Associate Director, Minnesota Invasive Terrestrial Plants & Pests Center

Nature of Appointment
This position is 100% time, 12-month (A-term), annually renewable (K-type), academic professional and administrative (P&A) appointment; reappointment contingent upon successful performance and availability of funding.

Primary purpose of the work performed is to coordinate and manage the day-to-day operations of the Minnesota Invasive Terrestrial Plants and Pests Center, including its programs, activities, finances, and communications. MITPPC is administratively located within the College of Food Agricultural and Natural Resources Sciences on the St. Paul campus of the University of Minnesota but supports research across all five UMN campuses and capitalizes on research field stations operated by UMN across Minnesota. The position can be 100% remote but the person must be available for meetings on the St. Paul campus at least once a month and at the Minnesota Legislature at least 2-3 times per week during the legislative session. Coordination of, and participation in, weekly staff meetings is expected.

Major Areas of Responsibility
Ensure smooth operation of the Minnesota Invasive Terrestrial Plants and Pests Center by communicating and coordinating within MITPPC and between MITPPC and other functional areas of the University of Minnesota (UMN) (30%)

• Coordinate and support the overall activities of a research center, comprised of a director, two staff members, ad hoc interns, and numerous principal investigators and associated staff and students that are located across the UMN system.
• Supervise and coordinate the time and activities of the Center's communication specialist, staff researcher, contractors, ad hoc interns, and other staff. Coordinate with Human Resources or Finance to hire replacements or set new contracts if needed.
• Ensure smooth operation of on-line grant management software by serving as the point of contact with vendors, addressing common user questions, and ensuring the full functionality of the system for record keeping for the lifetime of MITPPC research projects.
• Oversee an annual solicitation of research proposals, coordinate peer reviews, summarize review findings, and communicate decisions to applicants.
• Develop and maintain liaisons with other University units, faculty, staff, and students as needed to encourage interdisciplinary collaboration and sharing of ideas on topics related to terrestrial invasive species.
• Remain current about developments relevant to the study and/or management of terrestrial invasive species within Minnesota and the University.
• Review MITPPC work needs and make staffing/contracting recommendations.
• Coordinate and participate in regular planning for future activities within the legislatively-defined scope of the Center
• Represent MITPPC on Collegiate/University committees and keep offices of UMN Central Administration, such as the Research and Innovation Office and the Office of Government Relations, aware of MITPPC activities and accomplishments.
• Perform other duties as needed (e.g. scheduling relevant meetings, drafting meeting minutes, ordering general equipment/supplies).

Facilitate mission-driven programming valued by and relevant to external stakeholders (30%)

• Oversee media efforts, including newsletters, social media, podcasts, videos, and print/TV/radio, as appropriate, and ensure strategic communications goals are met.
• Oversee the maintenance and relevance of the MITPPC website, email lists and all related files and communications.
• Oversee the planning and logistics for symposia, colloquia, or other outreach events by MITPPC to disseminate findings to relevant audiences.
• Coordinate and support regular communications with the Minnesota Legislature and other funders about MITPPC accomplishments and needs.
• Develop and maintain formal and informal consultations with community, industry, government, and other institutions outside the University, including historically underserved communities, to identify terrestrial invasive species of concern and to ensure the relevance of MITPPC research to user needs, as appropriate.
• Prepare and deliver formal and informal presentations about the accomplishments and needs of MITTPC.

Finance/Development/Planning (40%)

• Explore and identify funding sources for operations of MITPPC. Lead or co-lead applications for funding the work of the Center, including drafting narrative and preparation of preliminary budgets.
• Coordinate with CFANS Development unit to implement fundraising and resource development efforts.\
• Oversee the development of budgets for sponsored projects, ensuring appropriate effort, match, and use of resources in close collaboration with the principal investigator and MITPPC director.
• Ensure MITPPC and research teams are fully compliant with terms and conditions of requirements set by funders.
• Solicit and review interim and final activity research reports to ensure projects are making timely and meaningful progress relative to proposed research. Coordinate with research project managers to prepare and review financial reports for MITPPC. Synthesize accomplishment and financial information in reports to granting agencies.
• Submit timely and accurate reports of MITPPC activities funded by the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund to the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources and coordinate with LCCMR staff to receive approvals of project updates, amendment requests, and final reports. Submit similar reports to other funders as required.
• Track capital equipment purchased by MITPPC.
• Develop, coordinate, and track budgets for MITPPC operations.
• Strategize for the ongoing improvement of quality and efficiency of MITPPC programs, develop short- and long-range goals, and develop protocols for program evaluation, data collection, and program improvement.

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

Required

• Bachelor's Degree with at least 6 years of professional experience.
• Experience with program planning and grants management.
• Experience working with sponsored projects from a variety of funding sources.
• Strong organizational and management skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong computer skills.

Preferred

• Master's degree.
• Experience with legislative processes or communicating with the Minnesota Legislature.
• Experience working with faculty and external agencies.
• Experience working with diverse populations.
• Experience working with interdisciplinary teams.
• Knowledge of issues related to terrestrial invasive species.
  

Pay Range: $97,000 - $105,000 annually; 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

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 be considered for this position, a resume and cover letter must be attached to your application.

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, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.