Posted: 19-Jul-25
Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan
Internal Number: 266203
The University of Michigan is seeking a collaborative and strategic leader to join our team as the Director of Special Programs. This role offers the opportunity to shape essential University programs and work with a broad network of partners across campus and beyond.
To apply, please include a cover letter with your resume. We'll use your letter to evaluate both your communication style and how your background aligns with the role. In your letter, we encourage you to include examples that highlight your experience in:
- Driving successful outcomes across programs and teams;
- Collaborating with others to support shared goals;
- Developing talent and fostering positive team dynamics
- Creating new, efficient, and effective processes and improving processes already in place; and
- Applying strategic thinking and creative problem-solving.
Reporting to the Deputy Treasurer, the Director of Special Programs plays a critical leadership role in the University's Treasury team. This position oversees two high-profile, University-wide programs, the Human Subject Incentives Program (HSIP) and Merchant Services. Under the Merchant Services programs, this position will be responsible for the University's efforts around Payment Card Industry (PCI) compliance, in collaboration with Information and Technology Services (ITS). Both programs require someone with experience in process efficiency and improvement.
The Director of Special Programs provides leadership and guidance to both direct and indirect staff, ensuring effective service delivery, compliance, and innovation in support of university operations.
Human Subject Incentives Program (HSIP)
HSIP supports over 1,000 research studies each year, issuing more than 150,000 incentive payments to human research participants. The team works closely with faculty, research administrators, Internal Review Boards, the Tax Office, and the Institute for Social Research to ensure secure and compliant processes for issuing payments.
Merchant Services & PCI Compliance
The University's credit card operations span more than 400 merchant accounts across the three campuses and Michigan Medicine, processing approximately 2 million transactions annually, totaling over $300 million. The Merchant Services team ensures secure, PCI-compliant payment solutions and strong customer service across a diverse portfolio of merchants.
- Bachelor's degree in business, finance, technology, or a related field-or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Demonstrated success managing multiple programs or initiatives with increasing levels of leadership responsibility.
- Strong interpersonal skills and experience building collaborative relationships across complex organizations.
- Proven ability to coach and develop staff while maintaining a focus on results.
- Excellent communication skills, including the ability to present complex information clearly to a range of audiences.
- Experience with or knowledge of Positive Leadership concepts.
- Experience navigating Request For Proposal (RFP) processes and managing contractual agreements.
- Experience working in environments governed by federal regulations and/or industry compliance standards.
- Familiarity with university systems and operations.
The University of Michigan, with an operating budget of $12.4 billion, is a leader in higher education. The Finance Division reports to the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and partners with the University community to provide the financial infrastructure essential to being one of the world's greatest public universities. We are comprised of several units, including Treasury, Financial Operations, Procurement Services, and Institutional Financial Planning & Analysis. Comprised of several distinct divisions, we share a common set of values and goals. For more information about the Finance Division, please go to www.finance.umich.edu
We offer an extensive total compensation package including competitive pay, two-for-one retirement contributions, a variety of health insurance options, and a generous vacation plan. Additionally, there are seven paid holidays and four paid season days.
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.
The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.