Director Workforce Development Jobs in Minnesota

Position Overview:

This is a temporary position with effective dates of June 15 - December 31, 2026.

The ATP-Bio Program Support Specialist plays a key role in advancing initiatives across research, workforce development, innovation, and ethics. This position supports the Centers mission to drive transformative discoveries and enable the ethical translation of technologies for preserving and distributing biological systems, with impact on healthcare, biodiversity, and sustainability. As part of the Cross-Functional Pillar team, the Program Specialist reports to the Cross-Functional Team Manager and leads the coordination and execution of programs, events, and partnerships. The role also monitors program outcomes, develops reports and communications, improves operational processes, and contributes to core initiatives including outreach, undergraduate research programs, curriculum development, and community engagement.
Key Responsibilities:

Program Implementation (70%)
Plan, implement, and manage ATP-Bio programs and initiatives to ensure alignment with the Centers mission and goals.
Coordinate events, including logistical planning and on-site management.
Represent ATP-Bio at conferences, recruitment fairs, and community events.
Build and maintain relationships with stakeholders and partner organizations.
Support major events such as the annual meeting and NSF site visits.
Tracking, Monitoring & Documentation (20%)
Track program outcomes and assess impact in collaboration with external evaluators.
Prepare content for communications, reports, and promotional materials.
Review and update program policies and procedures.
Develop systems to improve program efficiency and effectiveness.
Administrative & Operations (10%)
Contribute to reporting requirements for annual and project-based deliverables.
Develop presentations and reports highlighting program achievements.
Support the refinement of operational policies to strengthen organizational effectiveness.

Key Programs & Initiatives

Educational Outreach Materials
Assist in program planning and coordination for large- and small-scale outreach events. Responsibilities include curriculum development and materials inventory, volunteer recruitment and management, event planning and execution.
 

Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Program
Support the summer REU program hosting approximately 10 students annually. Responsibilities include application review, participant selection, program logistics, and professional development planning.
 

Courses and Curriculum
Courses and curriculum development is a priority area of work within the Engineering Workforce Development (EWD) pillar. Responsibilities include coordination of task force meetings with priority area contributors, development and maintenance of curriculum tracking databases.
 

Communications Support
Communicating to our scientific community and other stakeholders is an important component of ATP-Bio work. Responsibilities include writing and managing social media posts related to center news, achievements, and opportunities; support communication efforts and advertisement with partners (e.g International Cryobiology Young Researchers); assist in coordinating trainee webinars and trainee-led initiatives.
 

Community Engagement
Workforce development efforts include engaging and supporting our community of researchers. Responsibilities include collaboration in arranging professional development opportunities for researchers, building and contributing to a supportive work environment, facilitating collaborations amongst researchers.

Supervision:

The Program Support Specialist will report directly to the ATP-Bio Cross-Functional Team Project Manager and receive programmatic oversight from the Center Leadership and Pillar Directors. This position will work within a matrix structure, collaborating with multiple teams across the center.

Work Mode and Schedule:

    This position is based on the University of Minnesotas Twin Cities campus and follows a hybrid work schedule (a mix of on-campus and remote work).
    Travel for the role is approximately 5% annually, including attendance at meetings, events, and conferences.
    The work schedule typically follows regular business hours (Monday through Friday), with occasional evening or weekend hours depending on program needs.
 

Required Qualifications:
Bachelors degree or higher in a related field, with at least two years of relevant experience in program management, education, research administration, outreach, or related initiatives OR a combination of education and related work experience to equal at least six years
Demonstrated experience managing events, educational programs, and community engagement efforts, including coordinating multiple stakeholders.
Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage administrative processes effectively and accurately.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience creating clear, engaging content for diverse audiences.
Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed and ability to travel approximately 5% for events and meetings.
 

Preferred:
Experience working in STEM fields or a STEM-based degree, particularly in programs focused on education, outreach, and expanding participation.
Familiarity with designing and delivering capacity-building or technical programs that enhance skills and knowledge.
 

The mission of the NSF Center for Advanced Technologies for the Preservation of Biological Systems (ATP-Bio) is to make transformative discoveries, train a diverse workforce, and connect resources and partnerships to ethically translate technologies for storage and distribution of living biological systems. ATP-Bios vision is to stop biological time allowing living products to be readily available across the globe to advance healthcare, biodiversity, and food supply and sustainability.

Pay Range: $46,000 - $59,000 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
• 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.  Priority application deadline is 05/15/26.  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)

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