Administrative Support Specialist

This position supports the Dean's Office and Student Services/TRIO Programs in the College of Education and
Human Development. The position provides critical support for administrative units within the college. This
position reports to the Administrative Manager.

The University of Minnesota encourages a healthy work life balance for employees. CEHD is committed to
excellent employee experience, offering a flexible work environment that meets the needs of students, staff,
faculty, and the communities we serve. This position is hybrid, with three on-campus days required with some
other required days in person, as needed.

This position is represented by the AFSCME Clerical Union, Local 3800. The workdays and hours are M-F,
8:00-4:30. No overtime or consecutive Sunday work required. The work location is on the Minneapolis campus (Education Sciences Building and Burton Hall). The
minimum starting pay for this position is $50,000 annually. Final salary offers are dependent on
the candidate's experience, skills, and internal equity within the college.

Bargaining unit consideration begins on July 24, 2026 and ends on July 31, 2026.

This position is primarily in person, with the opportunity for occasional remote work based on the operational needs of the college.

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

Skills and Competencies of a Successful Candidate:

• Service-oriented with excellent customer service skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritize, organize, multitask, and execute in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work independently to initiate and implement tasks and proactively solve problems.
• Ability to hire, train, and supervise a staff of 5-6 student workers.
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Maintain a high level of accountability and confidentiality.
• Embrace and advance diversity, equity and inclusion.

Job Responsibilities:

Administrative Support and Office Management (30%)

• Oversee the Student Services administrative office and public spaces. Maintain a welcoming and
  inclusive environment for all students, staff, faculty, and department guests.
• Supervise 5-6 student workers in Student Services. Hire and onboard new staff as needed.
• Maintain knowledge of collegiate departments, programs and centers, policies, and processes to
  effectively triage and respond to inquiries.
• Monitor inventory and order office supplies for Student Services and TRIO Programs public spaces
  and meeting rooms. Keep all spaces organized and tidy.
• Oversee information technology and facilities requests as needed; maintain office key inventory.
• Provide support with calendar management, coordinate meetings and events (Fall and Spring
  Assemblies, Block Party, Commencement, etc.), conference room and space reservations for
  assigned administrative units.
• Serve on 4 departmental and collegiate committees with varying responsibilities.
• Oversee Student Services website and SKY (intranet) updates.
• Support special projects and assignments as requested.
• Maintain effective organization and documentation of office processes and procedures.

Human Resources Support (25%)

• Serve as HR liaison between assigned administrative units and CEHD Human Resources Office.
  Attend monthly HR liaison meetings to stay up to date on current HR policies, processes, and
  changes.
• Maintain and implement a working knowledge of CEHD and University HR policies and
  practices, and escalate issues to CEHD HR, as needed.
• Submit appointment data (hiring, comp changes, terminations, leaves, etc.) and Persons of Interest
  requests for assigned units to a central operations center via the TDX ticketing system to ensure
  accurate information and compliance with University and CEHD policies.
• Maintain position management for the assigned administrative units, working with the Administrative
  Directors and CEHD HR to create and make changes to positions.
• Check bi-weekly payroll pre-confirmation reports and other routine payroll exception reports to resolve
  ahead of biweekly payroll close. Communicate with employees about issues as needed.
• Serve as a resource for employees and students regarding payroll, time/absence, and general
  human resource related issues and questions. Escalate questions to the appropriate department
  head and CEHD HR team member on complex questions or policy interpretations.

Financial Services Coordination (45%)

• Set-up suppliers and professional/consulting services contracts via the TDX ticketing system and
  communicate with the Financial Services Office/Procurement Specialist regarding set-up and
  contract statuses.
• Initiate, monitor, and document administrative unit purchases and monthly bills (for capital/non-capital
  items) using UMarket, University purchasing card, invoice payment, or purchase order.
• Manage the external sales process for the administrative units, including initiating contracts, assisting
  with budget creation, routing contracts for signature, tracking projects, and billing according to the
  contract schedule.
• Research, troubleshoot, and resolve payment, reimbursement, and billing issues. Proactively
  communicate with vendors, employees, and customers for resolution.
• Travel support as needed to include conference registration, purchase of flights, hotel reservations, and
  reimbursements.
• Maintain understanding and effectively utilize the chart of accounts, including appropriate fund,
  program/project, account, and other chartfields to accurately record transactions.

Required:
(Education/ experience must match job class specs)

• High School Diploma/GED and four years of related office and administrative experience.
• Training/education may be substituted for some of the years of experience.
• Experience using Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, Zoom, and electronic
  calendaring/scheduling systems.
• Experience working with individuals with diverse identities and underrepresented communities.

Preferred:

• Excellent customer-focus and a courteous, professional, and welcoming manner.
• Experience supervising staff.
• Attention to detail, strong organization skills, and effective problem solving.
• Interpersonal skills necessary to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Experience making travel arrangements and planning events.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Evidence of self-initiative and ability to effectively manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience working in an office/administrative environment at the University of Minnesota or
  another higher education institution.

The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), the University's third largest college, contributes to a just and sustainable future through engagement with the local and global communities to enhance human learning and development at all stages of life. We know diversity is necessary to do our best work and foster our humanity. That's why the CEHD community is collectively dedicated to cultivating an inclusive and equitable environment, embracing and celebrating all identities of our students, staff, and faculty. These values are also a moral imperative requiring continuous proactive measures and a firm stance against prejudice, discrimination, and systemic injustice.

Pay Range: $50,000-$60,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & 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.

Required application materials: 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 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.