Director of Strategic Initiatives & Administration, UMN Extension

Working Title: Director of Strategic Initiatives and Administration

Classification: Administrative Director 1, Job Code 9341D1 (P&A)

Appointment: Full-time, Academic Administrative

Location: Coffey Hall, St. Paul Campus

Reports to: Dean of Extension

Salary range: $150,000-$200,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Apply By: May 11, 2025

University of Minnesota Extension seeks an experienced and highly collaborative leader to help shape Extension's next chapter. The Director of Strategic Initiatives and Administration will develop processes and systems to take advantage of new opportunities and/or address organizational challenges, and to strengthen collaborations and activities across Extension departments and units. The director will lead and manage complex initiatives in a consensus-building environment.

The person in this role provides the leadership and management necessary to ensure that Extension's systems and operations are aligned and progressing toward the college's strategic objectives. The director oversees five important units within Extension that cover internal, community, statewide, and global initiatives and works in close alignment with other academic and administrative unit leaders to ensure that educational programming is effectively supported. This position reports directly to the Dean of Extension and is part of the senior leadership team.

Extension Initiatives and Systems - 50%

• Analyze, develop, plan, implement and evaluate key strategic initiatives in Extension, in collaboration with college leadership and in alignment with the collegiate and University of Minnesota systemwide strategic plans. Develop execution plans and metrics for both plans.
• Manage and oversee internal systems and administrative functions in Extension, including occupancy, safety, and management of on-campus facilities.
• Serve as a liaison between Extension's academic departments, creating opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and ensuring alignment between educational programming and administrative support.
• Develop partnerships inside and outside the college that are relevant to operations and administration.
• Lead the implementation of new or revised administrative policies and systems, including the development and evaluation of necessary resources, training and tools.
• Develop a system for consistent Extension-wide decision-making about proposed services and activities, in the context of quality improvement, financial performance, operational efficiency and productivity.

Leadership and Supervision - 35%

• Lead and guide five teams to ensure timely and effective implementation of Extension-wide work.
• Develop and establish the direction, tactical plans and guidance of the assigned units/areas.
• Direct and supervise departmental staff, including setting performance standards and accountability
• Recruit, hire, develop, retain, and evaluate professional colleagues

Administration - 15%

• Oversee the dean's office administrative staff and collaborate with other Extension administrative units to ensure staffing and resources are effectively being used.
• Manage campus and associated space for Extension, including assigning offices and common spaces, upgrades and moves.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree plus 12 years of relevant experience to include:

• Progressively responsible leadership experiences requiring strategic planning and organizational problem solving
• Good understanding of the implications of decisions and actions on the organization outside of one's immediate areas of responsibility
• Four years of experience supervising non-student professionals
• Experience reviewing, analyzing and managing operational systems and functions
• Experience advising and making organizational improvement recommendations to senior leader
• Demonstrated project management experience and success
• Excellent verbal and written English communication skills
• Demonstrated experience working respectfully and effectively with individuals with diverse identities and with under-served groups
• Ability to influence and build relationships at all levels, lead through ambiguity and successfully execute with a strong sense of accountability during times of change
• Budget management experience
• Familiarity with University of Minnesota Extension or other Extension units
• Experience working in a higher-education environment including understanding trends, challenges, and opportunities facing higher education

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree; preferred field of study: education/organizational leadership; business administration; or strategic management.
• Demonstrated effectiveness at pivoting between strategic development and tactical deployment
• Experience in translating strategy to individual roles and responsibilities
• Exhibits technical and operational mastery of operational functions and systems that support educational programming
• Experience developing and implementing policies and practices
• Demonstrated success with continuous improvement
• Experience with academic technology tools
• Experience with facilities/space management

Additional Requirements:

• This is not a remote position, and the person hired must be able to work regularly at a dedicated/assigned Extension office.
• Valid driver's license and own means of transportation with required liability insurance. Ability to drive to events/meetings, and stay overnight on occasion. Reimbursement for travel and subsistence is available in accordance with University policy.
• When not in the assigned office location, employees must be reachable with a number that will be published in the Extension staff directory.
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including occasional evening or weekend work.
• This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

University of Minnesota Extension is a major outreach arm of the University of Minnesota with a mission to serve the public through applied research and education. Our mission is to make a difference by connecting community needs and University resources to address critical issues in Minnesota. Extension strives to attract and retain high-quality, passionate employees, and weave diversity, equity and inclusion into all aspects of Extension's programming and employee engagement. Find further information on the Extension website.

Pay Range: $150,000-$200,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 100% Appointment

Position Type: 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

Please note: This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click on the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position. The following attachments must be part of your online application:

• Cover letter
• Resume/Vitae

Contact information for three professional references and transcripts (unofficial transcripts are acceptable) will be required during the interview process.

Additional documents may be attached after the application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section. See full application instructions.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please email employ@umn.edu or call 612-624-UOHR (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.