Entry Level Operations Assistant Jobs in Minnesota

Publishing Operations Assistant
The University of Minnesota Press is seeking an Operations Assistant to provide critical operational support to our team and serve as an administrative assistant in a fast-paced scholarly publishing office. This full-time position is suitable for an entry-level candidate who is motivated to learn quickly; it is a terrific entry-point into the publishing industry. This position requires physical presence in the University of Minnesota Press Minneapolis office at least 3 days per week. 
Operational and Financial Coordination (50%)
Coordinate on-site operations for the Press office, ensuring that colleagues have the supplies and support they need for their day-to-day tasks. Day-to-day operations of the office include liaising with building management, handling office supply and equipment purchases, overseeing office upkeep, mailing/shipping as needed, responding to the general email and voicemail accounts for the Press.
Enter financial transaction requests into the TDX ticketing system, and problem-solve as needed until payments are made or invoices are issued; upload and reconcile transaction reports from University systems into the Press internal databases, monitor data and report anomalies or data mis-matches; maintain and update customer and supplier information; complete reconciliation worksheets for payments from domestic and international business partners; serve as internal customer service for financial transactional questions for Press staff, and offer guidance on forms and processes for making payments. This position will assist with processing annual royalties statements and payments to our authors and publishing partners.
Reporting and Data Analysis (45%)
Process sales and royalties reports from business partners and ensure payments are received; data entry and report upload into Press databases and systems. Monitor trends in data and payments, and report anomalies. In addition to receiving and reconciling reporting, this position will generate reporting for segments of our business, including monthly subsidiary rights reporting, title specific 1, 2, and 3 year anniversary reports, and compiling post-publication P&Ls.
Other Duties, as assigned (5%)
This position may assign work to a UMN student employee.

Required qualifications: 
BA/BS degree or a combination of education and experience equal to four years.

Characteristics of the ideal candidate (preferred qualifications):
Interest in the business/operations side of publishing
Problem-solver
Learns quickly
Excellent organizational skills
Multitasker
Proficient in Microsoft Office, with high value placed on robust Excel skills
Strong written communication skills
Familiarity with publishing tools or databases 

Through a century of change, the University of Minnesota Press has maintained an unwavering searchlight for groundbreaking voices and ideas, a commitment to emerging areas of global scholarship, and a close connection to its communities and region. Since its founding in 1925, the Press has continually advanced in renown and influence, developing adventurous and cutting-edge editorial initiatives that have broken boundaries and defined new avenues for interdisciplinary scholarship. Today its thriving and internationally respected book program is joined by a strong and diverse journals program; the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), the most widely used personality assessment instrument; and the innovative Manifold digital publishing platform. Publications about the people, cultures, and natural history of Minnesota remain central to the Presss mission and identity, and we work with authors throughout the world to extend the impact of their writing and research through innovative methods and formats, high standards for accessibility, striking visual design, and a collaborative spirit.

Pay Range: $25.96 - $27.16 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Time Appointment

Work Profile: This position has been designated as Work Profile 2 - Regularly Remote: Time spent working remotely is consistently less than 50% time. Dedicated on campus work space to be provided.

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.  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, 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, 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.