Student Success Associate

This position is expected to work on-campus in 511 Bruininks Hall on the East Bank. Remote work days may be available as the position continues.

The Student Success Associate manages comprehensive administrative and programmatic functions for the Student Success Unit within the Office of Undergraduate Education (OUE). The OUE Student Success Unit includes student services reporting to the Associate Vice Provost for Student Success, including the Center for Academic Planning & Exploration (CAPE), Central Advising Initiatives, Tutoring & Academic Success Center (TASC), President's Emerging Scholars (PES), the First-Gen Student Success Center, Transfer Initiatives, and Orientation & Transition Experiences (OTE). This position reports to the Operations Manager of OUE Student Success.
This position is responsible for coordinating and managing general operations, including event planning and overall coordination of activities and services. The Student Success Associate specifically supports shared services housed in 511 Bruininks Hall and overall unit activities. Key responsibilities include coordinating logistics for campus-wide training and programs, coordinating committees, performing project management, overseeing daily HR and purchasing tasks, managing front desk operations and workflow, and supervising student employees.
The ideal candidate is an energetic and adaptable professional who thrives in a fast-paced and complex educational environment. Strong communication skills, initiative, flexibility, attention to detail, follow-through, and effective problem-solving abilities are essential for success in this role.

Responsibilities:

Event and Program Management (40%)
* Lead overall event management including leading operational planning, implementation, budget management, and event evaluation for the OUE Student Success units. Events include forums, retreats, trainings, committees, and professional development activities for student services and advising groups, as well as student-facing events.
* Coordinate logistics for events, including venue reservations (on- and off-campus), catering, technology support, RSVPs, setup, and materials preparation.
* Maintain accurate records and reports of event details to ensure compliance with University policies.
* Develop OUE event budget proposals and manage expenses. Project future event costs for next fiscal year budget planning.
* Manage vendor contracts for OUE Student Success events (e.g. space rentals, caterers, equipment rentals, printing). Negotiate with vendors and follow up if services provided do not fulfill contract terms.
* Evaluate and measure event success.

Office Operations & Supervision (25%)
* Develop and lead the implementation of new administrative initiatives, processes, and workflows to align with University policy and procedures for OUE Student Success units.
* Oversee front desk operations in 511 Bruininks Hall, ensuring a welcoming, student-centered, and service-oriented experience for all visitors.
* Hire, train, and supervise student office assistants as they provide front desk services.
* Coordinate front desk and floor-wide procedures and operations that promote high-quality customer service and efficient support.
* Lead student staff meetings, provide developmental coaching and feedback, and conduct performance reviews for student employees.
* Provide front desk coverage as needed while modeling excellent service and professionalism.
* Manage and recommend improvements for suite and building operations, including office space, security management, and emergency procedures

HR & Financial Operations (20%)
* Oversee administration and operational workflow of HR and finance processes for select Student Success units.
* Make and reconcile departmental purchases in compliance with University Policy.
* Maintain office supplies and procure necessary equipment for OUESS staff (e.g., technology, software, furniture, etc.).
* Streamline unit HR processes and implement effective and standardized HR workflow across Student Success units.
* Process HR requests and manage hiring workflow.

Additional Administrative Support (15%)
* Interpret complex instructions to facilitate a smooth and well-coordinated work environment. Anticipate conflicts and present potential solutions.
* Manage and update student records, process enrollment verifications, and ensure data accuracy.
* Perform calendaring and meeting support for Associate Vice Provost and key unit activities.
* Respond to inquiries and requests via phone, in-person, and email to internal and external stakeholders. Coordinate responses and consult with other staff on various concerns.
* Create and maintain central advising and student resources including webpages, training tools, and the advising events calendar and webpage
* Assist all OUE Student Success programs, as needed
* Perform other duties as assigned.

Required
* BA/BS or a combination of related education and work experience to equal four years
* Previous administrative or program coordination experience
* Computer experience required, including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Google tools
* Experience supporting calendaring schedules using electronic calendaring methods and tools
* Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team
* Possess a "students first" philosophy that supports and believes in the potential of all students
* Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills
* Experience planning and supporting events

Preferred
* One year of related experience working in a higher education setting
* Demonstrated cultural competency and ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
* Ability to be flexible, adaptable, creative, and collaborative
* Experience developing and implementing programming in a higher education environment
* Excellent written communication skills to include writing clearly, proofreading, and attention to detail
* Familiarity with U of M systems and processes
* Strong problem-solving skills and ability to take initiative when needed

Pay Range: $21.64 - $23.56; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 100% Appointment (If job description above does not specify appointment or expected weekly hours, assume a 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

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.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

Applicants should attach a cover letter, resume, and list of three references.

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).