Departmental Project Administrator

The Department of Horticultural Science seeks a Departmental Project Administrator, a full time, 100% time hourly position with the following job duties:

Job Duties

35% Communications and Advancement

• Execute an established communications strategy to enhance donor relations, departmental reputation, and recruiting efforts for various stakeholder audiences * Update, maintain, and improve departmental websites
• Manage social media strategy and accounts such as Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc. * Serve as liaison with the partner departments and offices to coordinate the release of news stories and events to increase reach to various communications media * Maintain donor and constituent database
• Create and curate content (written, photo, video) and news releases to support the department
• Assist in the design, and development of educational and outreach materials that support the Department's teaching, research, and outreach mission. This includes, but is not limited to, fact sheets, handbooks, videos, presentations, specialized and/or technical materials for marketing publications, and/or public or internal relations that incorporate both written and graphic work, and may utilize multiple media methods.
• Support communications and engagement related to donor stewardship and cultivation
• Represent the department on committees involving communications, stakeholders, donors, alumni, and engagement
• Manage internal communications, listserv design, and management, employee and student newsletters
• Manage departmental intranet site; design communications strategies to support departmental operations
• Engage with University colleges and departments on best practices, internal process development, and opportunities for collaboration. Create opportunities for additional engagement and relationship building.
• Contribute to the drafting of communication materials for a variety of audiences. Ensure all communications meet brand standards

15% Event Management

• Departmental seminar committee support and seminar logistics including guest speaker itineraries and accommodations, seminar setup, and webinar assistance. * Coordinate events including logistics and oversight of planning committees * Plan and strategize events that build departmental culture
• Organize yearly departmental retreat

30% Administrative Project Management & Facilities Support

• Support departmental operations as assigned such as:
  • Responsible for mailings and special Departmental projects involving shipping and receiving and the department's FedEx
  • Conduct inventory and order supplies for front office and administrative activities
  • Serve as a backup for parking validation
  • Assist members of the department with room scheduling, as needed. Organize and lead project meetings, ensuring effective communication and documentation of key decisions
• Facilities Support
  • Primary contact for all facilities-related requests, issues, and needs Manage biannual space use audits and related reporting requirements Manage key database, requests, and issuance

20% Support for Barnes Lab (8 hours a week) - Work is closely related to Administrative Project Management and Communications

• Assist in the setup, coordination, planning, editing and organization of research grant proposals and their administration.
• Monitor project progress and organize and lead project meetings, ensuring effective communication and documentation of key decisions.
• Develop processes, procedures, and organizational structures to facilitate efficiency and effectiveness in the previously described tasks.
• Contribute to the drafting of outreach materials (e.g. blog and social media posts) to communicate the work of the lab to outside audiences

Work Schedule

• On Campus M-Th; 8:00 - 4:30; remote Fridays

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS degree or a combination of related education and work experience to total four years.
• Experience working in an office setting
• Experience working in higher education or an academic setting
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with an ability to work collaboratively with diverse audiences
• Proficient with Microsoft and Google suites, with the drive to learn new systems as needed
• Demonstrated experience effectively working independently and as part of a team

Preferred Qualifications

• Interest in photography
• Interest in graphic design (Adobe Creative Suite, Canva)
• Knowledge of social media platforms (LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter)
• Knowledge of horticulture or a related field and personal interest in plants. Experience communicating scientific topics to a variety of audiences
• Cover letters are strongly preferred when applying for this position.

Pay Range: $25.50 - $28.00 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 100% Appointment, 12 month

Position Type: Civil-Service

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

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.

A cover letter with your application is strongly encouraged.

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.

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).