The Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences (VBS) seeks a results-driven
professional business manager with strong leadership and interpersonal skills who will efficiently
manage the department's daily and strategic operations and advance its teaching and
scholarship missions. The Administrative Director (AD) must be able to work collaboratively,
professionally, and effectively across academic departments and business units in the College
of Veterinary Medicine and the University. The successful candidate possesses straightforward
and proactive leadership skills, analytical and strategic thinking abilities, the ability to prioritize
and track multiple projects, and superior interpersonal and organizational skills.

This individual helps to direct department priorities and objectives, guides and improves
departmental operating methods, and ensures a diverse and inclusive academic culture. The
Administrative Director will also plan and document department processes, assign
responsibilities, establish timelines, communicate plans, and implement, oversee and complete
projects. This position has independent responsibility for implementing and monitoring day-to-
day activities of the department, as well as analyzing data and reporting on the department's
financial status, human resources, space, and related metrics.

This position also serves as the departmental contact for pre-award policies, procedures, and
practices in collaboration with the collegiate Office of Research, and actively participates in the
Pre-award Working group to develop and refine best practices to coordinate grant proposal
submissions.

Responsibilities:
Departmental Management - 40%
The Administrative Director's (AD) responsibilities constitute a significant and multi-faceted
workload that requires a high level of initiative, organizational skill, diplomacy, and strategic
thinking. The AD will:
Oversee day-to-day operations in the department
Serve as a liaison between the VBS Chair and faculty, staff, students and operational
units. In addition, serve as the representative of the Chair on specifically assigned
projects.
Gather pertinent information and make recommendations in the areas of department
business systems, space utilization, finance, capital equipment and operational
methods. Ensure the Chair has relevant information in preparation for meetings. Prepare
VBS quarterly reports to the collegiate Dean and the annual department report to the
faculty and staff.
Work closely with VBS and collegiate leadership, administration, faculty, staff and other
personnel to manage and maintain safe, effective, and inclusive environment in support
of research, teaching, and service activities.
Proactively manage annual processes such as faculty nominations for awards,
promotion and tenure, annual faculty performance review and merit assignment,
probationary faculty review, committee assignments and other key initiatives such as
strategic planning, professional development, and organizational diversity and inclusion.
Ensure VBS policies, procedures and processes are relevant and up-to-date. Identify
opportunities for efficiencies and areas for improvement within department's policies,
processes and procedures and lead process improvement efforts.
Review, research, recommend actions, and advise the department head on complicated,
sensitive, and confidential situations.
Identify, lead and advance initiatives as directed by the department Chair. Create
implementation plans, direct and coordinate work and activities with a great deal of
independent initiative and direction.

HR Support and Supervision - 20%
Serve as point of contact for supervisors and staff requesting information and support on
human resource (HR) policies, procedures and practices concerning employee and labor
relations that govern employee groups.
Work with faculty and staff on hiring requests and provide assistance in recruiting, hiring,
and promoting employees. Coordinate the on-boarding process for new faculty and
staff. Partner with collegiate and central HR offices to resolve employee relations
issues.
Supervise recruiting, hiring and onboarding of VBS administrative staff. Oversee work
assignments and personnel reviews by setting effective performance standards and
accountability metrics, and supporting career development of VBS administrative staff.

Regularly confer with staff on responsibilities and expectations, and monitor workflows
within the department office to maintain a high level of customer service.
Mentor staff in effective business relations and professionalism.
Encourage employee engagement and promote a positive, respectful, productive work
environment through leadership and communication skills.
Set priorities and goals for staff by encouraging University engagement, continuing
education, and skill development.

Pre-award Support Activities - 20%
Maintain a sophisticated working knowledge of research administrative policies and
serve as an effective VBS liaison with Sponsored Projects Administration (SPA).
Serve as the departmental contact with the collegiate Office of Research for pre-award
policies, procedures, and practices. Actively participate in the Pre-award Working group.
Serve as the first point of contact for faculty and staff concerning pre-award policies,
procedures, and practices.
Provide backup capacity for coordinating grant applications ensuring that application
materials are complete within collegiate, university, and sponsor guidelines before
submission to the SPA.

Planning and Analysis - 15%
Consult and collaborate with leaders in the Department, CVM Dean's Office and other
functional leaders (Operations, HR, Finance, etc); provide analysis and
recommendations on business, finance, facilities, compliance, and operational matters.
Make evidence-based decisions by integrating information from a variety of appropriate
sources to evaluate alternatives and program performance.
Recommend and develop plans to reduce and/or increase budgets based on teaching,
research, and service needs.
Management of data regarding departmental based research and teaching programs for
department decision making; coordinate strategic planning process; assessment of
department outputs and outcomes regarding capacity, areas for integration, growth
and/or realignment.

Miscellaneous Activities - 5%
Attend and actively participate in collegiate initiatives.
Oversee the coordination of all departmental events.
Plan, prioritize, and lead special projects as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree plus six (6) years of professional-level managerial/supervisory
experience or a combination of related education and relevant experience totaling ten
(10) years.
Demonstrated evidence of grant proposal experience.
Demonstrated ability to address complex problems collaboratively.
Demonstrated ability to work independently, proactively and innovatively.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills and excellence in writing reports,
correspondence, policy, and planning documents.
Reliable and self-motivated.
Strong leadership qualities.
Exceptional organizational and problem-solving skills
Experience and an ongoing commitment to a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications

Formal education/training in organizational effectiveness, including managing
performance expectations and remediation, conflict resolution and respectful workplace
culture.
Evidence for the timely and effective management of multiple workflows.
Administrative experience in human resources.
Experience with University of Minnesota policies and procedures related to higher
education, research and academic programs.

The Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences (VBS) Department is a premier veterinary biomedical
research department, educating outstanding undergraduate, graduate, and veterinary students;
discovering new knowledge about animal and human health and disease through scientific
research; translating new knowledge into innovative applications; and communicating
knowledge to health professionals, animal producers, industry, and scientists.

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
• with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Please visit the for more information regarding benefits.

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 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.

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