Ast Prof-Fixed Term

About the role

Michigan State University (MSU) seeks a collaborative and highly organized Deputy Director to support the Health Equity Research for Action (HERA) Coordinating Center, a national initiative funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF). The HERA Coordinating Center supports research that advances health equity through community-centered, action-oriented, and systems-level approaches. The Deputy Director will work closely with the Co-Directors to manage the day-to-day operations of the Coordinating Center, coordinate grantmaking activities, support partnerships across collaborating institutions, and ensure successful implementation of program goals. The Deputy Director will serve as a key member of the HERA leadership team and help facilitate communication among MSU, partner institutions, community organizations, funded investigators, and RWJF.

Responsibilities

• Program operations and coordination
  • Support the Co-Directors in the day-to-day management of the HERA Coordinating Center.
  • Coordinate implementation of program activities, deliverables, timelines, and reporting requirements.
  • Track project milestones and facilitate communications across multiple workgroups.
  • Prepare reports and assist with strategic planning activities.
  • Work collaboratively with HERA staff to ensure efficient program operations.
• Grantmaking and program administration
  • Coordinate competitive grantmaking activities, including Requests for Proposals (RFPs), reviewer recruitment, review meetings, award administration and reporting.
  • Assist with monitoring funded projects and ensuring compliance with RWJF requirements.
  • Coordinate technical assistance and communication with funded investigators and community partners.
  • Help maintain equitable and transparent grantmaking processes.
• Collaboration and partnerships
  • Serve as a liaison between MSU, collaborating HERA Coordinating Centers, RWJF, advisory committees, and community organizations.
  • Foster strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Support cross-site collaboration and knowledge sharing across partner institutions.
• Community engagement
  • Support community engagement activities and help ensure meaningful community participation throughout the research funding process.
  • Coordinate meetings and activities with community advisory groups and external partners.
  • Promote equitable and respectful partnerships with community organizations.
• Communications
  • Assist in preparing reports, presentations, meeting materials, and communications for RWJF and partner organizations.
  • Coordinate internal and external communications among HERA partners.
  • Contribute to dissemination of program activities through webinars, conferences, and publications as appropriate.

Qualifications

• Required Degree: Terminal degree in public health, epidemiology, health policy, social sciences, or a related discipline.
• Minimum Requirements (in addition to the terminal degree):
  • Three to five years of experience managing research, grant-funded programs, or large collaborative initiatives.
  • Knowledge of health equity research and the national health equity landscape.
  • Experience working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams.
  • Experience engaging community organizations and community stakeholders.
  • Strong organizational and project management skills.
  • Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting deadlines.
  • Demonstrated professionalism, initiative, and strong work ethic.
• Desired Qualifications:
  • Experience coordinating grantmaking or research funding processes.
  • Experience working with philanthropic foundations, federal agencies or research funding organizations.
  • Experience with community-engaged or community-based participatory research.
  • Familiarity with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation or similar health philanthropy.
  • Experience coordinating multi-institutional research collaboratives.
  • Experience supervising project staff or trainees.
  • Knowledge of research administration in an academic environment.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Commitment to advancing health equity.
• Collaborative leadership and teamwork skills.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities.
• Ability to coordinate complex, multi-partner initiatives.
• Sound judgement and problem-solving skills.
• Attention to detail and accountability.
• Cultural humility and commitment to community engagement.
• Strong work ethic and ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team.