Comm Rel/Outreach Assoc 3

A Program Coordinator is needed to assist with a National Science Foundation Research Traineeship (NRT) program focused on Circular Economies (circularity.umn.edu) that is in year three of a five-year grant at the University of Minnesota as a collaboration between the College of Science and Engineering, the Humphrey School of Public Affairs, and the Weisman Art Museum. This individual will provide administrative support to meet the diverse programmatic, communications, and event management needs of the program. The grant ends July 1, 2027 but it may be extended through a no-cost extension for 6 months to a year.

This position can accommodate a 50% or 75% appointment, depending on applicants' preferences. The person selected for the position will work with the Principal Investigator to determine roles and responsibilities that reflect the appointment percentage.

Position Summary:
The Program Coordinator will provide administrative support to meet the diverse programmatic, communications, event management, and student recruiting needs of the NRT. The NRT Program Coordinator will work closely with the Principal Investigators, the Artist in Residence, and the External Evaluator, to assist with all aspects of the graduate training program. The coordinator will interact with students to serve as the point of contact for answering NRT-related questions. Overnight domestic travel for the annual NRT meeting may be a responsibility for this position if these meetings occur.

Primary responsibilities of the NRT Program Coordinator include assisting the Principal Investigator with:

Program Coordination Administrative Support (60%)

• Provide prompt and enthusiastic logistical support to faculty, the artist-in-residence, and students on NRT-related initiatives
• Coordinate internships for NRT Trainees, help recruit internship hosts, assist with matching NRT trainees with opportunities, and coordinate logistical aspects.
• Assist with graduate trainee recruitment activities, including organizing and attending recruiting events, advertising the program, receiving and organizing applications and their review, tracking demographic information, sending offer letters, and recording and communicating responses.
• Manage graduate student memoranda of understanding and advise graduate students on policies and procedures.
• Work with graduate trainees to develop Individualized Development Programs (IDPs) and track their progress in the program, including publications and scientific conference presentations.
• Oversee recruitment, admissions, and enrollment of a newly launched graduate certificate program.
• Work with the external program evaluator to collect data, solicit and organize materials required for external program evaluation, and assist with the preparation of annual reports to NSF.
• Organize a series of four seminar speakers each semester and coordinate the logistics for each seminar
• Assist students in completing financial transactions or expense reimbursement, and oversee the program's budget

Communications (20%)

• Maintain the NRT website and social media presence
• Maintain appropriate contact with public, university, and private officials, staff, and others; provide professional and courteous telephone and email support
• Work with communications staff to prepare press releases, stories, and blog posts involving faculty and students
• Provide graphics support
• Develop promotional materials (booklet/pamphlet design) for recruitment.
• Connect internal and external stakeholders
• Send out a quarterly newsletter

Event Management (20%)

• Assist in coordinating events, such as workshops, artist-facilitated community conversations, advisory board meetings, the annual symposium, cohort meetings and field trips, seminar speakers, and social events
• Schedule, attend, and document meetings among the core leadership team, NRT faculty, students, evaluator, and multiple advisory boards, and track attendance.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a science discipline, geography, engineering, education, business management, communications, marketing, or equivalent training and 4 years of experience - OR - a combination of related education and work experience to equal eight years.
• At least one year of related administrative experience in educational, developmental or social program planning
• Proven and effective time management and organizational skills
• Proven and effective written, verbal, and communication skills
• Ability to interact with and foster positive interactions between diverse external and internal stakeholders
• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite; Social Media (Twitter, Facebook, Flickr)
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to travel overnight once a year

Desirable Qualifications:

• Master's degree in a science discipline, geography, engineering, education, business management, public policy, communications, marketing, or equivalent training and experience
• Experience in event planning
• Working experience or coursework in sustainability
• Experience in a college career services office or human resources/recruiting role
• Experience with education program evaluation and assessment tools.
• Experience with scientific communication or a related communications focus
• Excellent visual communication skills
• Proficiency using software for marketing and communications, multimedia and video, website design, and maintenance

The Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo- Engineering resides within the College of Science & Engineering. More information about the department can be found at https://cse.umn.edu/cege

Pay Range: $37.00 - $40.00 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 50%-75% 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
• 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

Additional Benefits for Employees on Appointments of at least 75%:

• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

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.

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).