Program Specialist

Position Overview

The Program Specialist provides instructional technology, communication, and purchasing support to the Center for Early Education Development (CEED). Specifically, this position manages, supports, and interfaces with CEED's online professional development opportunities via UMN's online learning platform, Canvas. This position also supports the technology needs of CEED Principal Investigators and assists with both sponsored and non-sponsored support. This position acts as the Destiny One Administrator and coordinates registration for all revenue generating events and professional development offerings. Reporting to the Center Director, this position provides support for CEED and uses independent judgment.

This position is based on campus. Per UMN policy, work may be done remotely when appropriate and approved by your manager.

Job Responsibilities

Online Course Development & Management (50%)

• Implement online improvements and new course development (construct new course sites, convert and update materials, communicate with instructors and staff during processes, work with CEED Curriculum Specialist on CEED professional development project management)
• Oversee registration intake, payments, guest ID assignments
• Maintain related web pages promoting courses, send announcements for registration
• Update course sites and materials each session
• Field questions and troubleshoot problems from students and instructors during sessions
• Draft and send clock hour certificates
• Migrate and adapt materials to other tools and servers as necessary
• Implement redesign changes made and incorporate additional tools to Canvas online course sites
• Attend monthly Academic Technology iCop meetings and associated trainings in Canvas tools to keep informed of best practices and how to use various tools
• Create, update, and maintain CEED registration pages on Destiny One and record payments by check

Destiny One Administrator (30%)

• Create, monitor, maintain and update Destiny One Registration System (DORS) forms
• Create training and student rosters from information gathered via DORS
• Update Credential Program Log for those enrolling and completing Credential courses
• Correspond with those needing to pay by check and processing deposit and admin registration
• Troubleshoot user problems with registering
• Stay current on changes to DORS system

CEED Communications (10%)

• Support CEED's internal and external communications and project work
• In collaboration with the CEED communications specialist, the ICD communications director, and the ICD marketing director, update the CEED website, CEED intranet, CEED YouTube, CEED Facebook, CEED online calendar entries, CEHD online calendar entries, U of M events calendar entries
• Work with CEED and CEHD communications personnel to maintain CEED listservs, email lists, and contacts.

CEED Purchasing (10%)

• Act as the holder of CEED's purchasing card (i.e., p-card).
• Purchase supplies for CEED employees.
• Reconcile charges made with the p-card.
• Work with ICD's Faculty and Support personnel to follow p-card policies and procedures.

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma/GED and five years related experience to include project management
• Two years of experience with online learning platforms (training/education may be substituted for some of the years of experience)
• Computer experience required
• Ability to collaborate effectively with people from a variety of communities, backgrounds, and identities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience using Destiny One Registration System (DORS)
• Experience using Canvas
• Experience with Drupal
• Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive or confidential information
• Ability to determine, organize. and prioritize activities and coordinate with other administrative/servicing units
• Strong oral and written English communication skills
• Interpersonal skills necessary to establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team
• Attention to detail, strong organization skills, and effective problem solving
• Evidence of self-initiative
• Ability to prioritize tasks when faced with competing demands
• Ability to handle multiple tasks while working in a busy environment
• Ability to handle all situations professionally

Unit Overview

The Center for Early Education and Development (CEED) is a center administratively housed within the Institute of Child Development. CEED, which has been serving the early childhood community for over 40 years, follows the vision that all young children deserve the opportunity to grow and develop to their full potential in safe and nurturing environments with opportunities for learning. The mission of CEED holds the belief that the science of early development forms a sound basis for improving practice and policy for all young children and families, and for those who experience adversity in the first years of life. Since 1975, CEED has fulfilled this mission in partnership with our constituencies through collaborative research and scholarship; program evaluation and monitoring; professional development education and training; and networking and strategic planning.

Department Overview

The Institute of Child Development (ICD) at the University of Minnesota has long been a premier center for scholarship, teaching, and outreach devoted to the understanding and fostering of child development. Founded in 1925, the Institute is one of the oldest departments studying children's development in the United States. From its inception, a key tenet of the department has been to "give away" child psychology. This philosophy has created an environment rich with collaborations, new ideas, and exciting interdisciplinary work. The ICD is housed within the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) and has an undergraduate program within the College of Liberal Arts (CLA).

College Overview

The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), the University's third largest college, 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 life. 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.

Pay Range: This position is represented by the AFSCME Union, Local 3800. The hours are generally M - F, 8:00-4:30. The work location is on the Minneapolis campus. The salary range for this position is $24.07 - $28.64. Final salary offers are dependent on the candidate's experience, skills, and internal equity within the department.

Time Appointment Category: 100% Appointment

Position Type: 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

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a 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: 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.

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

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).