Author: Peggy Smith

Job of the Week: Core Procurement Buyer

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This week’s featured job is a Core Procurement Buyer for University Procurement and Logistics (job posting 928832). University Procurement and Logistics competitively solicits, negotiates commercial contracts, and issues orders for goods and services in support of MSU’s mission.

In this position, you will be responsible for purchasing a variety of complex commodities, specifically for MSU Extension, research, and farm management, requiring extensive knowledge and expertise. Negotiating and executing complex, large-dollar purchases is required. You will collaborate with university stakeholders and subject matter experts to obtain the best value on complex commodities in support of MSU. You will participate in a team of procurement professionals to evaluate purchase requisitions for appropriateness, content, compliance, and clarity. 

The Core Procurement Buyer will also manage the procurement process by writing, issuing, and soliciting requests for information, proposals, and/or quotations (RFIs, RFPs, and/or RFQs). You will assemble stakeholder specifications for complex, unique, and large-scale purchases, determine suppliers to be solicited, evaluate proposals, and prepare bid analyses. You will also source suppliers by selecting the proper procurement methodology and demonstrate strong negotiation skills while partnering with MSU legal and risk management offices. 

You should have knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Business Administration with relevant coursework in marketing, business law, finance, public relations or computer science, along with five to eight years of related work experience. An advanced degree in supply chain, STEM, or law field and demonstrated knowledge in supply chain compliance is desired. 

To learn more, visit the University Procurement and Logistics website. To apply for the position, please submit a resume and cover letter to the MSU Careers website by February 13, 2024. 

February Events Round-Up

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Are you looking for activities for you and your family in the upcoming month? There are events (in-person and virtual) on campus and in the Greater Lansing community. Many events require registration, so be sure to click the links to learn more.

Campus Events

Throughout February – Black History Month Events: Per national tradition, every year Michigan State University celebrates Black History Month throughout February. This month is dedicated to highlighting the history of Black, African American, and African people throughout the United States. Colleges, units, and student organizations across campus will be hosting events throughout the month. 

Starts February 1 – William G. Anderson Lecture Series Slavery to Freedom (free, please register): An American Odyssey: MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine presents the 24th Annual Dr. William G. Anderson Lecture Series. The series gives the community opportunities to interact with multicultural leaders from education, business, industry, entertainment, and government. For 24 years, this series has featured living icons of the American Civil Rights Movement.

February 2- Winter Opening Party at the Broad Art Museum (free): Experience the many offerings of your campus art museum. You’re invited to explore our newest exhibitions while enjoying food, music, special guests, art-making activities, and more. All ages are welcome to this museum-wide party!

February 7- 2nd Annual Black History Symposium (free): Please join James Madison College as they welcome Michigan Supreme Court Justice Kyra H. Bolden, the first Black woman to serve as a Michigan Supreme Court Justice. Registration required.

February 6-11- “Funny Girl” at the Wharton Center: The Wharton Center will be hosting “Funny Girl” in the Cobb Great Hall. Ticket prices are available on the Wharton Center website.

February 10 – Lunar New Year Celebration Concert: The Lunar New Year is a celebration of the arrival of spring and the beginning of a new year on the lunisolar calendar. It is the most important holiday in China and is widely celebrated in South Korea, Vietnam, and countries with a significant overseas Chinese population. This concert event features guest composer Shuying Li and the world premiere of her Rhapsody of the Awakening Dragon. Tickets can be purchased here.

February 13 –  Remembrance: Acknowledging that each person continues to process at their own pace and in their own way, student, faculty, and staff committees are planning opportunities to allow our community to again come together to remember those we lost, those injured and all impacted by the tragedy. As Interim President Woodruff wrote to the campus community, these Feb. 13 activities include an evening remembrance gathering and a day of kindness and service to the local community. Reflective spaces and counseling support will be available and there are ongoing resources available to the campus community.

February 21- From Detroit to the Cosmos: Carl Craig on Techno and Afrofuturism conversation (free): Presented in partnership with WKAR Public Media and moderated by MSU Museum curator Dr. Julian Chambliss, this unique program will explore Craig’s creative process and Detroit Techno’s fundamental role in shaping contemporary Afrofuturism. Registration for this free event is required. 

Learning Opportunities

February 1– Virtual Reality Open Hours (free): Whether you’re a first-timer or a VR professional, MSU Libraries VR Open Hours are for you! Take their HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, and other headsets for a spin, connect with others, and learn about virtual reality. 

February 1 (start date)- Building a Framework for Resilient Leadership Seminar: Explore with other campus leaders some essential resilience skills required for effective leadership for the common good, including emotional intelligence, emotional resilience, psychological flexibility, mindfulness, effective stress mitigation practices, and practices of compassionate accountability for self and others. Registration for this online four-part seminar (9 a.m.-Noon) is required.

February 8- Taming the Email Beast: If you would like to get control of your e-mail “beast,” you should attend this program featuring specific tips for Outlook and Gmail users, but applicable to ANY e-mail user. Registration for this online course is required. 

Health and Wellness

February 1 & 15- Deepening Your Essential Skills (free): This webinar is an opportunity for people who have completed any course offered by Spartan Resilience Education to continue their learning, ask questions, raise topics, and build community with other learners from across the MSU community. Registration for this free class is recommended. 

February Mondays and Wednesdays– Blue Cross Winter Warm-Up (free): Have fun getting fit and working toward your health goals with the Blue Cross® Winter Warm-Up. This 5K training program is free and open to walkers and runners of all ages and abilities. The eight-week training program involves attending two weekly one-hour run/walk sessions with certified Good Form Running and Walking coaches from the Playmakers Fitness Foundation. Registration for this free event is recommended. 

February 15- Active Office Workshop (free): If you work in an office setting, it can be hard to get enough movement during the day. Learn about the importance of physical activity and how you can combat the aches and pains of a desk job with this free interactive session.

Family-Friendly Activities

February 3- Family Day: VOICE: First Saturday means Family Day at the MSU Broad Art Museum! Make creative connections with our exhibitions through free hands-on and interactive family fun throughout the museum. Get loud and speak up! Join us as we make sculptures that amplify our voices. 

February 4- 2024 Lansing Polar Plunge: Brave the cold at the 2024 Lansing Polar Plunge and raise funds to support Special Olympics Michigan athletes and programs. All plungers must fundraise at least $100 to receive this year’s official plunge sweatshirt. Register and learn more here. 

February 15- Black History Month Teen Movie Night: “Soul”: Celebrate Black History Month at the library! The theme for Black History Month 2024 is “African Americans and the Arts.” To celebrate, the East Lansing Public Library will be offering movie showings to teens throughout February that explore this theme, including “Soul.”

Job of the Week: Executive Assistant at the Wharton Center for Performing Arts

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This week’s featured job is an Executive Assistant position at the Wharton Center for Performing Arts (job posting 925710). The Wharton Center offers the best in Broadway, performing arts, theatre, and live events in Michigan.

In this position, you will assist the Executive Director and senior management within the Wharton Center. A combination of organizational skills, discretion, and effective communication to ensure the smooth functioning of the executive’s office is required. This includes maintaining the Executive Director’s calendar/schedule, organizing and preparing for meetings (including gathering documents and logistics of meetings), and attending meetings and recording notes as needed. You will also support the Wharton Center Advisory Council and DEI Committee.

You will manage communication on behalf of the Executive Director and perform office management tasks, including maintaining records and ordering supplies. You will serve as organization contact for university travel and assist with travel reimbursements. The work location for this position is in East Lansing in the Wharton Center offices with the opportunity for a 20% remote schedule, based on scheduled events. 

You should have knowledge normally acquired through a high school education, however, a bachelor’s degree is desired. Five to eight years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive university work experience in maintaining account ledgers, word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation software is required. This position requires excellent computer skills, including a high degree of proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint. 

To learn more, visit the Wharton Center website. To apply for the position, please submit a resume and cover letter to the MSU Careers website by February 6, 2024.

Job of the Week: HR Assistant Director of Benefits

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This week’s featured job is for a Human Resources Assistant Director to join our Benefits Team in MSU Human Resources (job posting 923638). Here in MSU Human Resources (HR), we work to provide strategic human resources expertise, counsel, support, and services for the MSU community. 

In this position, you will work under the direction of the Director of Benefits to administer multiple benefit programs from the point of vendor selection to implementation and address any service issues that may arise. You will also work with the Director to sustain, promote, and grow benefit programs in support of the strategic plan including data analysis, compliance-related analysis, and identifying the impact on systems.

You will manage multiple programs for HR Benefits. This will involve negotiating with vendors over service and benefits costs and assisting the Director of Benefits in the overall administration of the benefits function, including acting as a proxy for the Director as needed during absences. You will have a broad impact on HR and the university by investigating new benefits programs, improving existing programs, supervising benefits administration, and providing analytical and technical support in the delivery of the benefits programs to the MSU community.

You should have knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Human Resources or a related field. Three to five years of related and progressively more responsible work experience in employee benefits administration is required. Desired qualifications include experience with ERISA and COBRA plans, Medicare and Medicaid coordination, ACA reporting, supervision of a team of managers, and PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, SHRM- SCP, and CEBS certification.
To learn more, visit the MSU Human Resources website. To apply for the position, please submit your resume and cover letter to the MSU Careers website by February 6.

Job of the Week: Corporate Executive Chef of Culinary Services

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This week’s featured job is Corporate Executive Chef of Culinary Services for the Division of Student Life and Engagement (job posting 921668). The Division of Student Life and Engagement combines student-facing services and provides transformational and world-class experience for students. 

In this position, you will provide senior leadership to Culinary Services by planning, directing, and implementing activities, services, and programs related to food production. You will also manage daily food production operations within Culinary Services, including Residential Dining, Retail Operations, Kellogg Center Events, and The State Room. 

You will develop food purchasing quality standards while controlling finances and partner with the Assistant Vice President of Culinary Services to lead a vision for a student/guest/community-centered model of quality service for all Culinary Services departments. In this position, you will also develop new recipes and food production flow systems for operations while also administering training programs for a diverse group of staff, including sous chefs, full-time cooks, and food production staff..

You should have knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Management. Five to eight years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in food service management or production is also recommended. Desired qualifications include American Culinary Federation (ACF) certification, Professional Manager certified, and a valid vehicle operator’s license. 
To learn more, visit the Student Life and Engagement website. To apply for the position, please submit your resume and cover letter to the MSU Careers website by January 23.

Job of the Week: Senior Director of Development

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This week’s featured job is a Senior Director of Development for the Office of Philanthropy for Undergraduate Education (job posting 920213). The Office of Philanthropy for Undergraduate Education (OPUE) exists to assist donors who are interested in supporting students at all levels of education here at MSU. 

In this position, you will serve as the unit’s Chief Development Officer and as a strategic partner to the Vice Provost of Undergraduate Education. You will be planning, collaborating and implementing methods of prospect identification, solicitation, and cultivation for successful solicitations of funds.

You will supervise, direct, and motivate staff by promoting excellence and measurable goals. This role will actively mentor and train staff and provide frequent opportunities for professional development. You will also recruit, train, motivate and evaluate volunteers in order to accomplish college goals and objectives.

The Senior Director will also audit internal operations to develop standardized procedures and to ensure conformity with established policy. You will assist in budget preparation and both long and short-term goals and plans to determine required resources.

You should have a Bachelor’s degree in communications or a related field. Eight years of successful fundraising experience is also preferred along with demonstrated organizational, interpersonal, and written/oral communications.
To learn more, visit the Office of Philanthropy for Undergraduate Educations website. To apply for the position, please submit your resume and cover letter to the MSU Careers website by January 25.

January Events Round-Up

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Are you looking for activities for you and your family in the upcoming month? There are events (in-person and virtual) on campus and in the Greater Lansing community. Many events require registration, so be sure to click the links to learn more.

Campus Events

January 7- Museum Tour: Architecture (free): Have you ever wondered why the MSU Broad Art Museum looks the way it does? Learn more about our unique building and the Pritzker Prize-winning architect behind it through this tour led by Curatorial Research and Administrative Assistant ThaĂ­s Wenstrom. Registration for this event is encouraged.

January 12 – 19 – MLK Jr. Commemorative Celebration (registration required for some events): Join in on some or all of the MLK Jr. Commemorative Celebration events happening this week, including a MLK commemorative march at Beaumont Tower, community unity dinner, film series, coffee and conversations, and more! Find all event details on the MLK Calendar of Events webpage.

January 16-21- Mamma Mia!: The Wharton Center will be hosting “Mamma Mia!” in the Great Hall from January 16-21. Ticket prices are available on the Wharton Center website. 

January 5-28- Abrams Planetarium Public Feature Show: Experience the Aurora Borealis through Abrams Planetarium immersive show. Showtimes: Friday and Saturday at 8:00 pm and Sunday at 4:00 pm. Tickets are available on the Abrams Planetarium website. 

Family-Friendly Activities

January 3- Lego Palooza at the Grand Ledge Area District Library (free): Come get creative with LEGO Bricks at the library! Each child will get a tray of LEGO Bricks and the challenge is to build their most fantastic creation from just those bricks! 

January 5- Double Clutch Karaoke (free): Karaoke is headed to High Caliber! Every Friday night from 7-11 PM you, your friends, or coworkers can come out and sing. Enjoy this new, totally free activity at High Caliber Karting & Entertainment located in the Meridian Mall.

January 6- Family Day: LIFT (free): First Saturday means Family Day at the MSU Broad Art Museum! Make creative connections with our exhibitions through free hands-on and interactive family fun throughout the museum. All ages are welcome. Registration for this free event is encouraged. 

Learning Opportunities

January 17- Family Employee Resource Group (free): Supporting LGBTQIA+ Youth: Join the WorkLife Office for a webinar aimed at parents, caregivers, educators, and allies who want to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for LGBTQIA+ youth. Led by parents and experts in LGBTQIA+ advocacy, this webinar will provide valuable insights and practical strategies to address the unique challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ kids and teens.

January 18- Craft Meet Up (free): Join the Makerspace on the third Thursday of the month to take a break and create with others. Bring your own crafts or use our supplies! Knitting, collaging, perler beads and more! Registration for this free event is recommended. 

January 24- WorkLife Office Seminar: Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation: The WorkLife Office is hosting a virtual seminar with Tim Spedoske, the Director of Campus Health Services to learn tips on how to feel less alone and how to better your mental/physical health. Registration for this event is required. 

Health and Wellness

January 8- The Healing Power of Guided Energy: Guided imagery is a form of directed day-dreaming that relaxes the mind and engages the senses in the physical and emotional healing process. Register for this free class here. 

January 9- Chair Yoga: Spring (free): MSU Health4U is jumpstarting the new year with chair yoga classes beginning on January 9. Chair yoga adapts some of the traditional poses of yoga while seated or standing with the help of a chair. Join this class via Zoom on Tuesdays from 11:15-11:45. 

January 22- Rest With Music (free): Join Monte Pride and Health4U to enjoy this series of live musical performances to help you relax during your busy workday. Registration for this free event is recommended.

Job of the Week: Mechanical Design Engineer

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This week’s featured job is a Mechanical Design Engineer for the Facility of Rare Isotope Beams (job posting 919115). The Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) is a scientific user facility for the U.S. Department of Energy where researchers from all career stages come together to make new discoveries. FRIB provides researchers with one of the most advanced tools of modern science to study rare isotopes, or short-lived nuclei not normally found on Earth. Hosting what is designed to be the most powerful heavy-ion accelerator, FRIB enables scientists to make discoveries about the properties of rare isotopes, nuclear astrophysics, fundamental interactions, and applications for society, including in medicine, homeland security, and industry.

In this position, you will produce and document effective design solutions by creating CAD designs and use 2-D and 3-D models produced by designers and engineers to create detailed drawings (includes the extensive use of GD&T). You will also assist the project leader and subject matter experts in reviewing design layouts, budgets, testing, and project documentation for construction. Your responsibilities will include other duties assigned within the scopes of this job classification. 

Your knowledge, skills, and abilities should include mechanical engineering expertise, communication, analytical skills, and the ability to collaborate with a team. You should have a general knowledge of CAD and be proficient in Solidworks and ADEPT. 

The Mechanical Design Engineer should have a bachelor’s degree in Systems, Computer Science, Engineering, or Physics. Desired qualifications for this role also include one year of experience with CAD/CAE, Solidworks and work experience in fabrication techniques, cryogenic systems, and/or electronics. 

To learn more, visit the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams website. To apply for the position, please submit a resume and cover letter to the MSU Careers website by January 2.   

Job of the Week: MSU Police Outreach Ambassador

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This week’s featured job is an Outreach Ambassador for the MSU Department of Police and Public Safety (job posting 916438). The Department of Police and Public Safety makes an active effort to maintain an environment where all people on campus feel respected, protected and heard. 

In this position, you will assist in resolving student/non-student conflicts by providing information and coaching while also developing relationships with local landlords/property managers and the MSU community. You will compile and present data and statistical reports to the MSU community along with facilitate educational workshops that promote effective decision-making, good neighboring, risk management, and neighborhood expectations. 

Collaboration with various university departments and stakeholders across campus is key to create a holistic experience for MSU students and assist with crisis management. This position will also require you to develop agendas, set dates, and coordinate speakers for educational tours and programs. The department is looking for someone to provide new and innovative solutions while living the values of the department: honor, integrity, and leadership.

The Outreach Ambassador should have knowledge equivalent to that which would normally be acquired by completing a degree in Social Science, Psychology, or a related field. You should also have one to three years of related work in student affairs programs, program planning, and/or training and development of programs.

To learn more, visit the MSU Department of Police and Public Safety website. To apply for the position, please submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to the MSU Careers website by December 19. 

Job of the Week: Director of Labor and Employee Relations

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This week’s featured job is a Director of Employee and Labor Relations for MSU Human Resources (job posting 914781). MSU Human Resources works to provide strategic human resources expertise, counsel and support services for the MSU Community. 

In this position you will be reporting to the Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer while spearheading employee and labor relations initiatives by introducing, executing, and overseeing practices that fortify positive working relationships between the University and its workforce. You will also offer expert advice on employee and labor-related concerns, queries, and grievances along with serving as the university’s chief negotiator of collective bargaining agreements.

You will lead a team of eight staff and will be expected to continue to develop this group and provide professional growth opportunities. This position requires you to ensure strict adherence to state and federal labor laws during all bargaining activities, liaising closely with the Office of General Counsel when needed and overseeing critical employee relations.

MSU Human Resources is looking for a candidate who possesses a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Business Administration or a related field. You should possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills and ability to interpret and communicate data to relevant stakeholders and have expert knowledge of and experience with laws and regulations in higher education, including but not limited to FLSA, ADA, EEO, Title IV, Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, VAWA, Clery Act, and FERPA.

To learn more, visit the MSU Human Resources website. To apply for the position, please submit a resume and cover letter on the MSU Careers website by December 11.