Program Coordinator

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS degree with at least two years of experience or a combination of related education and work experience to equal six years
• Professional experience that is related to the Center's research, education, and outreach activities, such as: coordinating events and training activities, providing staff support to stakeholder groups or committees, facilitating meetings, developing and monitoring budgets, and working with multiple teams

Preferred Qualifications
The successful candidate should possess the following competencies:

• Achieving and Getting Results: customer-focused; utilizes effective oral and written communication skills; demonstrates the ability to deal with unanticipated problems and opportunities; curious, dependable, detail-oriented, and quality conscious
• Building and Maintaining Relationships: able to work with multiple bosses in a complex, high-energy environment; appreciates and respects different points of view
• Managing Self: functions effectively within ever-changing environments; effectively manages time, resources, organizational tools and systems, and stress level; demonstrates resilience, persistence, and adaptability
• Leading: proactively takes initiative to identify and appropriately resolve and/or escalate issues or problems; appropriately utilizes, influences, and manages resources to accomplish work
  

This position is responsible for planning and delivering training and stakeholder engagement activities to a variety of transportation stakeholder groups; building and fostering relationships with partnering organizations; serving as a liaison and representative for CTS in activities that enhance program visibility and strengthen relationships with the community; assisting in the development and management of project scope, schedule, budgets, and deliverables; and designing and implementing systems and processes to enhance personal, team, Center, and University performance. This position manages multiple projects at any given time, interacts with a wide variety of stakeholders and funders, and performs a number of functions within the group.

This position is eligible for remote work (see "work location" section below), although the successful candidate will be required to travel within the Twin Cities metro area and greater Minnesota to participate and provide on-site assistance at a variety of in-person meetings and events.

Essential Functions
The successful candidate will work on a portfolio of projects from the functional areas noted below. Responsibilities for each project, regardless of functional area, include:

• Proactively identify and appropriately resolve and/or escalate issues that arise during the delivery of project and program tasks. Solve problems while considering various stakeholders' and participants' needs to offer solutions in a timely manner.
• Serve as project manager for the delivery of program activities, including managing the work of students, staff administrative assistants, and/or other partners.
• Assist the program director with developing and monitoring project scopes, schedules, deliverables, and budgets and with activity monitoring and evaluation.
• Work collaboratively with the communications team to identify content and review materials for CTS publications, websites, social media, and other communications products based on project or program scope.

The percentage of time devoted to each essential function will fluctuate over time. The Center's activities will vary according to the contract deliverables required at any given time; staff responsibilities will be adjusted to meet the Center's needs.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

50% - Technical Assistance and Customized Training Services
Perform project management and coordination for the delivery of the Center's technical assistance and customized training programs for local agencies. Acquire the appropriate level of knowledge and a broad understanding of the transportation arena for the specific topic to assess training and technical assistance needs and recommend program activities. Manage logistics, develop agendas and other training materials, coordinate and communicate training details with presenters and participants, and provide on-site staffing support. Coordinate efforts of technical experts and University staff to develop and deliver training and other technical assistance products (workshops, webinars, handbooks, and online resources). Manage the Road Scholar initiative, including managing the student database and providing customer service to students in the program.

25% - Outreach and Engagement Services Activities
Perform project management and coordination for outreach activities such as events, workshops, and webinars. Utilize a broad understanding of the transportation arena, both internal and external to the University, to help design and develop event content. Build and strengthen relationships with presenters and participants; serve as a program representative and strategic and technical knowledge resource/liaison from the University to the transportation community. Provide event delivery expertise by managing logistics and arrangements for in-person, hybrid, and virtual events; working with external stakeholders to identify topics and speakers; overseeing venue selection and negotiation; coordinating with event sponsors and exhibitors; providing on-site support and resolving issues; and evaluating and reporting on the events.

20% - Planning and Advisory Committee Activities
Provide program management and coordination for externally funded programs that engage transportation stakeholders and utilize planning, advisory, and/or steering committees. Serve as a liaison and resource for program participants by developing and managing complex stakeholder relationships and by acquiring the appropriate level of technical knowledge. Interact with a wide array of external and internal stakeholders, funders, community organizations, and individuals to facilitate interaction on areas of common interest. Manage development and distribution of meeting materials, including agendas and notes. Coordinate follow up of action items as identified by stakeholder groups. Maintain committee rosters and facilitate committee communication and correspondence.

5% - Center-wide Programs and Services
Contribute as a team member in the administration of CTS programs. Assist in the design and implementation Center-wide initiatives and special projects as needed.

Work Location
The Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) and the Center for Transportation Studies endorses a "work with flexibility" approach that offers a welcoming and flexible work environment. Work location options include working fully remote, partially remote, or entirely in the office and are based on the work of the position. This position has been designated as eligible for Flexible Work Profile Four (work fully remotely with the exception of required attendance for on-site events); the successful candidate will have the option to be office-based or hybrid if fully remote is not preferred.

Because the University of Minnesota is a land-grant institution that serves the state, the University, in most cases, expects employees to live in Minnesota. A University-configured laptop and software will be provided, but the successful candidate will need to provide their own reliable high-speed internet connection for a fully remote or partially remote work schedule. CTS management retains the right to modify flexible work arrangement agreements on a temporary or permanent basis for any reason at any time.

**This position requires the ability to travel within the Twin Cities metro area and greater Minnesota to support in-person events and other convenings. Details regarding work schedule, work location, and other arrangements will be made upon offer of employment and a work schedule will be agreed upon by the employee and their supervisor.**

The Center for Transportation Studies (CTS) conducts transportation research, education, and outreach programs in a broad number of areas, including transportation policy and planning, safety and technology, and infrastructure engineering. These activities are carried out through relationships with University faculty, government agencies, and private industry, including an extensive advisory committee structure.

Posting is open until filled. Please submit a cover letter and resume; we will begin reviewing resumes on June 12.

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-UOHR (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.

Please note: All employees at the University of Minnesota are required to comply with the University’s Administrative Policy: COVID-19 Vaccination and Safety Protocol by either providing proof of being fully vaccinated on their first day of employment, or complete a request for an exemption for medical exemption or religious reasons. To learn more please visit: https://safe-campus.umn.edu/return-campus/get-the-vax

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.