in and the people who interact with them. The Center for Water Policy’s mission is to provide world class interdisciplinary research that offers solutions to regional, national and international problems related to the protection, restoration and conservation of freshwater resources to ensure long term environmental health and quality of life. Through a focus on water policy and science communications, we make our academic research accessible to the public. Established in 2011 through a $2.6 million Endowment from Lynde B. Uihlein, the Center builds on the research of the School of Freshwater Sciences, the Universities of Wisconsin, and networks and partnerships with top scholars, scientists, and policy institutions across the country and around the world. The Assistant Director supports the Director of the Center for Water Policy to carry out the Center’s mission. This role contributes to collaborative research initiatives that promote science-based, sustainable water policies within the Great Lakes region and beyond. The Center brings together teams of faculty, postdocs, graduate and law students, and undergraduates to produce academic articles, reports, policy briefs and communications. The Assistant Director supports the Director in positioning the Center for Water Policy, the School of Freshwater Sciences, and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee as a national and international center of excellence in addressing water policy issues, research and innovation. The Assistant Director is responsible for managing the administration, financials, budget and human resources for the Center; engaging in research and preparing materials for extramural support and sponsorships; and supervising communications and outreach.

Requirements

1 year of management, budget, or development experience
Advanced degree relevant to position: JD, MS, MBA, or PhD

Nice To Haves

5+ years of management, budget, or development experience
Water policy research skills
Understanding of range of public communications strategies
Excellent attention to detail
Experience that demonstrates ability to support work environment that embraces people from all backgrounds, collaboration, ethical behavior, and team building
Record of progressively responsible leadership and administrative experience, including personnel recruitment, employee management and budget preparation and management
Experience writing grants and reporting to donors
Ability to navigate complex institutional processes and databases to accomplish organizational priorities
Demonstrated record of successful collaboration with multiple partners both academic and non-academic
Demonstrated success in program management including carrying out coordinated organization, direction and implementation of projects and activities to achieve defined deliverables and outcomes
Demonstrated ability to work successfully with advisory boards and/or governance bodies
Experience in water protection such as professional work, volunteering, or coursework

Responsibilities

Engage in high-quality water policy research and writing
Serve as more senior staff researcher to mentor and supervise research by others within the Center
Identify and develop collaborative grant proposals to support research mission
Prepare fundraising and external reports and assessments of all Center related activities
Supervise communications fellows to implement strategies for water science and policy communications, including message development, media relations, social media and website content
Collaborate with faculty and staff in the School of Freshwater Sciences and other public and private institutions, including coordinating with the Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin
Support the Center’s leadership of the Freshwater Collaborative Water Policy Network.
Assist with establishment of goals and priorities for the annual budget for all revenues and expenditures
Manage the Center budget, ensuring resources are allocated in a fashion that is aligned with the mission and goals of the Center and, in the case of grant or philanthropic support, complies with the grantor or donor intent
Act as liaison to UWM administration and human resources, including navigating UWM databases, processes, and compliance requirements
Help develop processes and procedures to improve the Center’s internal management
Ensure that related policies, procedures and standards are maintained.
Engage in planning and identifying water policy priorities with the Director to shape the Center for Water Policy’s strategic direction
Provide administrative and strategic support to the Advisory Board
Manage process and distribution of awards for the Fellows, Water Policy Scholars, and other Center programs.
Other Duties as Assigned by the Director