Assistant Administrator

The Assistant Administrator provides key support for the daily operations of the Department of Gender, Women and Sexuality Studies in the College of Liberal Arts. The AA is responsible for supporting strategic planning, human resources, finances, and general operations, as well as supervising one full-time staff member and a team of student workers. This position works directly with faculty and students in addition to the administrative team.

The AA is part of a shared administrative team led by the department administrator and includes the Office Manager/Graduate Program Coordinator and student workers. Additionally, this position is tangentially a part of an administrative hub with the Department of Cultural Studies & Comparative Literature (CSCL) and the Department of Classical & Near Eastern Religions & Cultures (CNRC).

Location and Work environment: Hybrid work schedule of three days in office and two days from home, with additional in office days as needed for specific meetings/events/etc. Office location is Ford Hall on the Twin Cities East Bank.

Primary Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning and Operational Management (15%)

• Assist department administrator and chair with strategic planning, including operational budgeting, human resources, and space planning.
• Coordinate external and accreditation reviews.
• Attend faculty meetings and take minutes.
• Build collaborative relationships within GWSS, CLA, the university, and with external entities.
• Work with the chair to plan external communication strategies and priorities.
• Assist chair with development and implementation of policies and procedures.

HR, Payroll & Staff Supervision (30%)

• Supervise one labor-represented staff member and student workers.
• Coordinate searches, hiring process, onboarding, and training for staff and student workers.
• Oversee payroll for all employee groups (civil service, labor represented, P&A and faculty).
• Support all aspects of faculty searches, hiring and onboarding.
• In coordination with the department administrator, manage the promotion and tenure process, and the annual review process for faculty and P&A instructors.
• Organize and maintain all governance documents, affiliation agreements, and college level agreements.
• Serve as ex officio member of department committees.
• Produce and manage voting ballots as requested.
• Produce offer letters for graduate assistants and submit hiring TDX tickets.
• Advise graduate instructors and teaching assistants on human resources and employment-related policies and procedures, expectations and department practices.
• Prepare and process visa applications and extensions for international employees and visiting scholars.

Fiscal Oversight and Financial Preparer (40%)

• Serve as the primary source of information regarding department, college and University fiscal policies and procedures. Explain complex fiscal policies and procedures. Independently initiate inquiries and resolve problems when needed.
• Work with the accountant to monitor department accounts; advise the department Chair of trends and patterns.
• Track instructional funding, fellowships, travel awards, scholarships, etc. and ensure funding is efficiently spent.
• Analyze course enrollment and instructional cost reports to maximize instructional capacity and enrollments.
• The following tasks are in support of GWSS, CSCL and CNRC:
  • Provide department approval for expenditures following department, college, and University policies and procedures.
  • Initiate and carry-out requests for supplier payments, purchase orders, contracts for professional services, honoraria payments, etc.
  • Track and approve travel reimbursement requests
  • Be responsible for all department purchasing, including University Market (UMarket) orders and purchasing card (PCard) use.
  • Maintain departmental financial files as necessary.

General Office Support (15%)

• Serve as primary Department Facilities Representative and Key Coordinator.
• Coordinate data collection for reporting, internal and external surveys.
• Develop an annual calendar, set deadlines and priorities.
• Initiate, identify and manage projects.

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS or a combination of related education and work experience equal to four years
• Outstanding communication (oral and written), interpersonal, and organizational skills with keen attention to detail
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace applications and Adobe Acrobat

Preferred Qualifications

• Work experience in a higher education setting
• Previous supervisory experience
• Proven ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team
• Proven experience working with a broad range of people

The Department of Gender, Women & Sexuality Studies at the University of Minnesota promotes feminist scholarship, teaching, and programming that centers on the relationship between knowledge, power, and social justice. To learn more visit https://cla.umn.edu/gwss.

Pay Range: $24.00 - $29.00; 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 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.

Application Deadline: June 19th, 2026.

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.