Detroit Sustainability Research Area Specialist Associate

How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

Mission Statement

At the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS), we are at the forefront of building a more sustainable and just world for all by transforming the impact of higher education and reimagining the future. We are advancing action through innovation, research, education and engagement in society, and developing leaders who are empowered to halt the climate crisis and create an environmentally sound future for generations to come.

To learn more about SEAS and our values, please visit our website at https://seas.umich.edu/about/seas-values.

Job Summary

The School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS) Detroit Sustainability Clinic is looking for an experienced Research Area Specialist Associate to join our team. We are a dynamic and creative team that values and prioritizes collaboration and communication. We are looking for an enthusiastic team player who can help us improve the ability of Detroit area local governments, nonprofits, and community-based organizations to address the impacts of climate change on the natural and built environment, human health, and the city's finances, while working to enhance sustainability policy and action. This individual will be responsible for conducting and coordinating clinic research activities, including engagement with community partners, students, faculty and staff. You will report to Tony Reames, the Director of the SEAS Detroit Sustainability Clinic.

To learn more about the SEAS Detroit Sustainability Clinic mission and activities, please visit www.seas.umich.edu/clinic.

Note: This is a full-time, term-limited position with a three (3)-year appointment. Renewal may be possible based on performance and the availability of funding.

Responsibilities*

• Serve as the primary point of contact for daily operations and engagement for Clinic staff, faculty, students, and community partners.
• Support and monitor project development, scope and timelines. Adjust plans to keep deliverables on track.
• Maintain clear documentation, including status updates, progress tracking, and reports.
• Contribute to reports, presentations, and outreach materials for academic and community audiences.
• Organize and facilitate meetings, events, and stakeholder engagement activities.
• Manage the U-M Clinic referral resource system.
• Support the student mentorship program.
• Support fundraising and grant writing efforts to fund research projects.
  

Required Qualifications*

• Master's degree in environmental studies, sociology, education, business management, or a related field (or equivalent education/experience)
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in environmental justice, urban sustainability, and community-centered engagement in urban contexts, including work with governmental agencies or NGOs such as the City of Detroit.
• Proven project management skills, ability to maintain confidentiality, manage multiple projects and competing deadlines
• At least a year of collaborating with sustainability projects in Detroit and knowledge of U-M resources to support external partners
• Extensive experience in operational and administrative support to leadership-managing schedules, meetings, reports, sensitive communications, supervising, and mentoring student employees.
• Proficiency with technology and software, including Microsoft Suite, Adobe Creative Cloud, Google Workspace, CRM platforms (e.g., Salesforce), and project management tools.
• Excellent communication skills-including writing, editing, proofreading, and adapting content for diverse audiences; ability to build relationships and collaborate effectively on interdisciplinary teams.
  

Why Work at 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 your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

• Generous time off
• A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
  

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.

Work Locations

You will be working between Ann Arbor and Detroit, with the added flexibility to occasionally work from home. In Ann Arbor, your primary location will be the University of Michigan's Dana Building (440 Church Street), home to the School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS). In Detroit, you'll be based at the SEAS Detroit Sustainability Clinic, located in the historic Julian C. Madison Building at 1420 Washington Blvd in downtown Detroit.

Additional Information

• Salary will be determined based on experience.
• You may be required to work occasional evenings and weekends to support a variety of
  

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. This job may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

Applications will be reviewed as received throughout the posting period and continue until the position is filled.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.

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Detroit Sustainability Research Area Specialist Associate

Research Area Specialist Assoc

Ann Arbor Campus

Hybrid

Full-Time

Regular

Exempt

School Nat Res Envir

SEAS Sustainability Clinics

4/27/2026 - 5/04/2026

$58,000.00 - $62,000.00

Research