First Generation Student Program Coordinator Jobs in Minnesota

Position Overview: As a key member of our collaborative, four-person Student Services and Communication team, you will help ensure that the student experience in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering is among the best at the University. Operating out of our welcoming, student-facing office suite, the ideal candidate is an excellent communicator who understands how to foster student engagement and success.

This role requires a versatile professional ready to manage a diverse range of tasks to support our community. It is an exceptional opportunity to gain foundational experience in higher education while potentially pursuing related graduate studies. We offer a collegial, flexible, and supportive environment and look forward to reviewing your application.

Work Environment: This is a hybrid schedule with 3 days working in office and 2 days work from home eligible.

Location: University of Minnesota, East Bank Campus

Visa Language: Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

Job Duties:
20% Student & Academic Advising Support

• Front-Line Advising Support: Serve as a resource for undergraduate and graduate students, responding to daily inquiries and guiding them to appropriate departmental and university resources.
• Program Administration: Partner with academic advisors to interpret and communicate academic policies, procedures, and degree requirements.
• Academic Operations: Manage undergraduate permission number requests, facilitate student registration for directed study courses, and monitor incomplete contracts.
• Data & Systems: Maintain administrative processes, data entry, and reporting for academic programs; update the ECE Matrix advising aids each semester.

20% Outreach, Recruitment & Retention Support

• Recruitment Strategy: Contribute to the development, implementation, and assessment of recruitment strategies and outreach materials designed to attract diverse, high-caliber undergraduate and graduate applicants.
• Prospective Student Liaison: Act as a point of contact for prospective students and coordinate departmental representation at recruitment events.
• Pipeline Building: Cultivate and sustain relationships with prospective students, advisors, and faculty at local community colleges to facilitate transfer student matriculation.
• STEM Outreach: Collaborate with colleagues to identify and participate in local STEM outreach events targeting K-12 students.

20% Student Engagement & Event Coordination

• Event Management: Plan, organize, and execute major student events, including orientations, workshops, recruitment days, the Senior Design Showcase, and graduation celebrations.
• Logistics & Execution: Manage all event logistics, including room reservations, communications, registration, materials, and day-of operational support.
• Student Group Partnership: Work closely with ECE student organizations and their leadership to boost engagement and ensure organizational continuity between academic years.
• Student Communications: Edit and distribute the weekly undergraduate newsletter featuring advising reminders, upcoming events, and job/internship postings.

20% Course Scheduling & Curriculum Coordination

• Classroom Scheduling: Serve as the primary department coordinator for undergraduate classroom scheduling (with flexibility to support graduate courses as needed).
• System Maintenance: Manage and execute curriculum revisions and scheduling updates within Coursedog.

10% Cross-Department and Employer Collaboration

• Industry Relations: Support relationships with current and prospective employers to foster internship and career opportunities for ECE students.
• Committee Participation: Serve as a staff member on department committees and participate in college level committees related to student support and recruitment.

10% Leadership & Operational Support

• Student Oversight: Assist with the training and day-to-day oversight of undergraduate student employees.
• Departmental Priorities: Provide administrative support for special initiatives and perform additional responsibilities consistent with the Student Services Professional 1 classification.

Required Qualifications: BA/BS degree, or a combination of education and relevant work experience to equal at least four years.

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (https://ece.umn.edu) is one of the largest departments within the College of Science and Engineering (https://cse.umn.edu). Current research areas include Biomedical and Biological Computation Methods; Devices and Systems; Communications, Signal Processing, and Networking; Computer Engineering, VLSI, and Circuits; Fields, Photonics, and Magnetics; Micro and Nano Structures; Sustainable Energy Systems, Power Electronics and Drives; Systems and Controls. To learn more about the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Minnesota, please visit the department website (https://ece.umn.edu).

Pay Range: $23.08 - $27 ($48,006.40 - $56,160); 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.  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.

Required application materials: Resume and Cover Letter

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

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