11/10/2025
JOB OPPORTUNITY: IPPSR is seeking a new Associate Director to help facilitate its programs. The position is a fixed-term position. We have included the full posting below. To apply, please click here: https://careers.msu.edu/jobs/specialist-outreach-fixed-term-east-lansing-michigan-united-states-c2316d56-7250-42e3-b1ef-7262207a34e7.
Specialist - Outreach-Fixed Term
East Lansing, Michigan, United States
Inst For Public Policy & Social Research 10038776
Area of Interest: Education/Training
Full Time/Part Time: Full Time (90-100%)
Group: Fixed Term Academic Staff
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Faculty/Academic Staff
Opening on: Nov 4 2025
Closing at: Nov 4 2027 - 23:55 EDT
Salary Commensurate with Experience
College Of Social Science
1083287
Position Summary
Michigan State University actively promotes a dynamic research and learning environment in which qualified individuals of differing perspectives, and cultural backgrounds pursue academic goals with mutual respect and shared inquiry.
The Associate Director supports the overall leadership and strategic direction of IPPSR by fostering connections between academic research and public policy, managing compliance and budgeting, and advancing outreach to state and local stakeholders. It also involves developing independent and collaborative projects, strengthening the survey research unit, mentoring staff, and cultivating a research-driven culture among faculty and students that emphasizes communication, policy engagement, and external funding.
The Associate Director will co-lead signature programs with the Director, such as the Legislative Leadership Program, Michigan Political Leadership Program, Policy Forums, and other educational and training programs. They will also support the Institute’s survey research unit, manage large-scale data projects like the Correlates of State Policy database and the Michigan Policy Insiders Panel, oversee the Michigan Applied Public Policy Research grant program, and mentor student research teams.
IPPSR operates within the College of Social Science and seeks to apply research to urgent public issues by offering survey services, educational programs, and fostering problem-solving relationships across academic and policymaker communities on society’s most pressing needs. This role requires a collaborative spirit, a commitment to public engagement, and the ability to translate academic research into actionable policy insights. The Associate Director will also contribute to fundraising efforts and represent IPPSR and MSU across campus and beyond.
Key Responsibilities:
Provide strategic leadership and operational support for IPPSR
Co-lead educational programs and policy training initiatives
Expand outreach to policymakers, campus units, and peer institutions
Manage and grow large data projects and research dissemination
Support budgeting, compliance, and staff development
Engage in fundraising and development activities
Oversee research teams and stimulate scholarly output
Represent IPPSR in university and public forums
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, s*x, s*xual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
Required Degree
Masters
Minimum Requirements
• Master's degree and at least 6/8 years' experience in fields of government law, policy affairs, or public policy or bachelor's degree and 8/10 years' experience in fields of government, law, policy affairs, or public policy
• At least three years' professional experience leading teams, managing projects in public policy arenas with increasingly responsible roles involving external relations, program development and ex*****on, strategic planning, team building, conference coordination, budget development and administration, or related fields
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and maintain strategic alliances and relationships with a wide cross section of stakeholders
Desired Qualifications
Strong familiarity with Michigan and national policymaking
Strong writing, editing, and public speaking skills
Commitment to civic engagement and public service
Familiarity with strategic planning, organizational operations, and administrative procedures associated with a university setting
Experience with data-driven policy analysis or survey research
Required Application Materials
• A cover letter detailing your interest and qualifications.
• A current resume/CV.
• The names and contact information of three references
Special Instructions
A valid vehicle operator's license may be required where needed to perform the position's duties. Knowledge of basic personal computer terminology and operations is also required, as is the ability to use e-mail and the Internet.
Standard hours are Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with occasional evening or weekend commitments.
Review of Applications Begins On
11/18/2025
Position Summary Michigan State University actively promotes a dynamic research and learning environment in which qualified individuals of differing perspectives, and cultural backgrounds pursue academic goals with mutual respect and shared inquiry. The Associate Director supports the overall leader...
