University of Michigan

Position Title/Short Description

Full Text of JOE Listing:

The Survey Research Center of the Institute for Social Research at the University of Michigan seeks an established leader in survey research to serve as Director of Survey Research Operations.

SRC conducts some of the most widely cited and influential studies in the world, as well as many other important studies that employ surveys and other cutting-edge methods and technologies. Survey Research Operations (SRO) is the data collection operations unit responsible for bringing the latest methodological advances in social data collection sciences into practice. The unit currently employs 170 university‐based and upwards of 700 field‐based staff located across the nation. SRO manages over 100 projects with a combined annual research volume totaling $40 million.

Major responsibilities of the SRO Director include: (1) providing strong scientific and administrative leadership to SRO, directing the coordinated efforts of the SRO Associate Director(s) and Unit Heads who manage data collection projects, assisting with the development of research proposals, and supervising the SRO statistical and technology groups; (2) working collaboratively to strategically plan, develop, and implement cutting‐edge methods and processes in survey operations; (3) serving as Principal Investigator on data collection projects involving external investigators; (4) representing SRC to the external research community through participation in scientific forums; and (5) advising the Director of the Survey Research Center on key strategic and operational issues facing the unit. The position reports directly to the Director of the Survey Research Center.

A Master’s degree or equivalent professional training and experience in a relevant field is required; a Doctoral degree is desirable. Candidates must have substantial experience leading high quality, innovative social science data collection. Experience in research administration, including financial and human resource management, is required. Demonstrated experience with multiple modes of data collection, advanced statistical skills, and information‐based decision-making are desirable qualifications. Salary is highly competitive.

Applicants are requested to submit a cover letter and resume/CV describing their interest and experience using the University of Michigan CAREERS portal: http://careers.umich.edu/job_detail/159640/director_of_survey_research_operations .
For confidential inquiries, contact Steven Heeringa, Associate Director of the Survey Research Center, at sheering@umich.edu

The Institute for Social Research at the University of Michigan seeks to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as a reflection of our commitment to serve the diverse people of Michigan, maintain the excellence of the university, and to ground our research in varied disciplines, perspectives, and ways of knowing and learning.

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