Global Program Specialist

Priority Deadline Note: June 1, 2026 and will take applications until filled.

Summary of Position

The Program Specialist is a collaborative partner to the Global Policy Area Chair and the Associate Director of the Humphrey Fellowship Program in designing, developing, and implementing for two related global programs at the University of Minnesota's Humphrey School of Public Affairs: (1) the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program (the "Fellows Program"); (2) the Humphrey School's Global Policy Area.

The Program Specialist is expected to bring initiative, creative thinking, and substantive judgment to the design of programs, events, communications, and student-facing activities. This role goes beyond coordination and execution. They will work collaboratively with the Area Chair and the Associate Director to identify priorities, propose and shape new initiatives, assess what is working, and help build the Global Policy Area's identity and community over time. The successful candidate will be comfortable operating with significant independence while also knowing when to seek guidance from those in other areas of the school and university, as well as their supervisors.

The Program Specialist is supervised by the Associate Director of the Fellows Program, Emily Opara. They will receive additional direction and guidance from the chair of the Global Policy Area, Brigitte Seim, and the Global Policy Senior Fellow, Arshad Mohammed. The Program / Project Specialist is expected to work in person at the Humphrey School 60% of their time (3 days per week).

The role involves four core areas of responsibility: program co-design and development; meeting and event leadership; strategic communications; and direct support to program participants.

Hybrid 3 days in the office

Visa Language: Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

Key Responsibilities

Program Co-Design and Development (30%)

• Collaborates with the Area Chair and Associate Director to identify, propose, and develop new initiatives, including community-building activities, speaker events, cross-unit and cross-area partnerships, and external engagement opportunities.
• Leads the development of the Global Policy Area's annual program plan, including a two-semester calendar of events and activities, in consultation with the Area Chair.
• Investigates models and best practices from peer programs; brings concrete proposals to the Area Chair and Associate Director for discussion and refinement.
• Conducts periodic assessments of programs and events - including surveys of students and fellows, analysis of participation data, and informal feedback - and synthesizes findings into recommendations for programmatic improvement.
• Helps identify and cultivate relationships with external partners (e.g., Global Minnesota, CFR Minnesota, Stimson Center) in support of program goals.
• Anticipates and prepares materials for faculty meetings, including agendas, summaries of program priorities, reports on program status, and draft proposals for new initiatives.

Meeting and Event Leadership (25%)

• Partners with the Area Chair, Senior Fellow, and Associate Director in shaping the purpose, format, and content of events - including the Global Get-Together, the Humphrey Global Speakers Series, and the Humphrey Fellowship retreats and seminars.
• Independently leads event logistics: scheduling speakers; identifying additional engagements or activities for visiting speakers (e.g., career lunches with students; tourism activities); reaching out to the UMN bookstore to staff and sell speakers' books; securing spaces; managing registrations; arranging catering; ensuring accessibility; coordinating technology; and overseeing setup, breakdown, and follow-up.
• Manages contracts and payments with vendors and service providers, including honoraria and speakers releases for guest speakers.
• Arranges transport, accommodations, and itineraries for Fellows' retreats and off-site program events.
• Collects data on event attendance and analyzes data to distill patterns and suggest avenues for refinement in future events.
• Maintains the Global Policy calendar and the Humphrey Fellowship events calendar, ensuring accuracy and advance notice.

Strategic Communications (25%)

• Co-develops a communications strategy for the Global Policy Area and the Humphrey Fellowship Program, including goals, target audiences, cadence, and channels (newsletter, website, LinkedIn, and other social media).
• Designs, writes, edits, and distributes the Global Policy Area newsletter, ensuring it reflects the area's priorities and voice; drafts for Area Chair review before distribution.
• Manages the Humphrey Fellowship Program's social media channels and website, creating content that reflects program values and highlights fellows' experiences.
• Designs and distributes a weekly email digest for Humphrey Fellowship participants.
• Creates promotional materials for events and programs, tailored to specific audiences.
• Identifies opportunities to raise the profile of the Global Policy Area, including through alumni engagement, media outreach, and cross-posting with partner organizations.
• Responds to inquiries from prospective students, current students, and external stakeholders about the programs.
• Liaises with Humphrey School Admissions to provide informational materials about Global Policy at the Humphrey School and attend prospective student events.

Direct Support to Program Participants (15%)

• Serves as a point of contact for Humphrey Fellows, providing guidance on administrative procedures, logistical matters, and University resources.
• Helps identify community engagement opportunities for Fellows.
• Supports Global Policy students with information about concentration requirements, courses, and career resources, in coordination with the Area Chair.
• Proactively updates and maintains a list of Global Policy faculty, students, and courses.
• Creates and administers surveys for Fellows, students, alumni, and Global faculty; analyzes responses; brings findings and suggested responses to the Area Chair and Associate Director.

General Administrative Support (5%)

• Manages files, records, databases, and listservs for both programs.
• Processes invoices, expenses, and honoraria; identifies improvements to financial tracking.
• Maintains the Fellows' lounge in the Humphrey School and liaises with facilities management.
• Provides administrative support to visiting international scholars by working with Humphrey School faculty and the Associate Dean to secure desk space, supplies, and other resources.
• Other duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to communicate orally is important.
• Regular use of the telephone and e-mail for communication is essential.
• Standing, sitting, bending, moving objects (e.g., setting up tables and chairs in meeting rooms), and lifting (up to 20 lbs.) may be common.
• Good manual dexterity for the use of common office equipment such as computer, calculator, and copiers is required.

Required Qualifications

• High School diploma/GED.
• Five years of experience in an administrative/office setting; training/education may be substituted for some years of experience.
• Demonstrated interest in public policy, public administration, and global affairs.
• Computer experience to include: website maintenance and content creation; social media engagement; Google Applications, and Microsoft Office suite.
• Experience with coordinating events and handling teleconferencing technology.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including drafting, proofing, and editing correspondence.
• Experience with project management, including independently managing multiple administrative projects, performing complex, detail-oriented tasks, flexibly responding to unexpected requests, and setting priorities.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work effectively in teams and interact with individuals who are diverse in race/ethnicity/language, age, geography, political affiliation, country of origin, and more.
• Valid driver's license and access to regular use of a reliable vehicle for delivery and set-up of Program materials at events.
• Available to work during occasional non-standard work hours, especially in August.

Preferred Qualifications

• BA/BS in a related field.
• Experience with Emburse, CSS, Google Apps Script, Adobe Creative Cloud, Qualtrics, and Salesforce.

The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program brings accomplished mid-career professionals from designated countries undergoing development or political transition to the US for an academic year for educational, professional, and cultural enrichment and exchange. The Humphrey School hosts cohorts of about a dozen Fellows each year, who are professionals specialized in public policy analysis, public administration, human rights, and law.

The Global Policy Area supports and coordinates teaching, research, and public participation in global policy at the Humphrey School. This area involves approximately 15 faculty, 80 students, 20 courses, and 10 events every year.

Pay Range: $52,000 - $60,000 per year; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented 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

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

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.

Required application materials: Resume and Cover Letter

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. 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.

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