Job of the Week: Communications Manager I

This week’s job of the week is for a Communications Manager I position in the Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics within the MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (job posting 932698). The Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics (AFRE), one of the leading applied economics departments in the U.S., is ranked #1 in the world in the global ranking of agricultural and applied economics departments. The Food Security Group within AFRE is a self-organized team established in the early 1980s that works with local partners in developing countries to carry out empirically based policy-oriented scholarly research, engagement, and capacity-building focused on problems of global food security.

This job includes but is not limited to cooperating closely with the co-directors and other faculty of AFRE’s Food Security Group (FSG) to write, edit, and create materials (including video) on the activities and outputs of grant-funded international projects suitable for a variety of audiences. There is a strong emphasis on digital communications using the web, content management systems, and social media platforms. There is also the opportunity to travel to project sites in developing countries and to engage with communications specialists in partner organizations in those countries.

The desired candidate will be a self-starter with an outgoing personality who feels comfortable positively representing a team. Ideally, this position is best suited for a team player who can also work independently in a fast-paced environment, make sound decisions, and prioritize tasks effectively. Attention to detail and excellent interpersonal skills are desired.

You should have knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year degree in journalism, telecommunications, or public relations. One to three years of experience in public relations, marketing, graphic design, web design, publication production, and social media management is required. A background in social sciences and/or agriculture and natural resources is desired but not required to apply.

If you’re interested in applying, please learn more about the Department of Agriculture, Food, and Resource Economics within the MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and apply for this position by March 19.

Job of the Week: Solutions Center Aide

This week’s featured job is a temporary/on-call position for a Professional Aide in the MSU Human Resources (HR) Solutions Center (job posting 931311). The HR Solutions Center provides customer service and supports many of the day to day basic human resources needs of MSU units and their faculty, staff, and students. 

In this position, you will perform transactional tasks in various HR systems, such as the HR payroll system and/or applicant tracking system, by applying business rules, data rules, payroll processing rules, policies, and union contractual requirements. You will be expected to explain and apply federal and state laws, union contracts, and university policies and procedures to provide information and resolve issues for MSU units, departments, employees, and retirees. 

You will help maintain HR databases and other types of HR records, including employee records in the HR payroll system, job posting records in the applicant tracking system, criminal background check information in relevant systems, compliance information in Equifax and more. You will also perform research, special project support, and education functions in the area of compliance with employment eligibility policies and laws (CBC, I-9, etc.). 

Desired qualifications for this role include being adaptable, deadline-oriented, and self-motivated with at least six months work experience in an HR-specific role. Substantial knowledge or experience using some of the HR-related systems currently used by MSU Human Resources is desired but not required (SAP/EBS, PageUp, Equifax, HireRight, Image Now, I-Chat). Familiarity with MSU employment policies and contracts is also desired. 
To learn more, visit the MSU Human Resources website. To apply for this temporary/on-call position, please submit a resume and cover letter to the Careers at MSU website by February 27.

Job of the Week: Global Security Coordinator

This week’s featured job is a Global Safety Coordinator for International Studies and Programs (job posting 930036). International Studies and Programs (ISP) is the hub for international research, teaching, and outreach at Michigan State University. 

In this position, you will serve as a member of the Office for Global Health, Safety and Security and support operational management of international health and safety matters. In collaboration with both the Director and Senior Coordinator of Global Health, Safety and Security, you will oversee office management, analysis, travel preparedness and plan response strategies to promote and protect the well-being of MSU travelers. 

You will share 24/7 coverage for international emergencies and the main telephone number/email address for Global Safety. This includes monitoring international incidents or worldwide events that may affect MSU travelers abroad. You will develop plans and guidelines to provide clear safety protocols while supporting department communication efforts through website updates, email newsletters, and university-wide communications. 

Occasional domestic and international travel will be required for conferences/training or site assessments. This is a hybrid position with the expectation that you will work on campus three days a week and remote for two. 

Knowledge equivalent to that which would normally be required by completing a four-year degree in a related field such as International Relations, Foreign Language, Communication, or similar is required. Three to five years of related experience in emergency coordination, international travel and security, or campus crisis/risk management is also required. You should have prior experience living, studying or working abroad.

To learn more, visit the International Studies and Programs website. To apply for the position, please submit a resume and cover letter to the MSU Careers website by February 20. 

Job of the Week: Core Procurement Buyer

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. 

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

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

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

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

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.

Job of the Week: Outreach Specialist

This week’s featured job is an outreach and student engagement specialist for Student Success and Retention in the College of Nursing (CON) (posting 904981). The Michigan State University College of Nursing has trained the next generations of nurses since its founding as the Department of Nursing Education in 1950. The CON believes in the power of research, practice, and education to affect lasting change and to improve health outcomes in our communities through recruiting top faculty, staff, and students and continuously staying at the forefront of changes in the profession.

In this position, you will coordinate, implement, and facilitate outreach initiatives and programming to promote student retention and success within the College of Nursing by collaborating with faculty, staff, and external partners to enhance and assist with advancing the CON’s student success and retention goals.

Your knowledge, skills, and abilities should include one to three years of experience in program development, project management, or recruitment while working with culturally diverse individuals and a demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. You should be able to provide high-quality customer service, confidently handle multiple priorities simultaneously, and prioritize activities to meet deadlines with limited supervision. You should have a track record of working collaboratively and constructively with people at multiple levels and with diverse perspectives to build consensus across various divisions of a complex organization.

The outreach and student engagement specialist should have a master’s degree in student affairs, education, or social work. Desired qualifications also include teaching experiences with students, evidence of commitment to professional development, and the ability to work effectively as a diverse team member.

To learn more, visit the College of Nursing website. To apply for the position, please submit a resume, cover letter, DEI statement, and a contact list of three professional references to the MSU Careers website.  

Job of the Week: Mechanical Design Engineer

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.