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Working Title: ANR Department Administrator

Appointment: Full-time, Admin Consultant/Analyst (Job Code 9341A1), P&A

Office Location: St. Paul Campus; Hybrid flexible work options available

Extension Area: Department of Agriculture and Natural Resource Systems (ANR)

Salary range: Estimated starting annual salary range, $70,000-80,000; DOQ

Apply By: June 3, 2024

Position Summary:

The Agricultural and Natural Resource Systems Administrator works in support of the Associate Dean to provide leadership for program team strategic operations, assisting in managing administrative relationships as well as providing overall logistical direction within the department. The position will provide leadership related to the department's strategic operational needs by identifying, developing, and/or refining operations and administrative activities. This position is responsible for developing, aligning, and coordinating operational goals as well as building a culture that fosters teamwork, inclusion, and a growth mindset.

Responsibilities:

Department Administrative and Operations Management (50%):

• Set priorities to achieve the best use of department resources for the areas of budgeting, curriculum, human resources, technology, compliance, and others as needed.
• Participate in the creation of department-wide budget development, processes, and procedures.
• Develop and interpret customized reports to advise the Associate Dean and ANR leadership on methods for operation and departmental improvements.
• Build relationships with key Extension unit leads (e.g Human Resources, Communications, Extension Learning Technologies, and Finance and Planning), Regional Directors, and the Director of Statewide Operations to ensure good working relationships, work delegation, space needs, and budget aspects of partnerships are mutually beneficial.
• Identify, lead and advance department's operational initiatives as directed by the Associate Dean and in collaboration with departmental program leaders.
• Anticipate, plan, and achieve the daily and strategic administrative operations for the department.
• Schedule, coordinate and facilitate department meetings.
• Develop internal and external operational standards, policies, and procedures for the department.
• Administrative liaison for department educators, program leaders, program teams, and staff as they identify key needs, especially navigating their access to resources in Extension and the University.
• Collaborates with colleagues in program technology, communications, finance and development to ensure effective office operations within the department.
• Represents the departmental collegiate administrator meetings, collegiate committees and task forces, University-wide committees and task forces, and with external partners and agencies as needed.

Department Staff Planning and Supervision (30%):

• Consult with the Associate Dean to determine and align staff work plans and goals with the overall strategies established for the department.
• Partner with Extension HR on resolving department HR related issues as applicable.
• Encourage employee engagement and promote a positive, respectful, productive work environment through leadership and communication skills.
• Set priorities and goals for staff by encouraging University engagement, continuing education, and skill development.
• Key contact for the department's internal hiring system functions required to fill and adjust positions.
• Provide administrative support for department searches for higher level department roles and any department position as needed and as back up.
• Supervise department administrative staff member (currently 1.0 FTE).

Department Project Management (20%):

• As directed by the Associate Dean, may advocate for and be involved in communication strategies to effectively reach, influence, and increase value for department activities with internal and external audiences.
• Work with department leadership and Extension Communications in developing department-wide and program-specific communications strategies that are integrated with the communication priorities for the College.
• Manage department Extension Educator promotion process; track, monitor, communicate and follow up with Educators and related duties.
• Work with department supervisors and department leadership to assist in the coordination of department onboarding.
• Prepare, update, develop and/or edit information, reports, correspondence, presentations and related items for the department and Associate Dean.
• Direct, manage, and/or coordinate projects and programs to ensure problems are resolved and appropriate follow-up to issues identified.
• Modifies administrative practices and procedures to improve efficiency and quality.
• Searches for better ways to effectively achieve end results by, for example, scheduling work steps, arranging or re-arranging the way work is generally performed, and adding or deleting elements of processes as necessary.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors degree plus 6 years of relevant administrative and operations leadership experience.
• Administrative lead experience in higher education, government, or non-profit agencies.
• Collaborative project management and leadership experience.
• Demonstrated ability to solve complex problems, handle multiple projects simultaneously, and ability to work independently as well as in teams.
• Proven ability to establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with all internal and external stakeholders from diverse backgrounds at all levels of the organization.
• Strong computer skills including database manipulation, reporting, data management, spreadsheets, Google applications and MS Office Suite.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to include meeting facilitation skills (virtual and in person).

Additional Requirements:

• Must be able to work regularly at designated office; as well as travel to in state and out of state locations as needed.
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule including working evenings and weekends.
• Must have reliable internet when not working in an assigned office.
• When not in the assigned office location, employees must be reachable with a mobile or alternate number at the employee's own expense.
• Must be able to push, pull, lift, carry up to 20 pounds occasionally.
• Must be able to work regularly in a stationary position and on a computer for prolonged periods of time.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States; this position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing or coordinating processes and procedures with entities connected to accounting, human resources, communications, and technology support.
• Current with business, educational, management, and innovation practices in higher education, Extension, and the agriculture or natural resources industry.

ABOUT EXTENSION

University of Minnesota Extension is a major outreach arm of the University of Minnesota with a mission to serve the public through applied research and education. Our mission is to make a difference by connecting community needs and University resources to address critical issues in Minnesota. Extension strives to attract and retain high-quality, passionate employees, and weave diversity, equity, and inclusion into all aspects of Extension's programming and employee engagement

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click on the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position.

Please include the following attachments with your online application:

• Cover letter
• Resume/Vitae
• Diversity statement: In 500 words or less, highlight your unique strengths, experiences, perspectives, and values as they relate to equity, diversity and inclusion. Your statement could include the following:
  • Personalized views and experiences
  • Topics through the lens of your own knowledge or experience
  • If you don't have personal experience on a topic, reflect on why
  • Demonstrated learning and growth

Three professional references and transcripts for all college work (unofficial transcripts are acceptable) will be required during the interview process.

Additional documents may be attached after the application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section. See full instructions,

To request an accommodation during the application process, please email or call 612-624-UOHR (8647).

For questions about this position, contact:

Krishona Martinson, Extension Specialist & Program Leader, and search chair, .

For questions about applying online, contact:

Tiffany McMillan, Extension Human Resources, .

The University of Minnesota and Extension recognize and value the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U:

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).