Assistant Director of Student Engagement and Inclusion

OVERVIEW:

The Assistant Director of Student Engagement and Inclusion supports a diverse population of working professional students across MBA and Specialty Masters programs by advising student clubs and organizations, strengthening community-building initiatives, and leading communication strategies for the Academic Affairs and Student Engagement team. This role develops, coordinates, and evaluates cultural, social, well-being and inclusion-focused programming to meet the needs of adult learners balancing career, life, and academic responsibilities.

Serving as a primary resource for university policy and student support across 12 graduate programs and 25+ student organizations, the Assistant Director plays a critical role in advocating for and supporting working professional graduate students. The position ensures an inclusive, responsive, and engaging student experience tailored to learners navigating academic study alongside full-time careers, family commitments, and other responsibilities, with a focus on part-time, online, and flexible learning formats. The Assistant Director reports to the Senior Associate Director of Student Engagement and Inclusion.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Student Engagement, Diversity and Inclusion, and Community Building 35%
* Lead and manage engagement initiatives, events, and activities designed for students with a focus on working professional MBA and Specialty Masters programs, collaborating with internal and external partners to ensure accessible and flexible participation options.
* Facilitate project teams supporting student engagement efforts for both the Academic Affairs and Student Engagement team and student clubs.
* Develop and implement diversity, equity, and inclusion programs that reflect institutional values and support the needs of students with varied professional, cultural, and personal backgrounds.
* Coordinate planning and facilitation of student programs aligned with the goals and objectives of a population of adult, working professional, and online learners.
* Develop, manage, and assess community and wellbeing programs-including orientations, special events, student organizations, and graduation-using delivery methods suitable for students with complex schedules.
* Manage event contract processing and purchase orders for departmental and student-led programming; troubleshoot contract issues in collaboration with the Office of General Counsel.
* Lead new student orientation and residency initiatives for MBA and Specialty Masters programs, including communication plans, logistics, and execution with a focus on format flexibility (live, online, asynchronous).
* Oversee the MBA and Specialty Masters case competition portfolio, including application management, team selection, preparation support, reimbursement processing, and database maintenance.
* Assist in managing and reconciling departmental and student organization budgets.
* Gather and analyze student feedback, satisfaction metrics, and participation data to inform continuous improvement strategies and recommend operational enhancements.

Advise and Mentor Students 30%
* Serve as the primary advisor for Professional MBA (PMBA) student clubs and organizations, offering guidance to student leaders navigating academic, professional, and personal commitments.
* Provide expertise and support to Full-Time MBA and Specialty Masters student clubs and leaders when needed.
* Create, communicate, and uphold policies for student organizations across all programs and formats.
* Oversee student organization budget management, advising leaders on expense tracking, financial planning, and responsible stewardship of funds.
* Manage student reimbursement processes for clubs, events, case competitions, and professional development across multiple program formats.
* Create innovative resources and support services for student leaders-including training, process improvements, and club leadership transitions.
* Partner with PMBA organizations to design, promote, and deliver student experiences that enhance satisfaction, engagement, and inclusion for learners with varying availability.
* Track and report event participation and spending, and develop recommendations to enhance involvement, resource efficiency, and program accessibility.
* Serve as backup advisor to the Senior Associate Director of Student Engagement and Inclusion, addressing student engagement matters and interpreting university policies as needed.
* Collaborate with Carlson School partners to develop programming and support services responsive to the realities of working professional students.

Communications and Publications 25%
* Develop, manage, and implement communication strategies for new student onboarding across MBA and Specialty Masters programs, ensuring clarity, consistency, and format accessibility for working professionals.
* Create and execute communication plans for Academic Affairs and Student Engagement events, including content development, announcements, RSVP management, attendance tracking, and newsletter integration.
* Manage and develop communications strategies for case competition opportunities, processes, and deadlines for MBA and MS students.
* Maintain and design Academic Affairs and Student Engagement team websites and online resources, including Google Sites, external CSOM pages, and case competition sites.
* Manage CRM systems for the Academic Advising and Student Engagement team and ensure all digital content aligns with CSOM accessibility, brand standards and university communication policies.
* Ensure all team communication and digital presence complies with current university standards, accessibility requirements, and best practices.

Supervision and Leadership 10%
* Supervise the Student Engagement Graduate Assistant, including hiring, training, performance management, delegation, and ongoing professional development.
* Set goals and expectations, provide regular feedback, and meet weekly to assess progress.
* Contribute to departmental projects, committees, and events as needed to support strategic priorities.
* Participate in school-wide committees and initiatives when appropriate.
* Engage in professional development opportunities aligned with responsibilities and institutional priorities.
* Coordinate charter projects and other assigned operational or administrative activities.

This is a hybrid position - some days will be spent working in the office and some days will be remote work.

** The employer reserves the right to change or assign other duties to this position **

*MINIMUM / ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:
BA/BS degree plus at least four years of relevant experience, or a master's degree plus at least two years of relevant experience.

*PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS / SELECTION CRITERIA:

* Experience working with diverse populations and communication styles
* Experience with managing multiple audiences, advocacy for and building community
* Demonstrated high level discretion and sound judgement with confidential information, events management, and counseling/supporting students
* Strong project management skills, with demonstrated ability to coordinate, manage, and evaluate multiple projects over varied timelines.
* Ability to work independently and prioritize workload
* Skills in handling multiple priorities and problem solving
* Strong organizational skills
* Strong oral and written communication skills

Pay Range: $61,000 - $65,000/year; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 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

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

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) 624-8647.

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 Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.