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Director Science Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Cayman Chemical Company supplies scientists worldwide with ... Currently, we are looking to add a Marketing Director to the team: Responsibilities and Duties

Director of Operations will be responsible for leading all activities for Safety, Quality and ... Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports ...

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Director of Operations Founded by Detroit philanthropists George and Ellen Booth in 1904, Cranbrook ... Science, and more than 1,600 students attending our Pre-K through 12 independent college ...

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$70.2K

$97.5K

$125.5K

How much do director science jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for director science in Michigan is $97,510.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,400.00 and $108,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Director of Science, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director of Science, you need an advanced degree in a scientific discipline, extensive research experience, and strong leadership abilities. Familiarity with data analysis software, scientific publishing tools, and project management systems is typically required. Exceptional communication, strategic thinking, and team-building skills help drive innovation and foster collaboration among interdisciplinary teams. These competencies are crucial for setting research direction, achieving organizational goals, and ensuring scientific excellence.

What are the primary challenges a Director of Science faces when leading multidisciplinary research teams?

A Director of Science often navigates the complexities of coordinating experts from various scientific backgrounds, ensuring effective communication and integration of diverse perspectives. Balancing project timelines with the rigorous standards of scientific research can be demanding, especially when managing multiple projects simultaneously. Additionally, securing funding and aligning research objectives with organizational goals require strategic planning and stakeholder management. Building a collaborative culture and fostering professional development within the team are also essential for long-term success.

What does a Director of Science do?

A Director of Science leads and oversees scientific research and development within an organization, ensuring projects align with strategic goals. They manage scientific teams, set research priorities, and often collaborate with other departments or external partners. This role involves supervising experiments, securing funding, and ensuring compliance with regulations and ethical standards. Directors of Science also play a key role in translating scientific findings into practical applications or products. Their leadership is crucial for driving innovation and maintaining the organization's scientific excellence.

What is the difference between Director Science vs Research Scientist?

AspectDirector ScienceResearch Scientist
Required CredentialsAdvanced degrees (PhD), leadership experienceTypically PhD or Master's, specialized research skills
Work EnvironmentStrategic planning, team management, cross-department collaborationLaboratory or field research, data analysis
Employer & Industry UsageBiotech, pharmaceuticals, research institutionsAcademic, industry R&D, government labs

The main difference between a Director Science and a Research Scientist lies in their focus and responsibilities. Directors Science oversee research strategies, manage teams, and coordinate projects, while Research Scientists conduct experiments, analyze data, and contribute to scientific knowledge. Both roles require advanced degrees, but Directors have more leadership and strategic duties.

What are the most commonly searched types of Science jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Science jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Director Science jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Director Science job openings:
Infographic showing various Director Science job openings in Michigan as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, and 29% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $97,510 per year, or $46.9 per hour.
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT / COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION & COLLEGE OF SCIENCE & ENGINEERING

DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT / COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION & COLLEGE OF SCIENCE & ENGINEERING

Central Michigan University

Mount Pleasant, MI • On-site

$90K - $105K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Central Michigan University rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

454th of 528 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Position Information
Position Information
Posting Number
S-3483
Position Number
76700
Type of Recruitment
External
Position Title
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT / COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION & COLLEGE OF SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
Position Summary
The Director of Development for the Colleges of Business Administration (CBA) and Science and Engineering (CS&E) is responsible for developing, implementing, and administering college and/or program specific development efforts to support the unit's annual and major gift fundraising operations while coordinating with a larger development team. Responsibilities include developing strategies to accomplish unit fundraising goals, coordinating a development team in support of philanthropic efforts, and planning and conducting programs designed to promote the public's understanding of each unit's activities and research with the aim of cultivating donors and raising money. These efforts may include, but are not limited to annual giving, major gift development, corporate and foundation relations, and planned gift identification and advancement. The Director of Development has the responsibility to raise upwards of $2,500,000. This position reports to the Deputy Chief of Advancement & Campaign Strategies and works collaboratively with university leadership, development colleagues, and other university partners.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree.
Six years of professional experience in sales, marketing, fundraising, or a related field.
Demonstrated successful and progressively responsible relationship development experience in fundraising, sales, customer service, and/or alumni/donor relations.
Must be able to make compelling direct, face-to-face solicitations as well as in written proposals, and assist other staff with their solicitation plans (e.g. provide portfolio development support, strategic counsel, and help with donor communications).
Exceptional interpersonal and persuasive verbal and written communication skills including projecting a positive and professional attitude.
Proven track record working both independently and as part of a team while inspiring trust and confidence with colleagues and constituents.
Ability to successfully handle competing priorities and manage projects.
Proficiency with Microsoft e-mail, excel, word, and online applications.
Must possess, or be able to obtain a valid driver's license.
Ability to meet travel requirements, including air and vehicle travel.
Must be able to lift and carry files and promotional materials.
Must be willing to work evening and/or weekend hours as necessary.
Ability to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Preferred Qualifications
Higher education experience.
Experience in leveraging the advantages of social media, virtual presentation methods, and website resources to make connections and build relationships.
Experience in proposal development and/or grant writing.
Experience with prospect relationship development/management and/or other similar client development principles and techniques.
Fundraising experience closing major gifts of $100,000 and more.
Experience working with academic and administration leadership.
Ability to plan and execute a fundraising project from conception to realization.
Demonstrated ability to effectively create and maintain relationships with a constituent base.
Knowledge of charitable giving regulations and various gift vehicles.
Proficient in the use of data to develop performance measurements, show portfolio growth, and project gift yield.
Duties & Responsibilities
Manages a portfolio of upwards of 200 donors and prospects utilizing the university's Advancement CRM.
Actively engages and builds relationships with a portfolio of current donors and prospects with leadership major gift potential to build a sustainable donor pipeline.
Proactively identifies and launches initiatives that drive donations toward strategic priorities.
Leverages social media and virtual communication tools to build relationships with constituents.
Develops qualification and cultivation strategies and solicitation plans for assigned prospects.
Consistently meets deadlines and follows standard operating administrative protocols.
Remains current with research, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship best practices.
Remains knowledgeable of current events throughout the university and communities we serve.
Leverages volunteer structures to assist with fundraising activities.
Develops, implements, and administers specific development efforts to support the priorities of the Colleges of Business Administration and Science and Engineering while coordinating with the larger development team.
Tracks and reports progress using specific metrics and business plans.
Annually meets or exceeds goals set forth by the Vice President of Advancement, including:
- Executing upwards of 20 outbound touchpoints weekly including virtual meetings and facilitated contacts.
- Building an active portfolio of upwards of 120 donors capable of making a major gift within a three-year time frame.
- Raising upwards of $2,500,000 annually from portfolio.
Participates in university and divisional activities and committees.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Supervision Exercised
None.
Message to Applicants
Central Michigan University is dedicated to fostering an environment that is reflective of the communities we serve. We are especially interested in highly qualified candidates who will advance and promote CMU's mission, vision, and leadership standards.
You must submit an on-line application in order to be considered as an applicant for this position.
Cover letters may be addressed to the Hiring Committee.
Employee Group
Professional & Administrative -Salary
Staff Pay Level
Pay Range
$90,000 - $105,000 per year
Division
University Advancement
Department
Development
Position Status
Regular
Position End Date
Employment Status
Full-Time
FTE
1.00
Position Type
12 month
Weekly Work Schedule
Mon-Fri, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. / weekends and evenings as needed
Location
Mount Pleasant, MI
About the Department
About CMU
Central Michigan University has a more than 125-year legacy of preparing students to become leaders and changemakers in their communities and in their personal and professional lives.
We serve nearly 15,500 students on our Mount Pleasant campus, in satellite locations around the state and throughout the country, and through flexible online programs. Many of our approximately 300 undergraduate, master's, specialist and doctoral programs in the arts, media, business, education, human services, health professions, liberal arts, social sciences, medicine, science and engineering are nationally ranked for excellence.
CMU leads the nation in leadership development programming through our Sarah R. Opperman Leadership Institute, and we are proud to be among only 5% of U.S. universities in the top two Carnegie research classifications. Our faculty work with graduate and undergraduate students in areas such as Great Lakes research, medical innovation, engineering technology and more.
Central is home to 17 men's and women's Division 1 sports including football, basketball, gymnastics, baseball, wrestling and more. Our student-athletes achieve great success in competition and in the classroom, capturing Mid-American Conference championships and maintaining an average cumulative GPA of 3.17.
CMU is located in Mount Pleasant, a community that blends the best of small-town living with big-city amenities. It's part of the culturally varied and vibrant Great Lakes Bay Region that also includes Saginaw, Bay City, Midland and the state's largest Native American community, centered on the Saginaw Chippewa Isabella Reservation in Mount Pleasant.
Area residents enjoy the mix of outdoor activities, cultural events, shopping and dining options, and family attractions. Other major Michigan destinations and attractions - Lansing, Grand Rapids, Detroit, Traverse City, wineries, beaches, golf and ski resorts, and many more - are within easy reach of the city's central location in Michigan's Lower Peninsula.
CMU employees enjoy access to a nationally recognized wellness program along with health care and benefits that exceed regional, state and national norms.
CMU Leadership Standards
Central Michigan University is a place where we value students and work for their success, where we act as family, and where employees are engaged, appreciated and have extraordinary opportunities to make a difference.
We intentionally maintain and strengthen the hallmark CMU culture that sets us apart from our peers by expecting CMU leaders and employees to model the following Leadership Standards and develop them within their teams.
Please review the Leadership Standards before applying for this position.
EEO Statement
CMU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and institution. CMU does not discriminate against persons based on age, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, height, marital status, national origin, political persuasion, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, race, religion, sex, sex-based stereotypes, sexual orientation, transgender status, veteran status, or weight.
If you wish to see "EEO is the Law" posters, please click here.
CMU does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, including admission and employment, and is required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 not to discriminate in such a matter.
Inquiries about the application of Title IX can be made to CMU's Title IX Coordinator, the US Department of Education's Assistant Secretary, or both.
CMU's Title IX Coordinator can be reached at:
Phone: 989-774-3253
Office: 103 E. Preston St.
Bovee University Center, suite 306
Mount Pleasant, MI 48858
Email: titleix@cmich.edu
Posting Ends
Open Until Filled
Yes

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