Job Description
About the Job
The Office of the Dean Administrator is responsible for
handling a variety of assigned projects that support the Dean’s vision, mission, and strategic priorities. The Administrator should have
significant experience with higher education systems, structures, policies, and procedures. The Administrator must be competent in
conducting research and analysis and providing consultation and facilitation on a variety of administrative-related matters. This position
will report to the Senior Director of Operations. This position has a hybrid work schedule that will require a regular on-campus presence
three to five days a week depending on the work within the office. This schedule is subject to change when a new CLA Dean starts in the
summer /fall of 2024.
Project Manager and Department Administrator (45%)
- Conduct analysis and research,
discuss projects with stakeholders, and report on the progress of the CLA Strategic Plan, the Dean’s Roadmap, and other Office
of the Dean initiatives. These duties will require a great deal of independent initiative and direction in professional level support of
the Dean and Senior Director of Operations within CLA. - Direct the Academic Program Review process for CLA following the
policies and procedures established by the Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost. - Shepherd decanal and donor-related
initiatives, manage work related to the dean’s portfolio, and ensure best practice and optimal fund utilization. Establish, maintain, and
improve the collegiate systems for allocating, awarding, reporting and monitoring these resources. Coordinate faculty committees charged
with recommending awards and internal recognition of awards. Advise on policy related to the intent and allocation of these
awards. - Direct/Oversee various projects and serve as a project manager for special projects assigned by the Dean and/or Senior
Director of Operations in support of the Dean’s mission and vision, which will require a great deal of independent initiative and
direction. - Serve as an essential Office of the Dean representative for a variety of Committees and Task Forces. These duties will
require professional level support and advice to the Dean.- Staff internal or external committees and work groups assigned by the
Dean, to include reviewing materials, researching issues, and drafting briefing memos, charge letters, meeting agendas, reports, and policy
documents. - Administer CLA Assembly and University Faculty Senate elections and serve in an ex-officio role on
collegiate committees to inform policies and procedures. - Develop and coordinate the agenda and serve as a member of the Dean’s
Group. - Lead or coordinate other committees as assigned.
- Staff internal or external committees and work groups assigned by the
- Conduct research and analysis and participate in
collaborative projects to pursue college-wide advancements in workplace climate and employee inclusivity, satisfaction, and retention,
e.g. Employee Engagement Survey. - Represent the Office of the Dean in partnerships and collaborations with other CLA units to
advance the Dean’s priorities to include working on college level event development, programming, and logistical planning. - Build
and nurture trust-based relationships to serve as a point of contact for key stakeholders to resolve complex issues and help move strategic
priorities forward with the College of Liberal Arts.
Direct CLA Media Relations and Dean’s Office Communications
(30%)
- Develop and implement communication strategies congruent with the Dean’s mission, within University
standards and industry trends, and promote employee engagement and recognition in support of an enriching work environment.- Manage
all Office of the Dean Communications. Write, edit, research, collect, validate, and prepare/produce internal communication documents to
promote employee engagement and information sharing, including the monthly Dean’s Newsletter (From the Dean’s Desk), the
administrative staff employee weekly newsletter (CLA NOW), and other documents as assigned. - Work with partners in OIA to
ensure the Office of the Dean’s content is following the college’s brand, style, template, and format expectations. - Manage
production and content development for Office of the Dean internal community meetings and events, including creating slides and supporting
materials.
- Manage
- Lead Media Relations for the Dean and College. Serve as the CLA liaison to University Relations for
Media Relations. Manage the CLA Media Relations strategy in close relationship with University Relations and CLA Marketing & Communications.
Serve as point of contact for all media requests for the Dean, keeping in mind your role in protecting and promoting the reputation and
brand of the college and organization which may include active issue management. Work with colleagues to develop content and approve
messaging for press releases and pitches, talking points, and when necessary, media statements, op-eds, letters to the editor, etc. Manage
media requests seeking subject matter experts from CLA faculty. - Serve in the role of department “content strategist” while
collaborating with the CLA Marketing and Communications team. - Manage the Office of the Dean content in the CLA Intranet (“The
Neighborhood“). Manage Intranet content for CLA Governance groups. - Act as the Office of the Dean’s advocate for the use of new
technologies that can support the strategic communications goals for the entire college.
Program Development
(15%)
- Develop and implement internal activities that support the Dean’s strategic priorities for staff and leadership
development. Evaluate and expand upon or update the current portfolio of activities, which currently include:- Community Fund
Drive - Cheers for Peers
- Paving the Way
- Hot Topics
- Community Fund
- Collaborate with colleagues across the college
in developing and implementing new programs that enhance employee engagement. (e.g., collaborate with colleagues on refining college
guidelines for employee onboarding and professional development.) - Consult with Marketing and Communication staff on decisions,
goals, strategies, and deployment of major college events, to help ensure alignment with Strategic Plan and Dean priorities and
vision.
Serve as a member of the Office of the Dean Staff (10%)
- Represent the Office of the Dean in special
projects and initiatives - Participate in office meetings, office coverage, and other duties as assigned
This position’s
starting salary will be $70,000 and is dependent on skills/experience being brought into the
role
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
- BA/BS degree with at least six
years professional experience in higher education administration. - Demonstrated commitment to the mission, programs, and services of
the College of Liberal Arts - Leadership in developing and implementing initiatives assigned by executive-level University
leaders. - Experience working with staff or faculty governance, program review, and other higher education systems and
structures. - Confidence and ability to make independent decisions on priority and strategic initiatives as set forth by the College
of Liberal Arts and senior administration. - Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills.
- Proactive, reliable,
responsible, and accurate with an attention to detail. - Self-motivated, results-oriented, goal-focused.
- Demonstrated ability
and interest in working with individuals from diverse communities and cultures. - Ability to work a hybrid schedule that includes a
minimum of 3 days per work working in person in the Office of the Dean.
Preferred
Qualifications:
- Master’s degree with at least four years related professional experience and/or project management
experience within higher education administration. - Experience supporting senior administrative and academic leaders in a higher
education setting - Experience working with Salesforce Marketing Cloud and/or proficiency in marketing automation
technology.
About the Department
Home to the arts, social science, humanities, and communications
disciplines and programs, the College of Liberal Arts comprises 31 academic departments, and over 20 interdisciplinary research centers and
administrative/support units. The College of Liberal Arts is located across 31 buildings of the University of Minnesota Twin Cities,
primarily on the east and west banks of the Minneapolis campus. CLA enrolls nearly 13,000 undergraduate students, over 40% of the
undergraduate enrollment on the Twin Cities campus, about 1,500 graduate students, and has an annual all-funds budget of approximately $290
million. CLA is the largest college in the state of Minnesota.
Benefits
Working at the
University
At the University of Minnesota, you’ll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are
interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life
outside of work.
The University also 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 Scholarship - 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
Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding
benefits.
How To Apply
Applications must be submitted online and include a cover
letter. 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 include a cover letter with your
resume.
Application review will begin on Monday, February 5, 2024.
To request an accommodation
during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-UOHR
(8647).
Diversity
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
Employment
Requirements
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.
About the U of M
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).