MPC Job Opening: HR & Operations Manager

Requisition 195700
The Minnesota Population Center (MPC) is a University-wide center that provides a vibrant and highly
collaborative interdisciplinary environment for population researchers from many disciplinary
backgrounds (www.pop.umn.edu). MPC’s HR & Operations Manager has responsibility for human
resources, payroll, and administrative and operational support for approximately 170 employees located in
four offices.

You will function as a member of the MPC Administrative Core, working closely with other Admin team
members. You also will have frequent contact with principal investigators, senior staff, and managers.
Administrative personnel at the MPC must excel within a diverse team environment and must be
comfortable providing service to MPC affiliates and researchers from all over the world.

Responsibilities
You will play a key role at the MPC with responsibility for the following areas:
1. Managing three full-time employees who handle payroll and leave entry, HR transaction processing,
student personnel coordination, program planning and support, facilities, space and equipment
management, front desk coordination, and capital projects.
2. Providing oversight for the center’s HR processes and procedures and serving as in-house consultant
for employees and managers. This includes developing and communicating MPC Human Resources
policies and procedures; ensuring adherence to University policies and federal and state laws and
regulations; overseeing the performance management process and annual reviews; overseeing
appointments for all employee groups; advising MPC director and associate director on organizational
structure and new initiatives; analyzing employee compensation and classification and preparing
requests for increases and adjustments; advising managers on disciplinary issues and performance
improvement plans; providing coaching and development assistance to supervisors and employees;
recommending training; maintaining employee and supervisor resources content on MPC’s internal
website; facilitating annual merit increase process; and coordinating MPC Professional Development
Committee.
3. Directing MPC recruitment and hiring (P/A, Civil Service, Bargaining Unit, Post-doctoral Associates,
Graduate and Undergraduate Assistants, Population Studies Faculty). This includes developing or
modifying job descriptions; analyzing job classes and recommending appropriate classifications;
advising search committees; posting jobs and disseminating information on openings actively through
a variety of networks; conducting applicant screening and monitoring pool composition; monitoring
hiring goals and coordinating EOAA documentation; writing offer letters and determining appropriate
compensation levels; providing candidates with resources on benefits, housing, etc.; overseeing new
hire processing and orientation; preparing visa applications through ISSS for new international
employees and visitors; and developing guidelines and tools to support supervisors in the hiring
process.
4. Serving as MPC payroll/leave authority and designated employee benefits contact. This includes
overseeing staff responsible for biweekly payroll and leave entry; providing benefits information to
employees and managers and consulting with individuals on specific benefits questions; advising
employees and managers on leaves of absence; coordinating with other departments and central
Payroll on special issues; consulting with accountants on preparation and processing of distribution
changes and historical salary adjustments; monitoring MPC salary and support commitments to senior
staff and affiliated faculty; and, preparing payroll reports and compensation projections as needed.

Qualifications
The minimum requirements are a bachelor’s degree in human resources or related fields with five to seven
years of experience; or a combination of related education and work experience to equal nine years.
Experience must include prior supervisory responsibilities.

Additional selection criteria include: PHR or SPHR certification. Demonstrated excellent written and oral
communication skills. Demonstrated excellent interpersonal skills. Experience with PeopleSoft Human
Resource Management System. Proven knowledge of University policies and procedures relating to
human resources and operations. Demonstrated ability to organize work, manage priorities, and meet
deadlines.

Application Procedures
Please apply using the University of Minnesota’s online employment system (http://z.umn.edu/rn4). Attach a
cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references to your online application. Your
cover letter is a great opportunity for you to explain your interest in our position opening and to highlight your
relevant skills and abilities. The search committee will begin its review of applications immediately upon
receipt; the position will remain open until filled.

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.