Coordinator, Transition & Retention, Graduate School Diversity Office (GSDO)

Coordinator, Transition & Retention, Graduate School Diversity Office (GSDO)
Job Classification: 8208A1
Reports To: Associate Director, Transition & Retention, GSDO

POSITION DESCRIPTION
The Coordinator of Transition and Retention provides high-level organizational and administrative support to the Graduate School Diversity Office (GSDO) within the Graduate School (GS) at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities (UMN). This role supports the Transition and Retention Pillar of the GSDO, which focuses on promoting the transition, retention, and graduation of a diverse graduate student body at UMN and the University of Minnesota-Duluth (UMD).

The ideal candidate is driven by a strong commitment to graduate student success; passionate about inclusion and social justice in higher education; and motivated to develop creative administrative and program support solutions to challenges faced by all graduate students. The candidate will bring strong attention to detail, a commitment to continuous learning and process improvement, and an enthusiasm for building community among graduate students of various diverse backgrounds.

The Coordinator reports to the GSDO Associate Director of Transition and Retention (AD-TR) and provides support, as needed, to other Pillars and colleagues within the GSDO.
GS employees currently work in a hybrid model (some remote, some on campus) and are required to be on campus on Wednesdays. The Coordinator is expected to work on campus at least three days per week to help staff the GSDO student lounge. This arrangement is subject to change.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Transition & Retention (70%)
Coordinate GSDO Signature Events and Programs

• In consultation with the AD-TR and in partnership with the Graduate School Community and Events Coordinator, assist in planning, coordinating, and implementing GSDO signature events, including but not limited to the GSDO Welcome Event, Annual Winter Gathering, and the GSDO Achieve & Uplift Graduation Celebration.
• Coordinate the Community of Scholars Program (COSP)
• Support planning, implementation, and assessment of the GSDO Community of Scholars Program (COSP), including COSP Writing Initiative.
• Seek out and implement collaborative opportunities with student-serving units of the Office for Equity and Diversity (OED), such as the Circle of Indigenous Nations, Women's Center, and Gender and Sexuality Center for Queer and Trans Life, and other relevant campus partners.
• Support COSP-Affiliated Student Organization leaders, including organizing semesterly meetings and coordinating collaborations in the COSP Lounge.
• Manage COSP social media and email listservs. Develop a social media campaign for creating and sharing content for COSP and campus partners. Monitor engagement and adjust campaign as needed.
  Coordinate the GSDO's First Year Institute (FYI)
• Provide a high level of administrative support to the AD-TR in the planning, coordination, and implementation of the GSDO's First Year Institute (FYI).
• Coordinate FYI 2-day retreat, engagement panels, social activities, and receptions.
• Provide online and on-site support for all FYI seminars.
• Develop and maintain the FYI online course site.

Operational & Administrative Support (25%)
Provide logistical and administrative coordination and support for Transition & Retention:

• Create communications, coordinate schedules and reservations, manage event setup/tear down and on-site support, and oversee purchasing, expenses, vendor coordination, and related operations.
• Responsibly manage events within the financial stewardship principles of UMN and the Graduate School. Know and follow University policies related to events.

GSDO Team Support:

• Daily co-management of GSDO email account, including but not limited to: monitoring the GSDO account, responding to inquiries, and forwarding to appropriate staff and units.
• Provide support for major programs and meetings across GSDO Pillars, as needed.
• Daily co-maintenance and upkeep of student lounge space (in-person working days).

Other duties and projects as assigned or necessary to advance the GS & GSDO missions and functions (5%):

• Understand and align work with the missions, visions, and values of the GS and GSDO.
• Substantially contribute to GS and GSDO meetings and committees. Actively participate and work collaboratively in support of the GSDO's goals of recruitment, transition, retention, and success for underrepresented graduate students.
• Actively support all GS events and meetings as needed or requested.
• Actively and consistently pursue and participate in professional development opportunities to engage in continuous learning, growth, and development.
  

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS Must be addressed in application materials.

• Bachelor's degree or a combination of related education and work experience to equal four years.
• Demonstrated experience successfully supporting inclusive environments and/or programs that serve all graduate students or communities.
• Outstanding organizational abilities as evidenced by handling event logistics; and creating/maintaining record keeping/filing systems.
• Demonstrable evidence of strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills
• Experience using social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, or similar) for outreach, engagement, or communication.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace and at least one design or learning management platform (e.g., Canva, Canvas), as evidenced by prior work experience or stated skills.
• Must be willing to work limited evening and weekend hours as needed.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree + 1 year full-time experience working with college students or youth in an event-planning, advisory, mentoring, and/or educational capacity.
• Strategic approach to social media engagement and audience growth.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage time by organizing and prioritizing work assignments and to work proactively and independently in performing routine tasks.
• Demonstrated experience collaborating with colleagues or partners to plan and implement programs, projects, or events.
• Demonstrated commitment to building and maintaining a positive and cohesive team environment by contributing to open dialogue, supporting colleagues, and actively participating in team-based projects and problem-solving.
• Outstanding public speaking and facilitation skills, with demonstrated experience presenting to students, faculty, and campus partners.
• Demonstrable evidence of strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills, including the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders, produce clear written materials, and present information confidently in meetings and presentations.
• Demonstrated initiative and ability to improve or streamline processes.
• Proficient in Google Suite, Canva, and Canvas.

Graduate School Mission
To facilitate and advocate for excellence in graduate education and postdoctoral training.

Graduate School Values
Diversity Integrity Collaboration Leadership Service Engagement Joy of Life

Graduate School Diversity Office Mission
The Graduate School Diversity Office supports and enhances graduate education by serving in an advisory capacity, leading initiatives, and collaborating across the University of Minnesota system. Our work encompasses recruitment, funding, retention, advocacy, and education of students from underrepresented communities. The signature programs of the GSDO center domestic graduate students who identify as Indigenous and/or People of Color, inclusive of their intersectional identities, as they have been historically excluded in graduate education.

Graduate School Diversity Office Values
Community-Based Socially Just Holistic Creative Audacious

Pay Range: $50,000 - $57,000 annually ($24.04 - $27.40 hourly) depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented 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

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.

A complete application includes a resume and cover letter.

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 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).