Assistant Executive Director

Position Overview

This position is fully funded by sponsored funds. The Assistant Executive Director (AD) guides the intellectual life of the Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare (CASCW) through internal and external collaborations, targeted research, partnerships, and product/project development and implementation, and is responsible for directing the extremely complex operations, staff oversight, planning, and financial management of a dynamic interdisciplinary research and training center.

They must have expertise in the fields of child welfare and research methods and must be well-versed in a wide variety of skills, including financial and human service management. The AD is responsible for developing a center-specific agenda and approach for translating research to professional education and training, practice, and policy at the local, national, and international levels. Within this agenda, the AD is expected to have a center-based research agenda that significantly contribute to advancing the edge of research. They are responsible for the development and execution of research with a focus on child welfare, from a basic, applied, and interdisciplinary perspective.

The AD is accountable for the performance and results of the Center as well as the multiple related units (academic departments and other research and training centers within the university) that are included in the complex and interdisciplinary [core] contract work conducted daily. They are required to understand the unique needs and requirements of all aspects of the Center, including legal and fiscal requirements, and provide oversight accordingly. This includes the shared authority for the creation and review of the annual multi-million dollar operating budget, inclusive of as many as 20 grants and contracts per year. Additionally, the AD provides leadership to supervisors, researchers, professional and administrative staff, and student employees. The AD is responsible for co-constructing and conducting strategic planning to set the agenda and work scope of the Center. Decisions are guided by strategic planning and impacted by resource availability and funding requirements or restrictions. The AD controls policy formation for the Center.

This position is based on campus. Per UMN policy, work may be done remotely when appropriate and approved by your manager. All UMN employees are expected to follow
applicable public health and safety procedures.

Job Responsibilities

• Fiscal and Operational Oversight (20%)
• Staff Supervision and Leadership (15%)
• Research: Conduct and Oversight (20%)
• Professional Education & Child Welfare Fellowship Program (20%)
• Outreach & Training (20%)
• Other duties as assigned (5%)

Required Qualifications

• Requires BA/BS with at least 10 years of experience or Doctoral/advanced degree with 8 years experience
• Strong commitment to diversity and culturally effective practice
• Evidence of local and national recognition in child welfare and/or child well-being training, policy & research
• Strong record of external funding for research, scholarship, and/or training
• Budget Management of large budgets
• Advanced research skills
• Strong project management skills and experience supervising staff
• Established record of collaborations in local and state agencies or organizations and interprofessional research
• Evidence of strong written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Experience in strategic planning and organizational leadership
• Demonstrated ability to function effectively and collaboratively with multiple stakeholder groups within a dynamic organization, including administrators, faculty, staff, students, professionals in the child welfare field and the public Office

Benefits

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: https://hr.myu.umn.edu/jobs/ext/355175

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

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