Director of Operations

The Director of Operations is a central role that is responsible for strategically bridging organizational goals with operational execution to ensure the University of Minnesota Alumni Association can effectively serve and connect its global community. This role requires a leader with strategic vision, operational excellence, and strong people leadership who proactively identifies and implements continuous improvements to systems, processes, and technology within a dynamic environment. Success requires an organized, approachable, and highly engaged professional committed to enhancing operational and technology solutions

This position reports to the Chief Financial Officer at the Alumni Association.

Operations (35%):

• Lead the planning, procurement, and deployment of space, equipment, and technology tools necessary for staff to be successful while also anticipating future needs.
• Proactively identify service gaps, process inefficiencies, and areas for improvement, and recommend and initiate changes that strengthen operational effectiveness and service excellence.
• Establish and implement administrative workflows and procedures that improve operational efficiency and which optimize cross-departmental performance and accountability.
• Develop practical and innovative solutions to technical and organizational problems.
• Create and implement essential administrative systems and policies to support current operational efficiency and future organizational scalability.

Technology (35%):

• Strategically lead the management and maintenance of organization-specific technology to ensure functional and secure tools for all staff, while coordinating with internal University partners for core infrastructure and institutional software support.
• Proactively identify and implement technological solutions and process improvements to streamline administrative tasks and enable staff to dedicate more time to strategic, value-added initiatives.
• Serve as the primary liaison with external IT vendors and internal University partners for technology support, troubleshooting, and strategic planning.
• Contribute to the annual operating budget and financial forecast for office administration and technology.

Human Resources (30%):

• Drive the hiring, onboarding, and termination processes for staff, ensuring proper documentation and a smooth transition for new and departing employees.
• Serve as the initial point of contact for all organizational HR-related questions, providing support to supervisors on employee matters, and acting as the primary liaison with OHR.
• Facilitate the annual review and goal-setting process, ensuring alignment with the UMAA's mission and annual objectives.
• Lead the strategy and logistics for staff training, appreciation, and internal team-building activities to foster a highly-engaged and connected workforce.
• Partner with leadership to champion and embed a positive, inclusive organizational culture that celebrates team successes and supports staff well-being.
• Oversee the strategic management and development of the UMAA's student employee program, including consistent hiring practices, training protocols, performance standards, and optimization of student talent to support departmental needs.

Other Duties as Assigned (5%):

• Represent UMAA at select events, serving as an engaged and informed ambassador for the alumni community.
• Contribute to special projects and cross-functional initiatives that advance UMAA's mission, enhance the alumni experience, or improve internal systems and operations.
• Proactively identify areas for improvement and bring forward ideas that support greater efficiency, connection, or service excellence.
• Step in where needed to support the team during peak periods, staff transitions, or evolving organizational priorities.

Required Qualifications:

• BA/BS degree and 6 years of relevant full-time work experience.
• Experience in a professional setting with high standards for quality, accountability, and service.
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage multiple priorities, solve problems, and follow through with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills with a positive, customer-focused approach.
• Proven track record of taking initiative, improving systems or workflows, and anticipating needs without constant direction.
• Committed to creating an inclusive, welcoming environment and to handling sensitive information with integrity and discretion.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Supervisory experience
• Prior experience running customer service functions of a complex organization and managing general office experience.
• Prior experience in higher education, nonprofits, or membership-based organizations.

The University of Minnesota Alumni Association fosters a lifelong spirit of belonging and pride by connecting alumni, students, and friends to the University of Minnesota and each other. The Association advocates for the University and its alumni with a credible, independent, and collaborative voice.

Pay Range: $90,000-$105,000 annually; based on qualifications and years of experience

Time Appointment: 100%-time Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A 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

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. To ensure full consideration of your application, please be sure to upload the following documents with your application:

1. A cover letter which outlines your interest in and qualifications for the position
2. Your updated resume

This position will remain open until filled.

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).