Executive Assistant to the Dean

Bargaining unit consideration begins on 6/25/26 and ends on 7/2/26

Position Overview
This senior-level administrative support position is instrumental in providing seamless scheduling and coordination of the Dean's daily activities. A high degree of confidentiality, diplomacy and autonomy in judgment and decision-making ability is required as this person interacts with a variety of individuals including senior administrators, faculty, staff, students and external constituents.

This position has regular interaction with University senior administrators, collegiate administrators, faculty, staff, students, and external constituents. Operating with a high degree of independence in managing and resolving issues on behalf of leadership, often serving as the first point of triage for complex administrative needs. This position works in-person from the Dean's Office suite in Coffey Hall, reports to the Dean's Chief of Staff, and offers a unique opportunity to work at the center of a dynamic academic leadership team supporting research, teaching, and statewide impact across Minnesota.

Please note: Position is primarily in person, with occasional remote work opportunities. Monday - Friday, 8:30 - 4:30 pm, No overtime or weekends. 6-month limited term position

This position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

Job Responsibilities
Scheduling and itinerary coordination (60%)

• Full responsibility for electronic, complex scheduling of activities for the Dean; obtain and provide input to the scheduling of commitments; provide all pertinent background materials for appointments and meetings in an organized manner; anticipate needs well in advance of events, confirm dates, times, set-up arrangements, etc.; follow through on daily, monthly, and yearly commitments and events.
• Consult with the Chief of Staff to strategically position the Dean to participate in meetings, activities, and events connecting the strengths of the College to partners, resources and research information networks.
• Determine who best of the associate deans should represent the Dean when not available; provide background information and follow-up.
• Prioritize and route all incoming correspondence; provide background materials as appropriate; independently follow up on issues that do not require the Dean's direct attention.
• Compose correspondence on the dean's behalf (i.e. responses to requests, notes of appreciation, confirmations); independently research and draft responses to correspondence, as appropriate.
• Make travel arrangements; prepare all pertinent background materials for each trip in an organized manner,
• Develop and prepare administrative reports, as needed; gather and interpret data; report findings.

Other Administrative Support (40%)

• Provide administrative support to the dean's leadership team and committees including the CFANS Faculty and Consultative Committee (FCC).
• Work closely with the Dean and Chief of Staff in carrying out frequently changing additional administrative assignments and special projects.
• Serve as back-up office lead in coordinating day-to-day oversight of general office operations, such as: ordering office supplies, stocking the kitchen area, servicing of the copier and printers, etc.
• Contribute to shared general office planning and duties with the dean's office administrative support team.
• In partnership with the CFANS Facilities Manager, coordinate response to facility-related requests and needs on behalf of the Dean's Office.
• Provide back-up support for the Assoc Dean's calendar and travel coordination, as needed

**The employer reserves the right to change or assign other duties to this position**

Required Qualifications:

• High School Diploma/GED and at least four years of experience in responsible administrative positions or a combination of relevant administrative experience and education totaling at least five years
• Experience in composing communications to multiple internal and external audiences
• Experience in a position that requires maintaining a high level of confidentiality
• Experience in a customer service role
• Proven experience with administrative and data systems (e.g., Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, scheduling platforms, or similar tools)
• Evidence of ability to prioritize multiple tasks
• Experience in a position requiring decision-making and problem-solving
• Proven record of building positive working relationships

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree
• Work experience with the University of Minnesota or other comparable institutions
• Ability to demonstrate work experiences requiring diplomacy
• Demonstrated excellence in organizational and time-management skills
• Experience working as part of a team
• Experience in supporting executive level leaders or administration
• Supervisor experience leading students or volunteers
• Understanding of and commitment to the mission of a land-grant university
• Some understanding of agricultural, food, and environmental issues

Special/Physical Requirements:
This is primarily an office position. This position frequently presents information through vocal and written communication. The ability to express or exchange ideas vocally is important. Visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data and presentations. There are times when extensive viewing of a computer screen and reading are required as part of the position duties.

College Overview
The College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS) is composed of thirteen academic departments, ten research and outreach centers across Minnesota, plus the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, the Bell Museum, and dozens of interdisciplinary centers that span the college, the University, and the globe. CFANS offers fourteen undergraduate majors and thirteen graduate majors, three pre-major/pre-professional programs and more than twenty minors for undergraduate students. Undergraduate enrollment in the college is about two thousand students. CFANS students are well-prepared for a diverse, multicultural workforce through the college's emphasis on experiential, interdisciplinary, and intercultural learning; internships and global perspectives.

At CFANS, we aim to inspire minds, nourish people, and enhance the natural environment, and we believe that's only possible if everyone feels seen, heard and respected. Our college embraces equity and diversity and prioritizes purpose-driven scientific discovery in order for us to build a better tomorrow, together. We align with the University of Minnesota in providing 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.

Pay Range: $26.56 to $32.22 a hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: 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 have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a 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: 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 Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.