Essential Qualifications:
A Bachelor’s degree or a combination of related education and work experience to equal four years. Experience participating in student groups or student programming. Excellent organizational skills, effective written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work with diverse groups of people. Position requires some flexibility in schedule to work occasional weekends/evenings at events/meetings outside of regular business hours.

Preferred Qualifications:
Experience working with students and student groups in a college/university environment. Knowledge of student development, event planning and programming. Experience participating in student groups or student programming. Proficiency in using event planning/organizational software such as; Google-sheets/forms/docs, Microsoft Office – Excel/Word. Additional experience or education in student
development, student affairs or related academic areas. Experience working with organization
management software or learning management software (Presence).

Student Unions & Activities (SUA) is accepting applications for the position of Program Specialist - Student Group Services. The Specialist is responsible for supporting student development through supervising student employees and providing resources to student group leaders. This position will specifically have responsibilities for facilitating the student group grants process, assisting with other student group initiatives, and advising a student group. Other responsibilities will include ensuring student group compliance with University policies and permits and being a liaison to the University and its constituents.

Important to Know: Flexible hybrid work expectation is to be in-person, on-campus 3 days per week.

Salary Range: $41,000-46,000

Student Group Services – Grants Administrative Support (45%)

• Assist in oversight and support for the implementation of the Student Activities Grants program.
• Create, evaluate and implement policies and procedures for the facilitation of grants to student groups and campus departments.
• Develops and conducts online educational sessions and advising resources throughout the academic year to ensure student group understanding of the grants program.
• Assist with the management of agreements with grants funding sources and initiatives for the Student Unions & Activities Grants program on an annual basis.
• Plan, forecast, monitor and allocate annual budget in excess of $300,000 for the operation of the Student Unions & Activities Grants program.
• Oversee relationship with Coca-Cola representatives in support of grant programming including management of product grants and representation on the grants review committee
• Coordinate monthly grants review committee meetings throughout the year ensuring consistent evaluation of grants to ensure funding for programs, resources, and services to support an inclusive and diverse University community. Collaborate with SUA Marketing Managers to update Student Unions & Activities Grants program assets
• Oversee the coordination of program assessment and evaluation to ensure the grants program is meeting intended goals.
• Consults on the creation of initiatives and efficiencies to ensure a high performing grants program that meets the needs on campus and emphasizes enhancing diversity, promoting student development, and benefiting the campus community
• Other duties and special projects as assigned.

Supervision (30%)

• Supervise and evaluate the Student Unions & Activities Student Grants Assistant who is responsible for implementation of Grants program processes from accepting group applications to maintenance of the grants database.
• Supervise the student employees supporting the implementation of Activities Fairs, Tony Diggs Excellence Awards, campus-wide elections, Welcome Week programming related to student groups and provide administrative support of the Student Activities Office.
• Provide opportunities for the Grants Assistant and Student Group Initiatives Assistants to develop skills pertaining to presenting, facilitating meetings, decision-making, problem-solving, managing confidential information, and developing autonomy.
• Support Grants Assistant as they recruit and train volunteer students and staff to sit on the Grants Review Committee.

Student Group Initiatives Support (25%)

• Plan, implement, and evaluate opportunities for recognition and promotion of Student Groups through events, initiatives and support services.
• Collaborate with the Student Events and Entertainment Team to generate innovative ideas for student group recognition.
• Advise and consult with a Campus Life Program (registered student group) on University policy and procedures, conflict resolution, problem solving, event planning and risk management.
• Work with colleagues in Student Unions & Activities to offer programs, resources, and services to support an inclusive and diverse University community.
• Assist in Student Activities outreach and community-building efforts through presentations, tabling, and workshop facilitation.
• Other duties and special projects as assigned.

Student Unions & Activities (SUA) is a department within the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs at the University of Minnesota. SUA provides a variety of programs and services to the University community that enhance the social, educational, and cultural environment of the University of Minnesota. This includes retail services, facility rental, space for individual and group activities, entertainment and educational programs, oversight of student activities, and involvement with diverse student groups.

SUA operates three facilities: Coffman Memorial Union on the East Bank campus, the St. Paul Student Center, and retail services on the West Bank campus. The department has an annual budget of $16.8 million. SUA is funded by student fees and revenue generated by the department.

The department has a total of 65 full time staff, representing all employee groups except faculty, and 250 student employees. SUA provides opportunities for students to enrich and complement their academic experience by integrating student learning outcomes with student employment.

The Student Activities area advises a campus-wide program board, registers and advises student groups, acts as a liaison to student cultural groups, and provides leadership programs.

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-UOHR (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.

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

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.