Educational Program Specialist. Build an inclusive learning community in our College.

Job Description
The Swenson College of Science & Engineering (SCSE) at the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) invites applications for an Educational Program Specialist. Our vision for this position builds on existing and new initiatives within the College to build an inclusive learning community that is founded on justice, equity, and diversity and is supportive of every student’s growth and success. As a member of the SCSE Dean’s leadership team, this person will oversee cross-college educational programs including support and development of research programs embedded in the curriculum (i.e., Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs) or Vertically Integrated Projects (VIPs)) for all students in SCSE. This is a new position for the college and will join a vibrant group of faculty and staff working to integrate research and teaching, and a robust infrastructure for engaging students in cutting-edge research.

We are especially interested in recruiting and retaining a diverse faculty and staff to maintain the excellence of the College and University, and to offer students richly varied disciplines, perspectives, and ways of knowing and learning. The University of Minnesota Duluth values of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion are essential to achieving excellence. We strongly encourage women, Indigenous, LGBTQIA+, Black, Latinx, Asian American, Hawaiian/Island Pacific, mixed race, and scholars with disabilities to apply. We favor candidates who can contribute to the College's distinctive educational objectives, which promote interdisciplinary perspectives and intercultural understanding with social responsibility and the ethical implications of knowledge and action.

Responsibilities
85% Project Lead

• Serve as a project lead for planning and implementing CURE/VIP programs for SCSE; includes stakeholder identification, setting objectives, budget development and management, and evaluation of outcomes.
• Identify, adapt and adopt appropriate tools and processes for evaluating cross-college educational programming.
• Collaborate with institutional research office for data collection, assessment and dissemination (presentations and reports) of program effectiveness.
• Review program processes and procedures, recommend modifications as appropriate.
• Collaborate with Center for Educational Innovation to develop and implement professional development for instructors (GTAs and faculty).
• Collaborate with the Center for Educational Innovation to develop and implement pedagogical content for undergraduate Learning assistants.
• Lead and coordinate with faculty and staff on grant applications to support instructional programming (CUREs, VIPs, Bridge programs, LLC, Learning Assistants, etc.).
• Perform other duties as assigned.

15% Supervision

• Supervise education program associates or administrative assistants in administrative support for cross-college programming (LA programs, Living Learning Communities, Bridge programs, CUREs, etc.)
• Coordinate student workers, including learning assistants.

Qualifications
Minimum Requirements: Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in related STEM field (including Discipline Based Education Research) with 4 years of experience.

Preferred requirements:

• Experience with successful project management
• Experience with CUREs/VIPs or other STEM-based educational programming
• Experience assessing student learning outcomes or program outcomes
• Demonstrated ability to organize and manage multiple commitments simultaneously
• Experience working independently and with minimal supervision
• Ability to communicate effectively with a wide variety of stakeholders
• Ability to work flexibly, collaboratively, and productively as a part of a team

About the Swenson College of Science and Engineering
Swenson College includes all the “STEM” disciplines (science, technology, engineering, math) at UMD. With more than 3,200 undergraduate and 200 graduate students, Swenson College is the largest college at UMD and the third largest in the University of Minnesota system. 

The science departments include

• Biology
• Chemistry & Biochemistry
• Earth & Environmental Sciences
• Mathematics & Statistics
• Physics & Astronomy

The engineering departments include

• Chemical Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Computer Science
• Electrical Engineering
• Mechanical & Industrial Engineering

We are the home of

• Large Lakes Observatory
• Iron Range Engineering Program
• Integrated Biosciences graduate program
• Water Resources Science graduate program
• Advanced Materials Center
• Air Force ROTC Aerospace Studies program

We also have close affiliations with the Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI) and the Minnesota Sea Grant program.

Here, you will have the opportunity to engage in active learning, conduct world-class research with our faculty, take advantage of internship and co-op opportunities with our regional partners, and participate in our community-based outreach programs. We encourage you to take a closer look.

Benefits
Working at the University: At the University of Minnesota, you’ll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning.  We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also 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 Scholarship
• 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

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

How To Apply
Applications must be submitted online. To apply, go to https://humanresources.umn.edu/jobs and search for job ID 352966.  First, submit the application with a cover letter and CV/resume in pdf format. Then, return to the “My Job Applications” page to attach the additional documents, also in pdf format. Complete applications include the online application, cover letter, and resume/CV, plus additional documents as follows: (1) three references, (2) diversity statement. Even if you provide this information within the application, you must also attach the requested additional document(s). Please do not miss this important step in the application process. Applications missing any of these documents may not be reviewed.

Applicants must be able to demonstrate authorization to work in the United States at the University of Minnesota Duluth by the start date. Final candidates may be asked to provide additional information.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact a University of Minnesota Access Consultant at 612-624-3316.

Diversity and Inclusion
The University of Minnesota Duluth values diversity and inclusion and believes they are essential to achieving excellence. We have a strong institutional commitment to diversity in all areas and strongly encourage women, Indigenous, LGBTQ+, Black, Latinx, Asian American, Hawaiian/Island Pacific, mixed race and disabled scholars to apply. We favor candidates who can contribute to the College's distinctive educational objectives, which promote interdisciplinary perspectives, intercultural understanding, and concern with social responsibility and the ethical implications of knowledge and action.

The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer.  Veterans and individuals from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.  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.

Employment Requirements
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.

Please note: All employees at the University of Minnesota are required to comply with the University’s Administrative Policy: COVID-19 Vaccination and Safety Protocol by either providing proof of being fully vaccinated on their first day of employment, or complete a request for an exemption for medical exemption or religious reasons. To learn more please visit:  https://safe-campus.umn.edu/return-campus/get-the-vax.

About the U of M
The University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) consistently ranks among the top Midwestern, regional universities in U.S. News and World Report's" America's Best Colleges" issue.  UMD is part of the University of Minnesota public university system and is the second largest research university within the U of M system.  The Duluth Campus is affiliated with the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy and School of Medicine, and is home to the Natural Resources Research Institute, the Large Lakes Observatory, and the Advanced Materials Center.  Duluth is also the site of a major US EPA Research Laboratory.  UMD is considered a "mid-sized Masters intensive" regional comprehensive public university.

Overlooking Lake Superior, UMD provides an alternative to both large research and small liberal arts environments and attracts students looking for a personalized learning experience on a medium-sized campus of a major university. A firm liberal arts foundation anchors a variety of traditional degree programs, as well as professional and graduate students that draw on UMD's many research institutes and labs.

UMD is a regional comprehensive land- and sea-grant state university, one of five coordinate campuses within the State of Minnesota system and with a total enrollment of approximately 11,000 students. SCSE is the largest college at UMD comprising approximately 3200 undergraduate students, 240 graduate students, 180 faculty, and 80 permanent staff. The college includes the science departments of Biology, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Earth and Environmental Science, Physics and Astronomy, and Mathematics and Statistics, as well as the ABET-accredited departments of Computer Science, Electrical, Chemical, Civil and Mechanical and Industrial Engineering.  There are significant opportunities for fostering existing and creating new ties with local, regional, and national industry stakeholders. 

Situated at the western tip of Lake Superior, the city of Duluth offers an enticing selection of adventures for four season outdoor enthusiasts as well as a rich variety of cultural opportunities.  Metropolitan Minneapolis/St. Paul is less than three hours south of Duluth.

A dynamic city on a hill situated at the western tip of Lake Superior, Duluth was named Outdoor magazine’s Best Outdoors Town in 2014, celebrating its access to the outdoors and to Lake Superior -- the largest freshwater lake on earth by area. Duluth is home to hundreds of miles of biking, hiking, and skiing trails, including the Superior Hiking Trail, a 300+ mile trail intersecting Duluth, and the Duluth Traverse, an 85-mile multi-use biking and hiking trail stretching across town. In addition to the outdoors, the Twin Ports area has vibrant music, arts, crafts and craft brewing scenes, and a variety of award-winning restaurants. Duluth is a truly wonderful place to live, with great schools, health care, and affordable housing. It mixes its historic small-town feel with a dynamic urban economy and many cultural offerings.

Duluth, with a population of approximately 85,000 people, is located at the head of beautiful Lake Superior. As a major shipping port, over 1,000 vessels from around the world pass under its iconic Aerial Lift Bridge, annually. Duluth is a popular tourist destination, with 3.5 million people visiting the city annually, for a $780 million economic impact. More information about Duluth can be found at www.visitduluth.com.

Smoking, chewing tobacco and the use of electronic cigarettes prohibited on all UMD property, including indoor facilities, campus grounds and University vehicles.