Position Overview

The working title of this position is Director of Operations.

The Director of Operations has primary responsibility for the oversight and implementation of administrative (day-to-day) operations for the Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare (CASCW), including the statewide Child Welfare Training Academy, within the School of Social Work (SSW). Reporting to the Senior Executive Director, this position provides strategic support to leadership, working to align the budget, human resources, data systems, research-related operations, facilities, technology, and other operational areas with the center's strategic goals, while working within school, college, and University policies and procedures.

This position works closely with the center's leadership team to ensure efficient and effective achievement of center mission activities and endeavors. The Director of Operations work is integrated within and across the four pillars of the center, including professional education, outreach and policy, research and evaluation, and training partnerships. The level of this position requires knowledge and understanding of complex budgets, multidisciplinary research and practice partnerships, and state agency to state agency cooperated projects. Their understanding of University practices and processes, as well as sound judgment, ability to prioritize complex and multilayered projects, and autonomous decision-making skills, are essential to this position.

The University of Minnesota encourages a healthy work life balance for employees. CEHD is committed to an excellent employee experience, offering a flexible work environment that meets the needs of students, staff, faculty, and the communities we serve. Flexible work arrangements may include flexibility in schedule and/or work location. Please note that 100% remote work requires approval prior to offer.

The budgeted salary range for this position is $65,000-$85,000. Final salary offers are dependent on the candidate's experience, skills, and internal equity within the department.

This position is fully funded by sponsored funds.

Job Responsibilities

Strategic Planning and Operations (35%)

• Work with the Directors and CASCW leadership team to determine upcoming and future priorities.
• Provide information and guidance to the Directors on all areas of policy, as well as challenges and opportunities for improvement within the day-to-day operations of the center.
• Develop new initiatives and realign existing processes and systems in collaboration with SSW to better serve CASCW and its constituents.
• Identify opportunities for innovation and continuous improvement projects within the center.
• Serve as a key administrative liaison to the School of Social Work and College of Education and Human Development, and partner with the school and college's administrative units in areas of finance, human resources, facilities, and technology.
• Act as a key member of the center's leadership team, and provide this group with guidance in all areas of operations.
• Ongoing project management development for processes of the state-wide training academy.
• Investigate and resolve administrative problems.
• With facilitation of SSW leadership review, plan, and manage space allocations including updating furniture, and office assignments, research and conference areas.
• Provide program support for grants and contract obligations to align with grant deliverables.

Financial Planning and Grants Management (45%)

• Serve as liaison and partner with the CEHD Office of Research and Policy (ORP) grant coordinator to:
  • Assist leadership as they pursue funding
  • Create preliminary budgets and budget justifications for the initial phase of grant submission
• Serve as liaison and partner with SSW and CEHD Financial Services Office (FSO) finance professional to:
  • Forecast budgets and purchasing trends to ensure good stewardship of funds.
  • Manage the budget of all revenue sources (grants, external sales, gifts, etc.), to ensure spending is in line with the intended purposes of the funding.
• Coordinate with ORP grant coordinator and FSO finance professional and School of Social Work Department Administrator regarding the center reporting, training, policymaking, and process improvement.
• Provide budgetary oversight and coordination for center events.
• Serve as main contact for center purchasing to:
  • Ensure compliance for sponsor and non-sponsored funding.
  • Oversee purchasing process to ensure proper use of funding and adherence to university policies.
  • Manage purchasing cards and travel cards.

Human Resources (10%)

• Work with the School of Social Work's Department Administrator and/or HR Business Process Liaison in matters of hiring, organizational change, processes, and other HR related activities.
• Ensure alignment with and adherence to University, CEHD, and SSW Human Resource (HR) policies and practices for University employee groups including Faculty, Academic Professional and Administrative (P&A), Civil Service, Union-represented Staff, Graduate Assistant, and Student.
• Serve as a resource for employees and managers in the department on HR questions. Consult and
  partner with SSW or CEHD HR as needed.
• Ensure that all SSW HR processes and documentation are completed for center by established deadlines.
• Advise and consult with Sr. Executive Director and SSW on staffing needs and partner with CEHD HR to conduct workforce planning and analysis.
• Oversee development, implementation, and delivery of new employee orientations within the center.
• Provide recruiting consultation and budgetary analysis for new hires.

Supervision and Administration (8%)

• Provide day-to-day supervision to CASCW administrative staff (1)
• Assist training of administrative staff
• Locate and/or provide professional development opportunities, training and mentoring to staff to further develop relevant knowledge and skill.
• Ensure accountability for project activities administrative staff through regular meetings and communication.
• Participate in monthly CASCW All-Staff Meetings, Director/leadership meetings and bi-weekly administrative meetings.
• Participate in monthly SSW Council meetings and SSW committee meetings, as assigned.

Other Responsibilities (2%)

• Attending training and continuing education on areas related to operations.
• Participate in University, Collegiate, and School-wide committees.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS plus at least 4 years of experience or a combination of related education and work experience to equal eight years
• Demonstrated commitment to advocating for an inclusive environment for all backgrounds and identities
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, most especially Excel
• Ability to correctly interpret and implement policies and procedures in all tasks and all areas of operation within a complex unit
• Experience with complex budgets and project management

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to function effectively and collaboratively with multiple stakeholder groups within a dynamic organization, including faculty, staff, community leadership from counties, tribes, and private agencies, and the public
• Ability to use sound judgment, take initiative, work independently
• A high level of organizational and analytical skills, with the capacity to balance and manage many projects and related details
• Ability to create and manage operational planning and control systems across all operational areas within the center
• Knowledge and ability to work effectively in a highly collegial setting, with excellent skills in verbal and written communications
• Training in University of Minnesota financial and human resources policies, processes, and data systems

Department Overview

Founded in 1917, the School of Social Work at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is the oldest social work program in a public land-grant university. SSW is a unit within the College of Education and Human Development, one of the leading colleges of education and human development in the country with programs and research in areas such as educational psychology, child development, organizational leadership, family social science, and disabilities. The School offers a number of educational programs at the graduate and undergraduate levels. Graduate degree programs include a PhD in social work, a Master of Social Work, and a Master of Education in Youth Development Leadership. At the undergraduate level, the School offers a Bachelor of Science in Youth Studies, and minors in Family Violence Prevention, Youth Studies, and Social Justice. For more information please visit:

Center Overview

The Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare (CASCW) was established in 1992 with federal Title IV-E funding and a grant from the Bush Foundation. The Center brings the University of Minnesota together with county, tribal, state and community social services in a partnership dedicated to improving the lives of children and families involved with public child welfare. Substantial funding for the Center continues to come from federal Title IV-E funds and support from the University of Minnesota, the College of Education and Human Development and the School of Social Work. CASCW fulfills its mission by focusing its efforts around three primary areas: Professional Education, Outreach, and Research & Evaluation.

College Overview

The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), the third largest college at the University, contributes to a just and sustainable future through engagement with the local and global communities to enhance human learning and development at all stages of the life span. We know diversity is necessary to do our best work and foster our humanity. That's why the CEHD community is collectively dedicated to cultivating an inclusive and equitable environment, embracing and celebrating all identities of our students, staff, and faculty. These values are also a moral imperative requiring continuous proactive measures and a firm stance against prejudice, discrimination, and systemic injustice.

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also 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
• 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)
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Please visit the for more information regarding benefits.

Applications must be submitted online. 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.

To be considered for this position, you must submit the following materials:

1. Cover letter
2. 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:

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 the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).