Administrative Associate 3

The Associate Director is responsible for the administration of the Carlson Funds Enterprise (CFE) program. The Associate Director must be able to adapt to market changes, client needs, and student requests in a very timely manner. They lead the strategic initiation and integration of operations (finance, human resources, administration) for the Funds Enterprise. They develop the curricular structure of the Funds Enterprise and implementation of this curriculum, based on best practices in educational research and working in collaboration with the Managing Director and other stakeholders within the university. They facilitate strategic alignment of the goals of the Funds Enterprise with its corporate partners and Funds clients, which includes initiating new engagement with corporate stakeholders and deepening existing involvement of corporate stakeholders, the Funds Advisory Board, and mentor network with the Funds Enterprise. The employee acts as a key liaison between the academic director and the business community and is responsible for all CFE communications, technology and facility needs.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Business Operations (35%)

• Leads the strategic initiation and integration of operations (finance, human resources, administration) for the Funds Enterprise, working in collaboration with the Finance Academic Department and CSOM finance, IT, and HR.

• Maintains and regularly updates client contact information, assists with critical reporting communications regarding client investments, and provides excellent customer service to current and prospective clients.

• Develops and maintains partnerships with community, industry, government, and other institutions, acting as the key point of contact for external vendors including brokerage, custodians, and fund auditors for transactions, statements, and tax-related information. Organize associated documentation and signature/authorization processes.

• Prepares and analyzes complex data and develops standard and custom reports, including the annual filing process with the Principles for Responsible Investment. Advises management on data interpretation and implications.

• Organizes room reservations, travel arrangements, and event calendars.

• Manages audiovisual equipment and other lab facilities, including specialized financial software in the Financial Markets Lab, while working with IT staff.

• Manages and executes vendor negotiations and payments, as needed, while working with finance cluster staff. Oversees and manages payments from Program Custody (non-University) accounts.

• Hires, trains, and manages student workers supporting the Funds Enterprise.

• Works with finance cluster staff to maintain and order general office supplies.

• Monitors and responds to inquiries through the departmental email account.

Program Management (30%)

• Leads the planning and coordination of the recruitment cycle, including collection of application materials, planning of information sessions, and interdepartmental community building, across all four enterprises at the Carlson school. Works with all enterprise directors to ensure that the interests of all stakeholders are met within this process.

• Manages annual student participation in the Funds Enterprise across various facets of student services, including: developing and assisting with activities related to attracting prospective students, managing the department admissions process, informing students of and overseeing department registration procedures, and coordinating services/programs that promote academic success.

• Strategizes for the ongoing improvement of quality and efficiency of educational programs and processes. Develops short-and long-range goals, and develops protocols for program evaluation, data collection, and improvement.

• Develops effective communication strategies and coordinates efforts and priorities across multiple functions. Maintains and develops Funds Enterprises publications and marketing materials including newsletters, presentations, and program brochures. Serve as liaison to the marketing team and obtain appropriate training to ensure compliance with the University's website and brand requirements.

• Maintains critical resources for students including the professional mentor network book, technology guides, broker lists, Canvas course page, and Google Drive

• Coordinates student access needs including UCard clearance for the Financial Markets Lab, internal communication mechanisms such as Google Drive and Slack, and various investment platforms such as S&P CapIQ and eVestment

• Develops and maintains engagement surveys for students and mentors in order to analyze outcomes, quality, and consistency of programs and developing recommendations for change where appropriate.

• Tracks program participation and demographics.

• Works with finance cluster on management of faculty support.

External Relations (30%)

• Facilitates strategic alignment of the goals of the Funds Enterprise with its corporate partners and Funds clients, which includes initiating new engagement with corporate stakeholders and deepening existing involvement of corporate stakeholders, the Funds Advisory Board, and mentor network with the Funds Enterprise, all done in collaboration with the Institutional Advancement team at Carlson and at the University level.

• Provides full event management from planning, execution, and evaluation for a wide range of events for various internal and external audiences, including advisory board meetings, end-of-semester presentations to the professional mentor network, visiting guest lectures, social events, off-campus meetings, site visits, and student information sessions.

• Cultivates and maintains strong relationships and engagement with alumni and external constituents through events, newsletters, and CFE LinkedIn channels (business page and alumni group).

• Plans and oversees the execution of special projects for department/program. Manages project budget.

• Coordinates with alumni, advisors, and mentors to provide current Funds Enterprises students with potential development/employment opportunities.

• Maintain and regularly update key contact information for the advisory board and professional mentor network.

Special Projects (5%)

• Contribute to special projects as needed.

• Other duties as assigned.

** The employer reserves the right to change or assign other duties to this position **

MINIMUM / ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's Degree.

• Minimum of two years of program planning or related administrative experience.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Proficiency with the Microsoft Office suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

• Highly organized, strong attention to details.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and to build strategic and productive relationships with key stakeholders.

• Proven record of creative problem solving, planning, strategic goal setting and organizational leadership.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS / SELECTION CRITERIA:

• Experience with event planning and management.

• Experience with calendar management and complex scheduling.

• Experience in the University of Minnesota system and understanding of existing policies and procedures.

• Demonstrated interest in the sustainable investing initiatives of the CFE.

• Previous experience in a finance- or education-related environment.

• Ability to learn about new financial software and administer technology troubleshooting.

• Ability to learn communications-related software as needed.

Pay Range: $68,000 - $77,000 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 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 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.