Job Description

A cover letter and resume are required for consideration for this position; include the cover letter as the first page of your application. The letter should specifically address your interest in this position and outline relevant skills and experience.

The mission of the University of Michigan Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) is to catalyze, support, and safeguard U-M research. To that end, our team is constantly striving to foster new research, build partnerships, and provide support to our researchers to realize our vision of research to serve the world.

As an IT Business Consultant, you'll play a critical role in OVPR's mission by providing IT consultation, project management, and technical support to OVPR's operational and research units.

This role involves a wide range of responsibilities, from business systems design to IT onboarding and project documentation. You'll collaborate with internal teams and cross-departmental IT partners to implement and sustain efficient, secure IT solutions that support OVPR's strategic goals.

Consultation and Requirement Gathering: Consult with OVPR unit leadership and stakeholders to identify and document technical needs for new or enhanced applications and processes. Translate business requirements into IT solutions, advise on best practices, and facilitate project completion through active communication and collaboration with internal and external teams.

Project Management Support: Provide IT project management support for Business Operations initiatives, including Finance, HR, Internal Controls, Research Administration, and Space Administration. Responsibilities include scheduling meetings, maintaining clear documentation, coordinating stakeholders, and delivering timely project updates to ensure project alignment with organizational goals.

ITS Integration and Process Automation: Work with ITS and other tech partners to optimize OVPR's workflow through system integration and automation. Conduct consultations to assess IT challenges, establish action plans, and monitor progress to ensure seamless implementation.

IT Knowledge Base Maintenance: Manage and update OVPR's IT framework documentation, ensuring it remains a valuable resource for ITS providers supporting OVPR's IT infrastructure needs.

IT Onboarding Coordination: Lead IT onboarding efforts for new hires within the central OVPR office, coordinating with hiring managers to define technical needs. Manage onboarding tasks through TeamDynamix and serve as the primary point of contact between new employees, Neighborhood IT, office management, and hiring managers for a smooth onboarding experience.

MiWorkspace Liaison: Act as the primary point of escalation for user IT issues, coordinating with ITS to ensure timely resolution and providing regular status updates to stakeholders.

Security and Compliance Oversight: Review and address security reports, maintain tracking of mitigation efforts, and uphold compliance with U-M's IT security policies by monitoring and managing security requirements.

Reporting: Compile and present monthly IT activity reports to OVPR leadership, and support other reporting requirements that promote operational efficiency and transparency within the IT framework.

Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience: A Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Business Administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education, certification, and experience that demonstrates the foundational knowledge required for this role.
Minimum of 3 years of experience in IT service operations: At least three years of experience in IT service operations within a large academic or enterprise organization. Demonstrated ability to deliver IT solutions that support organizational objectives and meet unique operational requirements.
Project management expertise: Proven experience in IT project management, including planning, coordinating, and executing projects to completion. Strong skills in developing and managing timelines, deliverables, and resources to ensure that projects are completed on time and meet organizational needs.
Technical requirements gathering and systems analysis: Hands-on experience working with stakeholders to understand technical needs, translating business objectives into IT requirements, and documenting systems for implementation.
Collaboration with cross-functional teams: Experience working across departments and with various stakeholders, including IT providers, department heads, and other project contributors. Strong communication skills to build productive relationships and ensure alignment between technical solutions and business goals.
Proficiency with enterprise-level IT tools and applications: Demonstrated proficiency in using enterprise-level IT tools, such as business process mapping software, collaboration platforms, and project management applications (e.g., TeamDynamix, Microsoft Office Suite, and Google Workspace).
Customer service orientation and support: A solid background in customer service within an IT environment, emphasizing responsiveness and proactive problem-solving.

Robust IT knowledge and enterprise infrastructure insight: Possesses a deep understanding of enterprise IT infrastructures, including network architecture, cloud environments, security protocols, and data management, to ensure sustainable, secure, and efficient systems.
People and technology systems understanding: Strong ability to analyze both people and technology systems, with a strategic focus on their interaction. Skilled in assessing system needs and anticipating future impacts.
Analytical and solution-oriented thinking: Ability to evaluate options, weigh potential risks, and make well-informed decisions. Proactive in optimizing processes and implementing practical solutions.
Creativity and open-mindedness: An innovative thinker who approaches challenges with an open mind and fosters a culture of creative problem-solving within the IT team. Skilled at articulating unconventional ideas and gathering feedback constructively.
Complex decision-making: Proven ability to make complex decisions and exercise sound judgment in IT and operational scenarios, managing project milestones, resources, and risks.
Negotiation skills and accountability: Experienced in advocating for users' needs and negotiating effective solutions. Accountable for project milestones, stakeholder satisfaction, and continuous improvement within the IT framework.
Adaptability and multitasking ability: Flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic environment with multiple concurrent projects. Strong time management and prioritization skills to handle diverse responsibilities efficiently.

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.

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days.  The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

About University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

A great university is made so by its faculty and staff, and Michigan is recognized as one of the best universities to work for in the country. The Michigan culture is known for engaging faculty and staff in all facets of the university to create a workplace that is vibrant and stimulating.For two consecutive years, the Chronicle of Higher Education has placed U-M in its "Great Colleges to Work For" survey. In particular, the university earns high marks for strong relations between faculty and administrators, a collaborative system of governance, strong pay and benefits, and a healthy work/life balance.

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