PEAK Change Management Lead

About the Job

This Change Management Lead position serves in a critical and visible role within the PEAK Project Office as part of the overall Positioned for Excellence, Alignment and Knowledge (PEAK) Initiative, an important strategic transformation effort for the University of Minnesota system. The PEAK Initiative is currently implementing Phase 2 of a multi-year implementation across colleges, campuses, and units within the University system. PEAK will identify opportunities across non-academic functions to increase efficiency, gain capacity, and steer our teaching, research, and outreach mission into the future. The PEAK Project Office operates as a team with functional stakeholders in Finance, Human Resources, Marketing and Communications and Information Technology. Note: While system components are involved, this is a significant organizational change initiative vs. technology implementation.

The Change Management Lead will oversee the Change Management workstream for PEAK. This is an experienced individual contributor role that may provide direction to other change consultants over time. They will use change management principles and practices to lead and manage the change plan and change management activities for the PEAK transformation effort. This position will provide direct support to the Program Director, partner closely with the PEAK Communications Manager and Program Manager, and collaborate with the project team, sponsors, and functional leadership in the successful delivery of the project.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

40% Change Advisory Role

• Apply a structured methodology to lead end-to-end change management initiatives consultation on change readiness and adoption of PEAK transformation
• Strategically engage with stakeholders at all levels to drive adoption and behavior change; serve as an expert advisor to leadership and a mentor/advisor for the program team
• Provide vision, direction, and consult with relevant Unit and Service stakeholders (strategic change insights and coaching)
• Provide change enablement consultation on change management deliverables related to people impacts such as stakeholder analysis, impact assessment, change readiness assessment
• Cultivate relationships with key partners in present and future phases of the initiative
• Encourage executive sponsors and other leaders to continue their sponsorship of PEAK, continue communications, and continue training efforts throughout the project lifecycle

40% Change Execution Role

• Act as an “integrator” who can effectively coordinate and work across groups ranging from internal program team to University units, functional/operations teams, and Talent/Human Resources teams, as well coordinating external consulting partners that may be engaged for particular program needs
• Responsible for the creation, management and successful execution of the overall change management plan and artifacts for PEAK
• Drive the planning process to define and assess change impacts, developing an integrated and holistic change plan that aligns with communication plan and training/learning plan
• Anticipate and highlight risks related to people impacts, change significance, and people readiness for change
• Facilitate regular Change Management workstream meetings to ensure deliverables are completed and there is alignment with the other PEAK workstreams
• Collaborate closely with other workstream leads and partners and solicit thought leadership with SMEs and talent strategy consultants
• Maintain the stakeholder assessment and sponsor coalition map and develop unit-specific action plans to increase support
• Define change success in terms of the behaviors people will adopt at implementation. Post-implementation, confirm desired results compared to how change success was defined and identify any remaining gaps.

20% Development, Planning and Continuous Improvement

• Design, develop, and deliver change leadership training to Executive Sponsors, Transition Teams, and supervisors
• Leverage industry leading practices to drive the change management approach and develop the change capacity within the organization
• Planning for future phases of implementation
• Partner with the project team to identify opportunities for continuous improvement
• Help identify change management opportunities across the program
• Solicit informal feedback and organize lessons learned sessions throughout implementation

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• BA/BS degree plus at least 8 years of change management experience
• Proven experience in change management, preferably within large-scale and/or complex transformation projects
• Strong understanding of change management principles and methodologies. Proficiency in change management tools and artifact creation/management.
• Ability to influence and build relationships with stakeholders at all levels and lead through ambiguity and successfully execute with a strong sense of accountability during times of change
• Excellent communication, presentation, and facilitation skills; ability to guide discussions at multiple management levels
• Demonstrated critical thinking, thought leadership, and strong problem solving skills

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• MA/MS in Organizational Development, Organizational Leadership, Psychology, Human Resources, or a related discipline
• Certification in change management (e.g., Prosci) or equivalent years of experience
• Experience leading enterprise-wide change initiatives
• Experience managing change initiatives involving shared governance collaboration
• Familiarity with University of Minnesota colleges, campuses, and units or experience working in a higher education environment

The salary range is $130,000-170,000 annually and is commensurate with experience. The PEAK Project Team operates as a hybrid team. There is flexibility for what hybrid looks like, however there will be some on-site participation based on the job requirements.

Pay and Benefits



Pay Range: $130,000 - $170,000 ; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 75%-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

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have 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.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

Diversity

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.

About the U of M

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 the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America’s Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).