University of Michigan Stephen M. Ross School of Business Managing Director, Executive MBA Program

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1 Position Specification University of Michigan Stephen M. Ross School of Business Managing Director, Executive MBA Program January 2015

2 POSITION SPECIFICATION Position Institution Location Reporting Relationship Website Managing Director, Executive MBA Program University of Michigan, Ross School of Business Ann Arbor, Michigan and Los Angeles, California Faculty Director for the Executive MBA Program michiganross.umich.edu THE INSTITUTION The Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan is a vibrant and distinctive learning community grounded in the principle that business can be an extraordinary vehicle for positive change in today's dynamic global economy. The Ross School of Business mission is to develop leaders who make a positive difference in the world. Through thought and action, members of the Ross community drive change and innovation that improves business and society. Ross is consistently ranked among the world's leading business schools. Academic degree programs include the MBA, Part-time MBA (Evening and Weekend formats), Executive MBA, Global MBA, Master of Accounting, Master of Supply Chain Management, Master of Entrepreneurship, Master of Management, BBA, and PhD. In addition, the school delivers openenrollment and custom executive education programs targeting general management, leadership development, and strategic human resource management. THE POSITION The Managing Director is a key leader and highly visible role both within and outside of Ross, and has both strategic and operational responsibility for the Executive MBA Program. Reporting to Faculty Director for the EMBA Program, with strong connectivity to the Senior Associate Dean for MBA Programs, the Managing Director serves as key member of a team that is further establishing Ross reputation as a leading business school with a significant national footprint. Ross EMBA programs are world-renowned and have been consistently ranked as among the top, globally. Ross Executive MBA program typically attracts executives with significant professional experience (average of 16 years work experience) who attend programs monthly in Ann Arbor or Los Angeles. EMBA students learn from the best Ross faculty and enjoy a high-touch experience, including lodging, meals and books for the duration of their programs. The Managing Director will oversee Ross EMBA programs in both locations and will help to set strategy for the EMBA programs, in concert with senior Ross leadership. With the EMBA program s established presence in Ann Arbor and its growing program in Los Angeles, the Managing Director will have the opportunity to build upon Ross strong foundation. The Managing Director will be responsible for guaranteeing the programs operational performance as well as informing, advising and implementing institutional strategy as it relates to the EMBA programs. 2

3 While the fundamental aspects of the program are sound, and student satisfaction historically has been high, there is nevertheless the potential to improve upon the program s visibility, to optimize its operations and management of the student experience, and to build stronger alliances with potential corporate partners. Specifically, the Managing Director will put an emphasis on growing the Los Angeles program; longer-term, there is the possibility of expanding to new locations. The Managing Director will develop a growth strategy, identifying potential new candidate markets and strategic corporate partners for the Ann Arbor and Los Angeles programs. Additionally, given the program s format, the competing demands of its students and their changing needs and expectations, the Managing Director will also lead digital innovation, experimentation and investment to support students success and satisfaction. As the senior leader of Ross EMBA programs, the Managing Director necessarily interfaces regularly with staff across the school and will be viewed as the primary ambassador of the program to students, alumni, potential corporate partners and prospective applicants. The Managing Director has responsibility for a staff of 6. Most critically, the Managing Director will: Work with Faculty Director to set the strategic direction including planning, developing, and implementing short and long-range objectives for both Ann Arbor and Los Angeles. Develop a strategy and execute to maintain quality enrollment and growth in both programs, particularly Los Angeles. In this capacity, the Managing Director will work with Ross and other University of Michigan departments to orchestrate and implement effective marketing and recruiting strategies, admissions decisions and student services for prospective and current students on both campuses. Likewise, set the strategic direction for all marketing and communications efforts including web presence, effective use of social media, and other vehicles to communicate with internal and external audiences. Ensure optimal positioning of the program and promote positive public relations in both locations. Provide operational leadership support to the Faculty Director and associated faculty in carrying out the mission of the program. Monitor emerging trends, research, student interests, resources and prospects to identify innovative opportunities to enhance the program. Recommend and work with the Faculty Director to develop new content, workshops, co-curricular activities, case competitions, and other programs (as relevant) to complement and build on the classroom experience. Additionally, the Managing Director will: Drive admissions efforts in Ann Arbor and Los Angeles by engaging prospective students, leading information sessions, hosting prospective students, developing marketing materials, and collaborating with admissions on materials, events, etc. Manage the day-to-day operations of the program on both campuses; reinforcing a collaborative, learning-oriented, and high-performance culture. Interact extensively with Ross units, students, faculty, and donors to provide seamless delivery of high-quality curricular and co-curricular experiences for Ross students. 3

4 Correspond and work collaboratively with key stakeholders such as faculty, staff, students and other Ross units to integrate program efforts. Administer evaluations of program content, effectiveness, and value. Manage and coordinate staff and execution for all events (scheduling, facilities, catering, presenters, course materials, etc.) Act as Ross liaison and representative to UM community, media, sponsoring agencies, vendors, and partner organizations. Select, supervise, develop and evaluate assigned staff to support both campuses; establish and model performance expectations and standards to foster a positive, highservice, and innovative culture. Provide leadership for the training and motivation of staff in order to make full use of individual capabilities and to meet the program s growth and demands. Establish and manage the operating budget and external funds. Ensure compliance to budget and all applicable financial policies, procedures and requirements. Conduct presentations to internal and external audiences. Represent the organization at conferences or events. Build and nurture internal and external relationships with key individuals and organizations to determine how they can best partner with the program. In partnership with Ross Development and other relevant offices both within Ross and throughout the broader UM community, identify, establish, and cultivate relationships with potential national and international organizations, alumni, and donors to promote initiatives. PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS Given the EMBA programs distributed portfolio, there is an inherent complexity in this role that requires both vision and strong operational management to ensure a consistent academic and cultural experience, as well as program growth. An appropriate combination of education and professional experience in delivery of superior services and programs within higher education or the business/corporate community is needed. Candidates must have significant and progressive experience (~8 years) in related positions in a complex matrix organization, ideally with experience in higher education. In addition: Candidates will possess the analytical ability to assess the environment and the competition, anticipate future business needs, and develop creative ideas regarding possible responses. Advanced program development, marketing, strategic planning, organizational development, and analytical/problem-solving skills are required. Demonstrated managerial and team leadership skills are required. Demonstrated ability to effectively network and build relationships with various internal and external constituencies is essential. 4

5 Candidates must have excellent interpersonal skills, be able to take initiative, and be resourceful in an environment of constrained resources. Candidates must have a proven track record in fiscal management and experience preparing and monitoring budgets. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential. Strong public speaking skills are necessary; ability to present strong and persuasive oral and written communications and to effectively work with internal and external stakeholders. Proficiency in MS Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and database applications, i.e. PeopleSoft (or comparable system). Candidates with an entrepreneurial mindset will be preferred. The role is based in Ann Arbor; but given the needs of the program s West Coast presence, the selected candidate will travel domestically on a regular basis, at minimum monthly and internationally as required. EDUCATION A bachelor s degree is required; an MBA or a Master s degree in higher education or related field is strongly preferred. COMPENSATION A comprehensive compensation package will be offered to the successful candidate. KORN FERRY CONTACTS J.J. Cutler Managing Consultant Global Education Practice (215) jj.cutler@kornferry.com Jackie Zavitz Senior Associate Global Education Practice (215) jackie.zavitz@kornferry.com The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. 5