Associate Partner Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Job duties/responsibilities

The Associate Chancellor has responsibility for the day-to-day management and leadership of the University of Minnesota Crookston campus as well as partnering with the Chancellor to identify and implement new strategies aligned with the campus and university strategic roadmap. This role is responsible for the day-to-day management of campus operations, including personnel and financial stewardship. The Associate Chancellor acts as the Chancellors primary deputy, ensuring academic and support services are aligned across the campus and system while fostering a modern, flexible leadership culture that responds to regional and statewide opportunities and needs for the future workforce.
 About the Department

The Chancellor's Administrative department at the University of Minnesota Crookston serves as the chief administrative department for the campus, providing executive leadership, strategic direction, and institutional oversight. The department focuses on delivering a world-class education within a close-knit, supportive campus setting. It is responsible for driving student success, fostering mentorship, maintaining the University of Minnesota brand of excellence, and executing strategic initiatives across academic programming, rural outreach, international connections, and diversity.

Required Qualifications

• Terminal degree
• Experience as a senior leader in higher education, non-profit, government, or similar organization.
• Experience leading strategic plan implementation
• Demonstrated experience supervising senior leaders
• Demonstrated leadership, budget management and interpersonal skills.
• A leadership style that promotes collaboration and cooperation.
• Commitment to excellence, creativity and innovation.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Documented experience in developing, implementing and evaluating unit goals.
• Teaching and/or research credentials and accomplishments, or equivalent professional credentials and accomplishments.
• Experience working in a shared governance environment.
• Effective communication and presentation skills with experience engaging senior leaders, community decision-makers, and elected officials.
• Experience working with labor unions.

Pay Range: $235,000- $260,000 per 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

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.

Buffkin/Baker, an executive search firm, is assisting the University in the search. Inquiries of interest, nominations, and applications should be submitted electronically, in confidence, to:
Mr. Martin M. Baker, Managing Partner
Ms. Chelsie Whitelock, Associate Partner
umncrookston@buffkinbaker.com
Applications should include a current CV and a cover letter that addresses the responsibilities and qualifications for this appointment.

Priority deadline: September 11, 2026 

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.

University of Minnesota, Crookston (UMC)

With a strong tradition of technology-enhanced teaching and learning, the University of Minnesota Crookston (UMC) serves as the U's major outpost in Northwest Minnesota.  UMC provides both experiential, career-oriented degree programs as well as high-quality online programs, while connecting its teaching, research, and outreach to rural economic development and service to the region and beyond.

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.