The Senior Administrative Officer (SAO) is a critical member of the Vice President for Equity and Diversityâ™s team who works collaboratively to drive, facilitate and support strategic projects, directives and initiatives. The SAO provides strategic advice and counsel, possesses a high level of integrity, and demonstrates discretion in sensitive and confidential matters. This position will report directly to the Vice President and in partnership with the Deputy to the Vice President and other unit senior leaders. By working directly with the Vice President and other members of OEDâ™s senior leadership team and constituents the SAO strives to advance the priorities of the Office for Equity and Diversity (OED) and the mission of the University of Minnesota. PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Advisor and Counsel to the Vice President - 50%
? Assist and serve the Vice President in support of the full complement of responsibilities and commitments for the Office for Equity and Diversity, including coordination of the Vice Presidentâ™s agenda and ensuring that systemwide DIJE directives and initiatives are effectively carried out
? Oversee the design and implementation of the OEDâ™s strategic priorities, mission, and vision and ensure that they are aligned with the University of Minnesotaâ™s current and future strategic plans and ensure timely and effective execution of all related metrics and outcomes
? Ensure that all vice presidential directives and OED initiatives and goals are effectively communicated, integrated, executed and measured
? Assist in ensuring that the OEDVPâ™s meetings are effective with realistic objectives, appropriate preparation, and that the OEDVP is well-prepared. Monitor progress and achievement of next steps after meetings.
Communications and Research::
? Draft presentations, speeches, and other communications to internal and external stakeholders, including the Board of Regents
? Field, prioritize, and respond to requests to the Vice President from academic units and administrative offices.
? Collect and analyze data, information, and stakeholder input to inform decision-making, solve problems, and make recommendations
Administrative & Operations Leadership - 40%
? Serve as a liaison with OED senior leaders, faculty, staff, students and multiple and diverse internal and external constituencies
? Advise the Vice President on a wide variety of high level, administrative issues, including policy development and the effective utilization of human, fiscal and physical resources
? Participate on a wide variety of internal and external committees on the vice presidentâ™s behalf
? Directly support the Vice President as needed, including drafting briefing memos, charge letters, and policy documents, attending and staffing meetings with the Vice President, and arranging events to further the Vice Presidentâ™s agenda and strategic priorities
? Create a review process for office-wide policies and lead work teams to review and update content or create new policies.
? Lead the consultative process with administrative and collegiate staff, governance bodies, and other offices and individuals on complex DEI related policy issues and initiatives
? Build and nurture relationships to serve as a resource and point of contact for the university administrators, faculty, staff, students, and other key constituents to resolve complex issues and help move forward strategic priorities.
? Assume additional responsibilities or duties as assigned by the Vice President
Direct Strategic Initiatives - 10%
? Support the development of new initiatives and realignment of existing programs through oversight and management of processes and systems. Strategically facilitate and engage faculty in staff-driven initiatives.
? Direct the Bias Response and Referral Network (BRRN), including leading program administration and providing oversight of the BRRN Staff Leads Required
? BA/BS and at least 15 years of experience
? Strong and extensive track record of promoting and advancing equity, diversity and inclusion
? Substantial experience in responsible administrative positions demonstrating excellent organizational and managerial abilities and effective leadership
? Strong commitment to collaboration, consultation and shared governance
? Extensive experience working in a complex, decentralized higher education environment
? Exceptional interpersonal, oral and written communication skills
? Able to balance competing demands, priorities, and needs of multiple stakeholders
? Ability to work collaboratively with multiple, diverse constituencies
? Able to work well both independently and as part of a team
? Effective in developing strong relationships and effective partnerships
? Demonstrates exceptional judgment, discretion, confidentiality, integrity and flexibility Preferred :
? Advanced or terminal degree
? Experience with strategic planning and knowledge of strategic management concepts, business practices, and principles, as well as change management
? Experience in an advisory role reporting to a senior leader About University of Minnesota Twin Cities
The University of Minnesota, founded in the belief that all people are enriched by understanding, is dedicated to the advancement of learning and the search for truth; to the sharing of this knowledge through education for a diverse community; and to the application of this knowledge to benefit the people of the state, the nation, and the world.
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