Collaboration and Process Alignment Specialist (3 Year Position)

Job Title: Collaboration and Process Alignment Specialist (3-Year Position)

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

The University of Minnesota is committed to fostering local talent through employment opportunities. While this position utilizes a remote modality, prospective applicants must be located either in the state of Minnesota or near the Wisconsin border or otherwise open to relocation.

Position Summary
The Graduate School seeks a proactive and solutions-oriented Collaboration and Process Alignment Specialist to streamline administrative operations and digital tool usage across its offices. This three-year position will Identify and eliminate duplicative workflows, and guide units towards shared, sustainable, centrally supported tools.
This role will play a crucial part in the modernization of administrative infrastructure, and will enhance operational efficiency and improve service delivery. The Specialist will support coordinating administrative practices in response to the needs of our staff and university partners, contributing to the University's broader mission.

Responsibilities
Collaboration and Process Alignment Specialist Objectives (95%)

• Discover and Assess Systems: Create and conduct structured discovery across offices to identify, inventory, and analyze independently managed platforms, undocumented workflows, and duplicative digital tools (e.g., mailing list services, form builders, websites).
• Develop and Implement Alignment Strategies: Recommend and help execute strategies to consolidate redundant programs and shift units toward centrally supported solutions.
• Develop and Manage Feedback Systems: Design and implement a system for ongoing internal and external assessment, using tools like surveys and system notifications to gather timely feedback from Graduate School staff, graduate programs, and postdoctoral offices to enable rapid service improvements.
• Partner with Stakeholders: Build strong relationships with administrative staff to facilitate consensus on new standard practices, and act as a trusted partner between units and IT professionals.
• Ensure Sustainable Transitions: Create clear documentation, transition roadmaps, and handoff plans to ensure that new processes are maintainable by existing staff or central IT.
• Build Capacity and Support Change: Develop and deliver training materials and guidance to support staff through transitions and promote the adoption and effective use of new tools and processes.

Other duties as assigned to advance the mission of the Graduate School/U of M (5%)

• Participate in the University Community in support of the Graduate School and University mission, and substantively contribute to Graduate School team meetings.
• Serve on committees as suggested by the Vice Provost, or necessary to advance the work of the Graduate School and the University.
• Represent the Graduate School at local and national meetings to advance innovative practices in collaboration and technology utilization at the University.

Please Document all Qualifications on your Resume.

Required Qualifications:

• BA/BS plus at least two years of relevant business systems experience, or master's degree.
• 2+ years of experience in IT coordination, systems/process improvement, or change facilitation.
• A portfolio of at least 2-3 projects that includes the assessment of existing systems, the identification of redundancies, and the successful implementation of streamlined processes or new technology solutions.
• Demonstrated experience facilitating requirements gathering sessions and mediating discussions between stakeholder groups to define needs and achieve consensus.
• Experience working with digital tools such as Google Workspace, form builders, mailing list platforms, and content management systems.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Information Systems, Organizational Leadership, Business, Higher Education, or a related field; plus two years of relevant experience; or Master's degree in a relevant field (Information Systems, Organizational Leadership, Business, Higher Ed) plus 1 years of related experience.
• Experience in a higher education administrative setting.
• Experience designing and implementing surveys or other feedback mechanisms to inform process improvement.
• Familiarity with enterprise-supported IT tools and service models.
• Knowledge of documentation and governance best practices.
• Experience with project scoping, implementation, and transition planning.
• A systems thinker who can balance structure with flexibility.

Pay Range: $75,000 - $85,000, depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Professional & Administrative (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

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 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.

This position will remain open until filled. Please submit CV/Resume and Cover that aligns work and education with position needs.

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). #ZR