PEAK Project Coordinator

This Project Coordinator role serves in a critical support role within the PEAK Project Office as part of the overall Positioned for Excellence, Alignment and Knowledge (PEAK) Initiative, an important strategic transformation effort for the University of Minnesota system. The PEAK Initiative is currently beginning Phase 3 of a four phase, multi-year implementation across colleges, campuses, and units within the University system. PEAK will identify opportunities across non-academic functions to increase efficiency, gain capacity, and steer our teaching, research, and outreach mission into the future. Much of the focus of this initiative is a change management effort to transition units to use shared services for identified transactions and to transition people to ops center roles to support the work. The PEAK Project Office operates as a team with functional stakeholders in Finance, Human Resources, Marketing and Communications and Information Technology. With PEAK Phase 4 ending in late 2026, this Temporary position is anticipated to be completed December 2026.

This position will serve as the project coordinator for the program, reporting to the Program Manager and partnering closely with the Program Director and other project management, workstream and functional leaders. On a daily basis, this includes supporting the PEAK Office through coordinating program activities and planning and supporting administrative duties. This includes driving project coordination tasks to completion that may range from managing smaller projects, creating content, and communications/follow up on tasks and project issues to scheduling meetings and coordinating logistics.

We are seeking a candidate with strong project coordination and organizational skills who has the ability to manage details, be proactive, and work in a collaborative environment where relationship management is important. Note: This program is heavily focused on work and people movement and change management as part of the PEAK implementation and is not a technology project role.

Key Responsibilities:

70% Project Coordination for the Program

• Provide planning and coordination support for the PEAK program, serving as a trusted partner to the Program Manager and Program Director
• Lead smaller projects as assigned with minimal supervision
• Communicate with the PEAK program office and stakeholders across the university
• Prepare and update presentation and training materials, including graphic design and accessibility checks
• Create program level dashboards and reporting to support program performance assessments
• Develop and maintain program databases and records such as playbooks
• Manage coordination of risks and issues log
• Support responses to PEAK Connect mailbox inquiries
• Partner with Program Manager on project plan tracking and continuous improvement opportunities

30% Administrative Support and Logistics

• Schedule meetings, events, and workshops and send out follow-ups
• Assist with creating and maintaining documentation such as agendas, meeting minutes, retrospectives, discovery sessions
• Serve as the central contact for Google drive and documentation storage/organization
• Assist PEAK Office team with program event logistics
• Support team recognition planning, logistics, and events
• Other administrative support and coordination duties as assigned
  
  

Required Qualifications/Skills:

• Bachelor's degree plus at least two years of experience or a combination of education and relevant work experience in project coordination to equal at least six years
• Familiarity with University of Minnesota colleges, campuses, and units or experience working in a higher education environment
• Excellent written and oral communication skills with solid customer focus
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Thorough and detail oriented
• Agile and able to effectively navigate ambiguity
• Collaborative and a proactive problem solver
• Experience with PPM tools such as SmartSheet, MS Project, Jira, Excel, or comparable tools
• Handles confidential information with appropriate level of sensitivity and professionalism
• Champions Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion principles in daily work

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience serving as a project coordinator on a large, cross-organizational project or program
• Experience with Google docs and drives
• Experience with graphic design tools
• Experience with data and analytics
• Project management certifications
  
  

Pay Range: $71,000 - $85,000 annually; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 75%-100% Appointment (If job description above does not specify appointment or expected weekly hours, assume a 100% appointment.)

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

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

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

A resume and cover letter are required application materials for this position.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values 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: http://diversity.umn.edu

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).