Assistant Operations Director Jobs in Rochester, MN

Brief Overview: This position leads and executes core human resource operations, programs, and talent initiatives within a campus culture of innovation, collaboration, and community during a period of extended, accelerated growth. Moving beyond routine administrative processing, this role takes end-to-end operational ownership of talent acquisition workflows, HR systems and data integrity, and employee development frameworks.

Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.
Location and Work environment: This position is expected to work in-person on the UMR campus with limited flexibility for remote work based on the infrequent needs of the employee and UMR, such as for project-based tasks that require uninterrupted focus to address campus needs.
Work Schedule: This position is a full-time position which requires 40 hours per week, 12 months per year. 
Expected Contributions: This role serves as an operational lead and subject-matter expert for human resource programs, providing guidance to staff, faculty, and leadership across campus. Working in an environment with a diverse student body and employee workforce, this position drives operational efficiency, leads key HR initiatives, and maintains close collaboration with University of Minnesota system partners to ensure campus compliance, process alignment, and strategic execution of system-wide policies.
Primary Responsibilities

• Data Administration: 40%
  • Manage campus-wide HR transaction process, including partnering with colleagues in the Business Office regarding complex appointment and pay modifications.
  • Manage shared email inbox and collaborate with internal stakeholders to correspond with employees regarding their HR administration needs. 
  • Request employment changes, including new hire data entry and pay changes, using the TeamDynamix (TDX) system, and monitor the status of these transactions by collaborating with and answering questions submitted by system colleagues .
  • Audit and analyze HR system reports, dashboards, and audit logs to proactively identify data discrepancies, track compliance deadlines (leaves, appointments, evaluations), and optimize workflow efficiency.
  • Track employment-related activities and deadlines related to appointment letters, pay and finance transactions, career development, etc.
  • Migrate and manage UMR performance evaluations to a new performance management platform, and establish and manage ongoing employee and supervisor support to use the performance management platform for continuous feedback and development.
  • Document current and developing HR processes and guidelines 
     
• Leadership: 20%
  • Provide direct supervision, daily task delegation, and continuous coaching to casual (part-time) employees and student workers who provide administrative and logistical support for recruitment and HR administration functions.
  • Set clear performance expectations, conduct regular check-ins, approve timesheets, and balance workload distribution to maintain high accuracy and service delivery across HR operations.
  • Create, update, and implement onboarding materials, training manuals, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for student and casual staff to ensure consistency in HR front-line support.
  • Oversee the work casual employees and student worker efforts to organize employment records in Perceptive Experience, our online data management system
     
• Talent Acquisition: 20%
  • Actively participate in the recruitment of positions in collaboration with other human resources team members and search committees.
  • Performs talent acquisition-related administrative work, including proper support for human resources functions and  hiring authorities from the requisition process through the onboarding process
  • Establishes and maintains effective communications with search committees, applicants, and candidates throughout the recruitment and onboarding processes.
  • Serve as back-up for posting jobs, contacting job candidates, and tracking recruitment activities during peak recruiting seasons or to cover for absences. 
  • Conduct I-9 employment verifications and maintain compliance with E-Verify and UMN system requirements for reporting and reverifications.
  • Assist in building talent networks internally and externally to the University to find qualified active and passive candidates.
  • Makes recommendations for policy and process improvements.
     
• Engagement and Development: 20%
  • Design, launch, and manage a multi-tiered talent development framework tailored to the unique needs of supervisors, emerging leaders, new hires, and student workers, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional growth across all career stages.
  • Collaborate with campus leaders to assess development needs and deliver targeted onboarding, student development opportunities, leadership development tracks, and mentorship initiatives that accelerate new employee integration, elevate supervisory effectiveness, and prepare student workers for future professional success.
  • Lead the development of campus activities related to employee recognition, wellness initiatives, and other engagement opportunities.
  • Partner with the Senior Director of Employee Engagement, Development, and Wellbeing to develop strategic internal communications, process and policy rollouts, and messaging for campus activities.

Required Qualifications 

• BA/BS degree plus 2 years of experience, or a combination of education and/or experience to equal at least six years

Preferred Qualifications

• Graduate degree in relevant field (e.g. MA/MBA in Human Resources or Human Resources Management
• Experience managing HR transactions or re-designing business processes
• Ability to serve as a catalyst for initiatives that increase employee inclusiveness, engagement, development, and wellbeing.
• Passion for UMRs vision and demonstrated evidence of commitment to UMRs grounding values of respect, human potential, diversity and inclusion, evidence-based decision-making, and community.
• Demonstrated ability to provide clarity in ambiguous situations.
• Desire to learn and grow.
• Finds joy and purpose in supporting employee growth.
• Models respect for all and operates with recognized integrity.
• Has a visible and positive presence.
• Is reflective, curious, empathetic, and approachable.
• Thinks strategically, and is willing to be hands on.
• Works collaboratively.
• Listens well and builds trusting relationships.
• Interested in education and committed to an environment of learning.

The University of Minnesota Rochester (UMR), located in downtown Rochester, serves approximately 1,200 students and recently welcomed its largest class ever. Faculty and staff are dedicated to innovative education, student development and applying research to enhance learning every day. With a strong focus on health sciences and student-centered learning, UMR partners closely with Mayo Clinic and emphasizes research-driven teaching to meet the evolving demands of the health care industry.

UMRs Vision is to inspire transformation in higher education through innovations that empower our graduates to solve the grand health challenges of the 21st century. The campus facilities are adjacent to the world-class Mayo Clinic and other industry leaders in the life sciences in downtown Rochester, Minnesota. Rochester is the fastest growing city in Minnesota, currently experiencing exponential growth with facilities expansion and the Universitys continued growth.

Pay Range: $65,000 to $75,000 annually ; 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

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 jobcentr@umn.edu.

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 Rochester (UMR)

At the University of Minnesota Rochester, our vision is to transform higher education through innovations that empower graduates to solve the grand health challenges of the twenty-first century. UMR prepares students for a broad spectrum of career pathways including pre-med and patient care; psychology and mental health; business and leadership; health technology; public policy and global health; and research, discovery, and cures.

The campus community serves almost 1,000 undergraduate and graduate students in the heart of downtown Rochester and continues to grow in size and influence through creative partnerships. At UMR, relationships and research drive student success. Learn more about UMR.

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, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.