Board Assistant, Office of the Board of Regents

The Office of the Board of Regents (OBR) seeks a part-time Board Assistant to provide general office support. The Board Assistant handles a variety of ongoing, occasional, and one-time support tasks and assignments, depending on the day, week, or time of year. They play an important role in maintaining a professional, positive, productive environment on behalf of the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota.

The Board Assistant will join a six-person team and work directly with all team members, members of the University community, and the general public. They report to the Assistant Executive Director and take project-related direction from others.

The successful candidate(s) will be reliable, efficient, proactive, professional, diplomatic, and focused on excellence. They will be clear communicators, both in person and in writing. They will enjoy being an active part of a small, friendly team.

OBR offers a hybrid work environment, with significant flexibility around when and where team members can accomplish their results. However, the office directly facilitates and supports public meetings of the Board of Regents, which occur in-person six times a year on dates set a year at a time. The timing and location of meetings of the Board are predictable but inflexible. The Board also occasionally holds special meetings and active learning days, which require in-person support from Board staff.

As is the case for all employees in OBR, some duties of the Board Assistant must be handled in-person at OBR or other physical locations where the Board conducts its work; there is no option for entirely remote work. In addition, some duties must be performed during certain hours on certain days of the year; there is no option for a work schedule that is 100 percent at the discretion of the employee.

This position offers a varied and irregular number of hours, on average about 6-14 hours weekly. About 6 weeks each year will demand significantly more hours - about 30-35 hours each week. A work schedule and other arrangements will be established by the employee and OBR upon offer of employment.

The hourly rate for this position is $23 - $28 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The responsibilities of the Board Assistant vary but typically include:

• Support Board meeting/event coordination and logistics. The Board of Regents holds 6 regularly scheduled meetings that are open to the public, occasional special meetings and active learning days, as well as a small number of non-public social events with the University community. Duties may include but are not limited to:
  • Room set-up
  • Menu planning and ordering
  • Delivery, set up, and clearing of meals
  • Other support as needed or assigned
• Monitor office's inventory of supplies for meetings of the Board; restock as needed.
• During meetings of the Board, staff a reception desk to greet and assist senior University leaders and other members of the University community, along with members of the public.
• Support other OBR functions as needed based on the work of the Board.

BACKGROUND CHECK:

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify applicants from employment.

We believe that difference in skills and experiences is a strength and are looking for candidates who reflect and respect diversity. We encourage you to apply for the position even if you do not believe you meet every qualification.

REQUIRED:

• High school diploma/GED or associate degree.
• At least 4-6 years working in a role that requires skilled administrative work and navigating a large organization or rapidly changing environment.
• Success handling a wide range of tasks competently, professionally, and on time.
• Excellent organization skills with strong attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal skills; solid written and verbal communications.
• Good time-management skills; able to prioritize work.
• Experience following established processes and systems, but able to troubleshoot or suggest alternatives if the situation requires it.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and Google Suite. Willing and able to learn new software and systems.
• Comfortable with high expectations, direct communication, and occasional unavoidable quick turnaround or last-minute change.

PREFERRED:

• Proven ability to work independently with limited direct supervision. Experience communicating work status proactively and asking questions to understand a project or task.
• Direct experience as an administrative assistant, office coordinator, executive assistant, or similar.
• Experience in customer service, event/meeting support, or other public-facing areas.
• Demonstrated flexibility and resilience.
• Access to reliable transportation for occasional work use beyond commuting.
• Knowledge of the University of Minnesota system and its administrative offices.

DESIRED ATTRIBUTES:

• Offer a high level of energy and enthusiasm mixed with a seriousness of purpose and a sense of humor.
• Bring personal approachability to daily interactions with colleagues, the University community, and the public.
• Communicate clearly and tactfully.
• Demonstrate an ability to problem-solve with others, and to see issues flexibly from more than one perspective.
• Embrace working in a behind-the-scenes role.
• Contribute each day toward a high-functioning, close-knit team.
  

The Board of Regents is the governing body of the University of Minnesota and is responsible for the mission and overall direction of the institution. The Office of the Board of Regents supports the 12 Regents in their governance and policy-making roles on behalf of the University and serves as a liaison to the University's administration and other constituencies. The office advises and supports Regents and senior administrative leaders to advance good governance practices; coordinates Board committees; manages meeting agenda and docket processes; prepares and maintains policies and meeting minutes; provides scheduling and calendar support to the Regents; plans and executes Board events and small group visits across all five University campuses and other units; maintains the Board's website; and responds to public inquiries.

Pay Range: $23-28 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

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.

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

Application review will occur on a rolling basis. Contact Marlo Welshons at welsh066@umn.edu with questions about the position.

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).