Senior Administrative Officer

The Senior Administrative Officer (SAO) is a critical member of the Vice President for Equity and Diversity's team who works collaboratively to drive, facilitate and support strategic projects, directives and initiatives. The SAO provides strategic advice and counsel, possesses a high level of integrity, and demonstrates discretion in sensitive and confidential matters. This position will report directly to the Vice President and in partnership with the Deputy to the Vice President and other unit senior leaders. By working directly with the Vice President and other members of OED's senior leadership team and constituents the SAO strives to advance the priorities of the Office for Equity and Diversity (OED) and the mission of the University of Minnesota.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Advisor and Counsel to the Vice President - 50%
* Assist and serve the Vice President in support of the full complement of responsibilities and commitments for the Office for Equity and Diversity, including coordination of the Vice President's agenda and ensuring that systemwide DIJE directives and initiatives are effectively carried out
* Oversee the design and implementation of the OED's strategic priorities, mission, and vision and ensure that they are aligned with the University of Minnesota's current and future strategic plans and ensure timely and effective execution of all related metrics and outcomes
* Ensure that all vice presidential directives and OED initiatives and goals are effectively communicated, integrated, executed and measured
* Assist in ensuring that the OEDVP's meetings are effective with realistic objectives, appropriate preparation, and that the OEDVP is well-prepared. Monitor progress and achievement of next steps after meetings.

Communications and Research::
* Draft presentations, speeches, and other communications to internal and external stakeholders, including the Board of Regents
* Field, prioritize, and respond to requests to the Vice President from academic units and administrative offices.
* Collect and analyze data, information, and stakeholder input to inform decision-making, solve problems, and make recommendations

Administrative & Operations Leadership - 40%
* Serve as a liaison with OED senior leaders, faculty, staff, students and multiple and diverse internal and external constituencies
* Advise the Vice President on a wide variety of high level, administrative issues, including policy development and the effective utilization of human, fiscal and physical resources
* Participate on a wide variety of internal and external committees on the vice president's behalf
* Directly support the Vice President as needed, including drafting briefing memos, charge letters, and policy documents, attending and staffing meetings with the Vice President, and arranging events to further the Vice President's agenda and strategic priorities
* Create a review process for office-wide policies and lead work teams to review and update content or create new policies.

* Lead the consultative process with administrative and collegiate staff, governance bodies, and other offices and individuals on complex DEI related policy issues and initiatives
* Build and nurture relationships to serve as a resource and point of contact for the university administrators, faculty, staff, students, and other key constituents to resolve complex issues and help move forward strategic priorities.
* Assume additional responsibilities or duties as assigned by the Vice President

Direct Strategic Initiatives - 10%
* Support the development of new initiatives and realignment of existing programs through oversight and management of processes and systems. Strategically facilitate and engage faculty in staff-driven initiatives.
* Direct the Bias Response and Referral Network (BRRN), including leading program administration and providing oversight of the BRRN Staff Leads

Required
* BA/BS and at least 15 years of experience
* Strong and extensive track record of promoting and advancing equity, diversity and inclusion
* Substantial experience in responsible administrative positions demonstrating excellent organizational and managerial abilities and effective leadership
* Strong commitment to collaboration, consultation and shared governance
* Extensive experience working in a complex, decentralized higher education environment
* Exceptional interpersonal, oral and written communication skills
* Able to balance competing demands, priorities, and needs of multiple stakeholders
* Ability to work collaboratively with multiple, diverse constituencies
* Able to work well both independently and as part of a team
* Effective in developing strong relationships and effective partnerships
* Demonstrates exceptional judgment, discretion, confidentiality, integrity and flexibility

Preferred:
* Advanced or terminal degree
* Experience with strategic planning and knowledge of strategic management concepts, business practices, and principles, as well as change management
* Experience in an advisory role reporting to a senior leader

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also 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
• 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)
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Please visit the for more information regarding benefits.

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.

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:

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).