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University of Minnesota

Operations Manager

University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States, 55400


Required Qualifications

BA/BS plus at least 4 years of related administrative experience in an office or administrative setting or a combination of related education and work experience to equal eight years

Demonstrated commitment to advocating for an inclusive environment for all backgrounds and identities

Proficiency using Microsoft Office Suite

Experience with managing complex budgets and project management

Preferred Qualifications

Demonstrated ability to function effectively and collaboratively with multiple stakeholder groups within a dynamic organization

Ability to correctly interpret and implement policies and procedures in all tasks and all areas of operation within a complex unit

Ability to use sound judgment, take initiative, work independently

A high level of organizational and analytical skills, with the capacity to balance and manage many projects and related details

Ability to create and manage operational planning and control systems across all operational areas within the center

Prior UMN Finance and HR work experience

Position OverviewThe Operations Manager has primary responsibility for the oversight and implementation of administrative (day-to-day) operations for the Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare (CASCW), including the statewide Child Welfare Training Academy (MNCWTA), within the School of Social Work (SSW). Reporting to the Senior Executive Director, this position provides strategic support to leadership, working to align the budget, human resources, data systems, research-related operations, facilities, technology, and other operational areas with the center’s strategic goals, while working within school, college, and University policies and procedures.

The University of Minnesota encourages a healthy work life balance for employees. CEHD is committed to an excellent employee experience, offering a flexible work environment that meets the needs of students, staff, faculty, and the communities we serve. Flexible work arrangements may include flexibility in schedule and/or work location. Please note that 100% remote work requires approval prior to offer.This position works closely with the SSW and Center’s leadership team to ensure efficient and effective achievement of center mission activities and endeavors. The Operations Manager’s work is integrated within and across the four pillars of the center, including professional education, outreach and policy, research and evaluation, and training partnerships. The level of this position requires knowledge and understanding of complex budgets, multidisciplinary research and practice partnerships, and state agency to state agency cooperated projects. Their understanding of University practices and processes, as well as sound judgment, ability to prioritize complex and multi-layered projects, and autonomous decision-making skills, are essential to this position.

Skills and competencies for a successful candidate include:

Effectively communicate and interact with a diverse group of stakeholders

Demonstrate a service-focused approach to understand circumstances, expectations, and needs

Strong interpersonal skills, emotional maturity, and ability to be diplomatic and clear

Proven skills to adapt well in the face of ambiguity or change

Be accountable, results-driven, and proactive

Job ResponsibilitiesStrategic Planning Support and Operations (55%)

As a member of the CASCW leadership team, work with the Directors and CASCW leadership team to determine upcoming and future priorities.

Provide information and guidance to the Directors on all areas of policy, as well as challenges and opportunities for improvement within the day-to-day operations of the center.

Develop new initiatives and realign existing processes and systems in collaboration with SSW to better serve CASCW and its constituents.

Identify opportunities for innovation and continuous improvement projects within the center.

Serve as a key administrative liaison to the SSW and College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), and partner with the school and college’s administrative units in areas of finance, human resources, facilities, and technology.

Ongoing project management development for processes of the state-wide training academy.

Anticipate, respond and work to resolve administrative problems.

Partner with SSW Department Administrator to review, plan, and manage space allocations including updating furniture, and office assignments, research and conference areas.

Provide administrative support to the Senior Executive Director, including but not limited to calendar management, travel coordination, special project tracking utilizing project management software etc.

Financial Planning and Grants Management (30%)

Partner with the CEHD Office of Research and Policy (ORP) grant coordinator on the initial phase of grant submissions. Submit preliminary budgets and budget justifications for the initial phase of grant submission

Partner with SSW and CEHD Financial Services Office (FSO) finance professional to oversee forecasting, budgeting, and purchasing to ensure good stewardship of funds.

Manage the budget of all revenue sources (grants, external sales, gifts, etc.), to ensure spending is in line with the intended purposes of the funding.

Coordinate with the ORP grant coordinator and FSO finance professional and SSW Department Administrator regarding the center reporting, training, policymaking, and process improvement.

Provide budgetary oversight and coordination for center events.

Serve as main contact for center purchasing to ensure compliance for sponsored and non-sponsored funding and adherence to University policy.

Human Resources & Supervision (15%)

Work with the SSWs Department Administrator and/or HR Liaison in matters of hiring, organizational change, processes, and other HR related activities.

Ensure that all SSW HR processes and documentation are completed for the center by established deadlines.

Ensure alignment with and adherence to University, CEHD, and SSW Human Resource (HR) policies and practices for University employee groups including Faculty, Academic Professional and Administrative (P&A), Civil Service, Union-represented Staff, Graduate Assistant, and Student.

Serve as a resource for employees and managers in the center on HR questions. Consult and partner with SSW or CEHD HR as needed.

Oversee development, implementation, and delivery of new employee orientations within the center.

Provide recruitment consultation and budgetary analysis for new hires.

Supervise, manage workload, coach, and develop up to 3.0 FTE staff. Provide oversight and supervision to ensure accuracy and minimal errors.

Assist with training and onboarding of administrative staff

Ensure accountability for project activities with administrative staff through regular meetings and communication.

Other duties as assigned.

Participate in monthly CASCW All-Staff Meetings, Director/leadership meetings and bi-weekly administrative meetings.

Participate in monthly SSW Council meetings and SSW committee meetings, as assigned.

Department Overview

Founded in 1917, the School of Social Work at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities is the oldest social work program in a public land-grant university. SSW is a unit within the College of Education and Human Development, one of the leading colleges of education and human development in the country with programs and research in areas such as educational psychology, child development, organizational leadership, family social science, and disabilities. The School offers a number of educational programs at the graduate and undergraduate levels. Graduate degree programs include a PhD in social work, a Master of Social Work, and a Master of Education in Youth Development Leadership. At the undergraduate level, the School offers a Bachelor of Science in Youth Studies, and minors in Family Violence Prevention, Youth Studies, and Social Justice.

College Overview

The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), the third largest college at the University, contributes to a just and sustainable future through engagement with the local and global communities to enhance human learning and development at all stages of the life span. We know diversity is necessary to do our best work and foster our humanity. That’s why the CEHD community is collectively dedicated to cultivating an inclusive and equitable environment, embracing and celebrating all identities of our students, staff, and faculty. These values are also a moral imperative requiring continuous proactive measures and a firm stance against prejudice, discrimination, and systemic injustice.

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.

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) 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).

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