Summary
Monitoring the Future (MTF) is a large, national survey of American youth and one of the largest ongoing studies housed within the Survey Research Center (SRC) at the Institute for Social Research (ISR). We are seeking a highly organized and proactive individual to join our collaborative, team-oriented environment as an Administration and Project Coordinator. In this role, you will play a key role in coordinating the study's school district recruitment efforts, supporting the management and documentation of the school sampling frame, overseeing procurement of materials for the data collection team, and managing incentive payments to participating schools and survey respondents. The ideal candidate will be a strong communicator, a reliable team player, and someone who thrives in a detail-focused environment. Experience in project management, school or district engagement, research operations, or procurement is highly desirable.
Responsibilities
School District Coordination (45%)
Lead the preparation and submission of more than fifty school district research proposals and research applications annually
Navigate complex and varied district research portals and requirements
Maintain clear documentation of specific submission protocols for each district
Monitor and track the status of applications to ensure timely and complete submissions
Communicate critical deadlines and status updates to the project team during weekly meetings
Support the school district recruiter by developing and updating district-related documents, materials, and mailings.
Sample Documentation and Management (30%)
Support the creation of the MTF data collection database frame every four years
Conduct validation checks and error detection on school sampling units to ensure integrity and accuracy
Implement resolution procedures and update documentation when sampling errors are detected
Maintain detailed records of sampling frame creation, design, quality control steps, and any deviations from procedures
Generate clear, concise reports as needed at the request of the database or project manager
Provide guidance to the project team on sampling history and procedures, and communicate sampling plans across project units
Procurement Management (15%)
Oversee procurement processes for a wide range of supplies needed by the data collection team
Develop procurement schedules based on the study's data collection timeline
Serve as a liaison with internal U-M procurement systems and external vendors to ensure timely and accurate delivery
Maintain and organize comprehensive records of all invoices, receipts, and purchasing activity
Refine procurement procedures to improve efficiency and accuracy across study cycles
Incentive Payment Management (10%)
Ensure timely processing, distribution, and tracking of payments
Conduct monthly reconciliations and maintain accurate incentive records
Process late payments and manage voids, reissues, and other adjustments as needed
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree and two years of related experience or equivalent.
Experience managing multiple projects, including building schedules, assigning tasks, and tracking deliverables
Experience preparing written progress reports, meeting notes, and leading weekly meetings
Proficiency working in Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Drive, Calendar) with ability to perform spreadsheet-based data tracking and reporting
Familiarity with Microsoft Access or other database systems.
Desired Qualifications
Experience working in research, particularly in large-scale social science studies or school-based research environments
Knowledge of U-M procurement systems or equivalent large-institution purchasing platforms
Experience in vendor management, including contract review, bid comparison, and performance monitoring
Demonstrated skill in deadline tracking using project management tools (e.g., Smartsheet, Asana, Trello, or equivalent)
Familiarity with incentive payment processing systems and reconciliation procedures
Experience writing research applications or working with school district administrators
Strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret and synthesize school district policies and guidelines
Work Locations
This position will be on-site at the University of Michigan offices in Ann Arbor, with flexible scheduling and hybrid opportunities made available within our overall Center policies. If relocation is required, we will allow for reasonable time and flexibility to make necessary arrangements.
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
Coordinator • Ann Arbor, Michigan, US