How to Apply

A cover letter is required. Please be sure to address your specific interest in the position and outline your experiences that are directly related HR policies and procedures, as well as your demonstrated commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We know that DEI-related work is often done outside of formal titling and acquired in a variety of ways. Please use your cover letter, if need be, to highlight your experiences in the space.

Due to system limitations, please submit your resume and cover letter as one document.

There will be an open information session for all interested applicants for this role on September 25 via zoom. Please contact [email protected] for information.

Job Summary

The People + Culture Lead plays a key role in shaping and overseeing the human resources framework at MBGNA, while fostering a positive organizational culture aligned with the University of Michigan's policies and mission. This position is responsible for supporting the growth and management of MBGNA's team, which consists of over 30 regular employees, seasonal technicians, fellows, student employees, interns, and volunteers.

The People + Culture Lead chairs MBGNA's internal Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee and collaborates with the Director as a Co-Lead for the organization's DEI 2.0 Plan and reporting efforts. Additionally, they work closely with both the internal DEI Committee and the external Decolonization Committee, which together guide MBGNA's DEI initiatives.

This role reports directly to the Director and oversees student staff.

This is a hybrid position with onsite work in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Who We Are

University of Michigan's Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum (MBGNA) stewards over 840 acres of land and water across four properties in and around Ann Arbor, with Nichols Arboretum and Matthaei Botanical Gardens serving as its two anchor locations. Click here to view our Strategic Plan. With more than 525,000 annual visitors, MBGNA is committed to becoming a transformative force for social and ecological resilience through the lands and waters we steward. We put that commitment into action by:

Positioning humans as active participants within the natural world and compelling the university community and our publics to negotiate the full complexity that entails
Advancing partnerships, programs, user experience, and all that we steward to catalyze equity and justice in a radically changing world
Emerging as University of Michigan's premier partner for research, teaching, and public impact in sustainability, climate-forward practices, and biocultural diversity
Promoting healthier communities, cultures, and ecosystems through active care and cultivation of the gardens, fields, natural habitats, and dynamic systems that sustain our world

Why Work at Michigan?

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family, and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

Generous time off
A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
Life insurance
Long-term disability coverage
Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses

Responsibilities*

Leadership and Management (40%):

Continual improvement of organizational health and culture as well as internal processes and procedures
Lead MBGNA's Performance Evaluation and Annual Review paradigm
Chair the MBGNA DEI Committee and serve as Co-Lead for MBGNA's DEI engagement
Continually evaluate MBGNA's staffing needs and facilitate the successful performance and continuous development of staff
Serve as a resource for, and provide advice to, employees regarding policies and procedures related to HR

Operations and Coordination (30%):

Provide oversight for and and coordinate execution of procedures related to recruitment, retention, and promotion, and professional development
Manage HR and fiscal commitments and processes for internal or external funded partnerships, including external grant funding or other modalities
Lead MBGNA's DEI reporting process
Complete the UM effort certification process for employees and assure compliance
Advise and direct HR administration for the summer internship program and related programs

Organizational Collaboration (30%):

Advise staff and collaborate to resolve and review all payroll-related questions, processes, and issues
Conduct annual gap analysis and written guidelines for HR and Payroll internal controls/unit certification
Collaborate with Director and Budget, Finance, and Grants Lead to inform merit process
Works with leadership and UHR to hiring and onboarding for all staff positions
Assist and provide guidance to other MBGNA Leads regarding Human Resources
Manage MOUs and other agreements with partners and affiliated groups
Complete special projects or other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications*

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience
3+years of professional experience in human resources, with knowledge of policies, practices, and procedures
Demonstrated experience in diversity, equity, and inclusion leadership for organizational growth and change
Demonstrated experience with project management and change management best practices

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 work modes.

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third-party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Application Deadline

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.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

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