Basic Needs Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

The Basic Needs Coordinator works to support student success by ensuring access to basic needs supportive services.  The primary focus of this position is to manage the on-campus food pantry, Champs Cupboard.  Additionally, this role will work with students one-on-one and in groups to support their basic needs and to connect them with campus and community resources.  Finally, this role will work to ensure students are aware of services & support options available to them.  Given the nature of these responsibilities, this is expected to be an on-site role.  

Given the nature of the responsibilities for this position, this is expected to be an on-site role. 

This is a 9 month position and expect 30 hours a week for this role.  

Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.
Oversight of Champs Cupboard (60%)

• Coordinate training of student staff & volunteers
• Develop and maintain list of volunteers that support pantry operations
• Submit & receive food orders through various partners and sources
• Ensure food safety standards are maintained in pantry and storage spaces
• Pick up food and other products from agencies and retail locations
• Coordinate food drives in collaboration with others at the University
• Maintain records related to pantry visits, purchasing, budgets and inventory

Student Support (10%)

• Meet with students upon request to provide support 
• Connect students with other campus & community resources for needs, including healthcare, housing, transportation, technology, etc.
• Help students with processes to access support programs such as SNAP and housing vouchers

Outreach & Marketing (10%)

• Maintain basic needs websites and resource lists
• Develop and implement plans to promote basic needs services & support
• Present to student organizations, classes, and other groups on basic needs services & support
• Maintain social media presence for Champs Cupboard and other basic needs resources
• Strengthen outreach and visibility of basic needs resources, address housing and cost-of-living barriers impacting student persistence and retention

Administrative (20%)

• Complete required trainings
• Maintain appropriate records in compliance with partnership agreements & University policy
• Participate in administrative meetings and serve on campus and university committees
• Provide regular reports on access, usage, and impact of basic needs services
• Coordinate process to provide commencement regalia for students with financial need
• Explore grant opportunities to support efforts and provide innovative solutions for students
• Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS Degree + 2 years relevant work experience OR
• A combination of 6 years of relevant work and educational experience
• Valid drivers license during terms of employment
• Ability to lift 50 lbs in, out, and on shelves and carts

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience working with a food pantry
• Prior experience with basic needs support programs

Pay Range: $23.84 - $27.91; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 75% 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. 

A resume is required during the application submission process. A cover letter is optional, but highly encouraged. 
Priority Deadline Note: The application review will begin on (08/28/26).

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.

University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD)

The University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD) consistently ranks among the top Midwestern, regional universities in U.S. News and World Report's "America's Best Colleges" issue.

Overlooking Lake Superior, UMD provides an alternative to both large research and small liberal arts environments and attracts students looking for a personalized learning experience on a medium-sized campus of a major university.  A firm liberal arts foundation anchors a variety of traditional degree programs, as well as professional and graduate students that draw on UMD's many research institutes and labs.

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.