CPEC Managing Director

The CPEC Managing Director is responsible for the day to day operations of the Center for Programmable Energy Catalysis (CPEC), which is a multimillion dollar center funded by the US Department of Energy (DOE) with institutional support from the University of Minnesota. This individual serves as lead staff and central administrator for the Center, acting within the policies and procedures of the Center, the University, and DOE policies, to achieve Center goals. The Managing Director serves as primary contact for the DOE, the CPEC Executive Committee, the Scientific and Industrial Advisory Board, the Department of Chemical Engineering & Materials Science, along with associated departments and the broad spectrum of Center participants. Responsibilities include Center-wide coordination of all center programs, financial management, budget preparation, supervision of CPEC student staff, grant proposal writing, reporting, and administration.

This is a full-time, in-person position with flexibility to work from home up to two days per week.

Primary responsibilities of the CPEC Managing Director:

Develop, recommend, and manage Center programs, policies, and strategic plans. (20%)

* Assure that Center programs conform to institutional and departmental goals, policies, and regulations.
* Establish and direct policies, methods, procedures, and work rules for Center administrative staff.
* In coordination with the Executive Committee, ensure Center's strategic plan and mission are executed to achieve Center goals.
* Develop short (one year) and long-term (5 and 10 year) strategic plans and budget estimates for Center's continued existence and growth.
* Provide critical indicators of programmatic outcomes and achievements to the funding agency in order to demonstrate Center's successes and effectiveness.
* Adapt to changing needs of funding agency to be able to continue to provide necessary metrics to demonstrate success.

Oversee day-to-day operations of the Center and annual budgets totaling about $3 million annually. (45%)

* Draft annual report and contribute to grant proposal writing for external funding (federal and industrial).
* Direct fiscal activities of the center, including oversight of budgeting, payroll appointments, expenditure and income forecasting, financial statements, continuation reports, and related correspondence.
* Supervise part-time undergraduate student staff members.
* Interview and recommend selection of new staff, conduct training, assign and schedule work, conduct annual performance evaluations, and recommend disciplinary actions.
* Facilitate intellectual property development (patents, technology licensing, etc.) with senior investigators, Technology Transfer offices at UMN and partner institutions, and industrial partners.
* Coordinate evaluation process of Center's broader impacts for continuous monitoring of Center's progress toward goals.

Serve as primary contact for the DOE, the Executive Committee, the Scientific and Industrial Advisory Board, Department of Chemical Engineering & Materials Science, other UMN departments, and the broad spectrum of Center participants and partners. (10%)

* Direct overall compliance with DOE reporting, which requires the center to both report on previous year's projects and request funding for next annual increment.
* Organize and participate in spring, fall, and ad hoc center meetings of the PIs and researchers with the advisory boards.
* Organize and participate in monthly meetings of the executive committee.
* Facilitate interactions between senior investigators and industrial sponsors.

Oversee Center communications. (20%)

* Help develop and maintain Center website and branding.
* Establish and maintain an internal database of Center demographics and activities.
* Manage Center's "cyberinfrastructure" to ensure that all Center members can readily communicate and foster collaborative relationships that are required by the funding agency.
* Coordinate video shoots and media relations within the Center and with the College of Science & Engineering.
* Oversee social media.
* Organize and host center-wide meetings (research presentations, administrative/outreach updates).
* Organize UMN visits from others interested in the center (academics, industry, or government representatives).

CEMS Department operations. (5%)
* Other duties as assigned.

The priority dealine for applications is December 15, 2025. The position will remain open until the position is filled.

Required Qualifications:
* Bachelor's degree
* At least six years of experience in a role of administrative responsibility
* Proven and effective time management and organizational skills
* Proven and effective written, verbal, and communication skills
* Ability to interact with and foster positive interactions between diverse external and internal stakeholders
* Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team
* Ability to travel overnight periodically

Preferred Qualifications:
* Master's degree
* Experience in higher education

The Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science (CEMS) at the University of Minnesota (UMN) is renowned for its pioneering scholarly work and its influence on graduate and undergraduate education extending over more than half a century. The Department has produced numerous legendary engineering scholars and current leaders in both academia and industry. In 1970, CEMS was the first to foster the far-reaching marriage of two disciplines - chemical engineering and materials science - in one integrated department, producing a unique and collaborative environment in which the natural synergies between the two fields could be realized. Pace-setting research and education programs now span nearly all branches of chemical and materials engineering.

Our vision in CEMS is to empower people and break scientific, technical, and socioeconomic boundaries through innovative research and education.

Our mission is to provide our students and the public with field-leading research, exceptional teaching, and exemplary service in an inclusive and collaborative community.

Please visit https://cse.umn.edu/cems

Pay Range: $90,000-$104,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A 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

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: 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 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).