DEI & Public Engagement Administrative Coordinator

This position is a temporary one year assignment that will provide critical management and support for a range of tasks to facilitate the work of the Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, with a particular focus on providing support to the Interim Director on a variety of initiatives related to diversity, equity and inclusion, and public engagement; assisting with special projects, as well as providing assistance to support ODEI's various priorities and administrative needs. This position will report to the Interim Director.

The DEI & Public Engagement Administrative Coordinator is responsible for carrying out these activities in a way that balances self-direction and working independently with seeking guidance and working as part of a collaborative team. In performing the work of this position it is vital that the DEI & Public Engagement Administrative Coordinator develop and maintain collegial relationships with colleagues in other administrative units within CLA who are partners in advancing ODEI's mission. It is also vital that the person hired for this position have a deep understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion, particularly within a higher education institution.

This position will allow some hybrid work, with an expectation of being in the office at least two to three days per week most weeks. Additionally, this position may also require scheduled work after hours to support ODEI meetings and events.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

Public Engagement and DEI Project Coordination (60%)
The DEI & Public Engagement Administrative Coordinator is responsible for coordinating and executing a number of projects that support the work of the Interim Director. This includes the following responsibilities:
Develop, collect, and curate ODEI web and intranet content focused on DEI resources, progress, and opportunities, including curating a periodic list of CLA DEI initiatives to be included on the CLA website; work with CLA communications colleagues to update CLA diversity website content as needed; make changes to ODEI intranet site as needed
Collect and curate current information and generate ideas regarding public engagement for the ODEI monthly newsletter
Curate, collect, and coordinate gathering information about various CLA public engagement initiatives and resources as needed and collaborate with CLA communication colleagues to update website content as needed
Provide organizational support for Courageous Conversations About Race Book Studies, including recruiting co-facilitators, working with units to determine the optimal book study schedule, scheduling meetings for facilitation teams, tracking payments as relevant, and updating slide decks for each book study as needed
Schedule and assist with agenda development for periodic meetings with CLA staff who coordinate public engagement work within their departments
Perform routine outreach to faculty and staff to encourage the inclusion of CLA public engagement initiatives in the University's public engagement database; work with faculty and staff in collaboration with the Interim Director to streamline the submission process for public engagement initiatives within CLA
With oversight from the Interim Director, manage the implementation of voting and civic engagement initiatives, including coordination with partners in other CLA offices, as well as other University and external partners
Collaborate with the Minnesota Historical Society to support State History Day, including assisting with mentor and judge recruitment, organizing CLA Parent and Family Lounge during State History Day, and scheduling meetings with key State History Day internal and external partners as directed
Conduct best-practice research on peer institutions as well as within the University regarding DEI and public engagement to advance strategic DEI and/or public engagement initiatives

ODEI Initiatives Administrative Support (30%)
Provide administrative and technical support, planning, and execution assistance, as well as DEI content expertise (when appropriate) to education and training initiatives, such as Inclusive YoU, as well as other ODEI-sponsored events, such as Semi-Annual DEI Gatherings and focus groups. Support could include scheduling, drafting, and sending invitations, creating or updating agendas and slide decks, providing tech support, reserving rooms, ordering food, taking notes, as well as co-facilitation if appropriate.
Provide program development assistance by partnering with ODEI senior leaders to develop college-wide programmatic offerings intended to create a more inclusive climate across the college.
Support new ODEI initiatives as needed, which can include drafting web content and/or promotional materials, as well as other tasks as assigned
Provide staff support to CLA Equity Lens Policy Review Committee, including assisting with the recruitment of new members, scheduling meetings, and tracking the work of the Committee
Provide staff support for various ODEI workgroups and committees including scheduling meetings, updating agendas, managing communication with members, taking notes, and related tasks
Develop and maintain relationships with ODEI partners inside and outside of CLA and the University through ongoing communication, relationship building, and identifying opportunities for ODEI to advance its work
Represent ODEI at various events on or off campus to provide information about the unit's work and resources

ODEI Office Administrative Support (10%)
Manage scheduling for the Interim Director and ODEI leadership as needed
Manage ODEI's calendar of events and activities
Draft and send correspondence on behalf of the Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion as needed
Manage ODEI's email and google drives
Create spreadsheets and maintain project and office files
Work with the Office of Institutional Advancement, which shares office space with ODEI, on general office management issues
Order supplies as needed
Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:
BA/BS or a combination of related education and work experience related to diversity, equity, and inclusion and/or public engagement/community engagement to equal 4 years
Demonstrated commitment to or strong engagement with DEI frameworks
Demonstrated ability to engage respectfully with diverse audiences and to communicate effectively and develop inclusive and culturally responsive working relationships with people from diverse backgrounds, including Black and Indigenous people and people of color
Evidence of a commitment to continuing education and skill development focused on advancing DEI competencies
Demonstrated ability to prioritize, multi-task, and deal with ambiguity
Demonstrated strong verbal, written, communication, and organizational skills.
Demonstrated experience simultaneously handling multiple duties/projects with competing priorities, and ability to work both independently and as a member of the team
Demonstrated experience planning, organizing, and directing projects
Demonstrated experience handling and maintaining confidential information
Demonstrated experience building collegial relationships with colleagues

Preferred qualifications:
Master's Degree in Liberal Arts, Education, Human Resources, Organizational Leadership, or DEI-related field
Experience supporting, planning, or implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, particularly within a higher education context
Experience managing or assisting with projects involving multiple stakeholders
Understanding of reciprocal community engagement
Demonstrated experience handling internal unit/department communications, such as managing list-servs or distribution lists and membership databases; and preparing messages or content of communications.
Knowledge and experience with Microsoft Word, Gmail, Google Drive or similar applications.
Advanced and successful problem-solving skills

About the Department

The Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI) is charged with providing leadership, coordination, and accountability within and across the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Minnesota and its units regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion. The office provides leadership and support on matters of racial equity and justice including internal culture and climate; recruitment and retention of faculty, staff, and students; action steps to reduce student equity gaps; and the application of a rigorous equity lens on our policies, procedures, and practices.
The Liberal Arts Engagement Hub and coordination of CLA's efforts to advance public engagement have been strategically embedded within ODEI in order to take advantage of significant synergies related to public engagement, the Liberal Arts Engagement Hub and issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

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 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

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

How To Apply

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 that explains their interest in the position and summarizes how they meet the required qualifications.

Application review will begin on September 20th, 2024.

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.

Diversity

Are you excited about this job and meet the required qualifications, but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every preferred qualification? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. If this is you, we strongly encourage you to apply because you just may be the right candidate for this role.

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).