The University of Minnesota invites applications for the position of Associate Director for Public Engagement Initiatives in the Office for Public Engagement (OPE). This is a full-time, 12-month, annually renewable position (AK100, classification number 9335) in the University’s professional & administrative employment system.

Public Engagement is a partnership of university knowledge and resources with those of the public and private sectors to enrich scholarship, research, and creative activity; enhance curriculum, teaching  and learning; prepare educated, engaged citizens; strengthen democratic values and civic responsibility; address critical societal issues; and contribute to the public good.

The Office for Public Engagement (OPE) is a system-wide unit that works to advance the institutionalization of all forms of public and community engagement across the University’s research, teaching, and public service/outreach missions. As a unit within the Office of the Senior Vice President for System Academic Administration, OPE works with other campus-wide and University-wide units to make public engagement a visible and important strategy for accomplishing the University’s overarching goals and priorities.

The Associate Director works with the Associate Vice President for Public Engagement to facilitate, coordinate, and manage the development, planning, and implementation of a broad range of strategic initiatives designed to further the institutionalization of high quality community-based teaching, engaged research and scholarship, and community-partnered outreach across the five campuses of the University.

Specific responsibilities include:

1. Manage the daily operations of OPE on behalf of the Associate Vice President for Public Engagement and serve as the OPE representative at meetings, functions, and events as needed;

2. Manage and facilitate the implementation of key strategic initiatives including the Engaged Department Program, Presidential Community Service Awards, grants development, public engagement data management, Engagement Program Quality Reviews, Public Engagement Council, Engagement Zones, New Employee Orientation, Engagement Directors’ Retreat, among other key engagement initiatives;

3. In partnership with the System Academic Administration Communications Office, oversee the University’s public engagement communication activities, including the production of a periodic e-news brief (EngagingU), management of the public engagement website, and development of video presentations;

4. Serve as a liaison between the Office for Public Engagement and its University partners and collaborators;

5. Provide effective supervision of the professional and student staff at OPE and the International Center for Research on Community Engagement (ICRCE);

6. Develop and complete internal and external reports on public engagement, such as OPE’s contribution to the annual Accountable to U report to the Board of Regents;

7. Draft correspondence, talking points, and speeches for the Associate Vice President;

8. Participate actively in project meetings with staff, project participants, faculty, administrators, and community members (travel required, transportation provided);

9. Identify, propose, and design new initiatives to advance public engagement at the University and incorporate public engagement goals and activities into other key University initiatives including the urban agenda, international programs, equity and diversity, faculty development programs, and others.

Required Experience and Qualifications

1. Extensive knowledge of and experience with public engagement programming in the areas of community-engaged research, community-engaged teaching, and community-engaged outreach/service;
2. Strong supervisory, communication and facilitation skills;
3. Strong organizational skills and ability to multi-task and manage detailed work;
4. Ability to write technical reports and grant proposals;
5. Ability to work with a broad range of stakeholders and constituency groups including administrators, faculty, students, university staff, community partners, and other external constituents;
6. Excellent writing skills and ability to adapt writing and communication approaches to different audiences and constituents;
7. Masters degree required; Ph.D. or other terminal degree preferred;
8. Knowledge of higher education systems, cultures, policies, and procedures;
9. Facility with data management; knowledge of research processes and software (e.g., SPSS) preferred.

Application Procedure

Candidates must apply through the University’s online employment system at www.umn.edu/ohr/employment/. To access this position enter requisition number 174649. A completed application includes a resume, a letter explaining your interest in and qualifications for the position, and the names and contact numbers of three professional references. Writing samples may be required of those selected for interviews. A criminal background check will be required of the candidate to whom the position is offered.

This position will begin as soon as possible; applications will be reviewed beginning November 1 and continuing until the position is filled. Inquiries may be directed to Kathy Yaeger at 612-624-5841 or yaeger {at} umn(.)edu.

The University is an equal opportunity educator and employer.