MPC Job Opening: Program Associate
Requisition 196127
The Minnesota Population Center (MPC, www.pop.umn.edu) at the University of Minnesota has an
immediate opening for a professional to provide programmatic and operational coordination, primarily
in diversity/inclusion efforts and student staffing. The role requires frequent interaction with principal
investigators, project managers, and advisory boards, and contacts within central units and other
departments. The MPC is primarily funded by federal grants with many projects encompassing
international partners. Administrative personnel at the MPC must excel within a diverse team
environment and be comfortable providing service to MPC affiliates and researchers from all over the
world.
Responsibilities
Diversity Programs & Outreach 50%
Develops and implements a diversity/inclusion plan for MPC. Develops or suggests modifications to
policies, procedures and workflows. Oversees training on diversity and inclusion for MPC managers
and employees. Serves as in-house consultant on diversity efforts for specific sponsored projects and
for onsite events and seminars. Serves as MPC contact and resource for internal and external
accommodation requests. Collects data related to access and participation in MPC programs and
employment for analysis and reports. Maintains relationships with University Office of Equity and
Diversity staff as well as external diversity and inclusion expert network. Keeps abreast of current
trends and developments in the diversity and inclusion field. Serves on Dissemination, Outreach and
Training committee and participates in monthly planning session.
Student Personnel Coordination 50%
Consults with supervisors on student hiring needs and provides staffing coordination for graduate and
undergraduate student employment and professionals-in-training across MPC. Works with projects on
staffing planning and on-boarding of student assistants. Develops and maintains student job
descriptions. Prepares employment postings, schedules interviews, and prepares appointment letters.
Consults with student employees on their strengths and goals (including StrengthsFinder assessments)
and works with supervisors to provide appropriate development opportunities. Facilitates new
employee orientation sessions. Coordinates annual performance management process for students and
professionals-in-training. Develops and maintains departmental compensation structure for student
employees. Works with MPC faculty training director on spring research intern program. Coordinates
interns’ project assignments. Accesses HRMS and personnel documents to collect necessary data and
determine appropriate processing. Processes new employees for payroll start-up (I-9, W-4, payroll
documentation). Processes personnel actions. Communicates with central Office of Human Resources
staff and other departments as needed. Performs biweekly payroll and leave entry and serves as
secondary reviewer for biweekly payroll abstracts. Develops forms and templates. Maintains MPC
website with staff listings and employment postings.
Qualifications
Required: BA/BS degree and one year of program planning or related administrative experience or a
combination of education and relevant administrative experience to total five years.
Additional Selection Criteria include: Previous experience with diversity programs or initiatives.
Previous experience supervising student employees. Customer service experience working with
internal and external customers. Experience with PeopleSoft Human Resource Management System
and Enterprise Financial System. Knowledge of University policies and procedures relating to human
resources. Computer experience, including demonstrated facility/experience with Microsoft Office
applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Adobe Acrobat. Demonstrated ability to organize work,
manage priorities, and meet deadlines. Demonstrated ability to work with confidential or sensitive
information and to adhere to confidentiality requirements. Ability to work effectively within a diverse
team environment.
Application Procedures
Please apply using the University of Minnesota’s online employment system (http://z.umn.edu/s24).
Attach a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references to your online
application. 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. For more info, contact mpcjobs@umn.edu