Office Manager & Technical Assistant

The office manager and technical assistant coordinates and oversees a diverse array of office and administrative operations for the Language Center and the Institute of Linguistics, serves as the manager of central offices, coordinates the reservation process for all spaces and equipment, and supervises a team of undergraduate administrative and office staff. The position also provides general technology support for all the multi-user learning spaces across the Language Center, and a small number of spaces in Linguistics. This position reports to the administrator of the Language Center, but some of the work will be assigned or coordinated by the technical coordinator, the two unit directors, and other team leaders.

Responsibilities:

Space & Facilities Management 50%
Oversee daily operations for the Language Center main office, and reservable spaces on the first floor of Jones, including the lab/lounge and Zoom Rooms
Oversee the student-facing and reservable spaces for the Institute of Linguistics, including the student lounge and Zoom Rooms
Manage the room reservations system for approximately 10 spaces, as well as the checkout equipment reservation and circulation system
Serve as the primary supervisor of a team of approximately 6 undergraduate employees
Attend to email, walk-in, and phone inquiries
Assess current needs, and update operational procedures and training materials for undergraduate staff, and maintain documentation for offices
Provide administrative support for events
Other duties as assigned

Computer and AV Support 25%
Serve as an expert user of the multi-user computer and AV technology managed by the Language Center and the Institute of Linguistics
Update computers in the classrooms, lab/lounge, checkout laptops, and computers used by multiple staff
Respond to repair request tickets for all multi-user spaces
Maintain equipment in the checkout pools, including labeling and organizing equipment, adding to the checkout system, and training staff on using equipment
Assist with the installation and testing of new equipment, and help develop documentation for use
Other duties as assigned

Podcast Studio Support 25%
Assist with scheduling and conducting sound recordings in the podcast studio
Provide administrative support during recordings
Manage audio files and backups
Assist with audio edits and podcast uploads
Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma/GED and two years of office administrative experience; Training/education may be substituted for some of the years of experience
• Experience learning a second language (English can serve as a second language)
• Experience working in a university setting
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Experience with spreadsheets and scheduling
• Computer experience required; Apple Products,Google Suite (mail, calendar, drive, etc.) and Zoom
• Cross-cultural communication experience, such as working with non-native English speakers

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supervising or training others
• Experience using conferencing equipment
• Experience with Asana or a similar program
• Experience with Canvas or a similar program
• Experience with audio and video recording
• Experience managing or supporting events

About the Department

The mission of the CLA Language Center is to advance second language, literature, culture, and linguistics education by providing leadership in integrating technology with instruction and learning in the College, the University, the state of Minnesota, and beyond.

Linguistics is the study of the human capacity for language. We foster research that bridges the gap between linguistics as a pure science and applications such as documentation and revitalization of endangered languages, language engineering, and language technology.

About the College of Liberal Arts

Home to the arts, social sciences and humanities disciplines and programs, the College of Liberal Arts is the largest college in the University of Minnesota and comprises 31 academic departments, and over 20 interdisciplinary research centers and administrative/support units. CLA has over 1,300 faculty and staff spanning research, teaching, advising, outreach, and administrative functions. CLA units reside in over twenty buildings on the East Bank and West Bank of the Twin Cities campus. CLA enrolls nearly 13,000 undergraduate students, over 40% of the undergraduate enrollment on the Twin Cities campus, 1,400 graduate students, and has an annual all-funds budget of $290 million.

CLA is a destination for curious, compassionate individuals who are committed to making our increasingly interdependent and diverse global community work for everyone. That foundational commitment begins in our CLA Constitution . CLA is committed to increasing enrollment of underrepresented and under-resourced students, diversifying our faculty across all disciplines, recruiting, and retaining a diverse staff, and promoting the expression and exploration of diverse perspectives and viewpoints-so that we all gain the background knowledge and analytical skills we need to understand and respect differences.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in CLA

Working in CLA

The Benefits of Working at the U

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 have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a 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.

Please submit a Resume/CV and Cover Letter. Please also include contact information for two References. They can be included as part of the Resume or Cover Letter or as a separate document.

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).