Serve as a key member of the Dean's Leadership Council, contributing to strategic decision-making and institutional governance.Provide strategic oversight for the CBS undergraduate experience, to include academic advising, career coaching, and engagement.Direct operations focused on student recruitment, retention, and graduation, utilizing metrics to measure and improve the student experience.Manage unit budgets and personnel, cultivating a work environment that attracts and develops high-performing professionals.Represent CBS to external partners, peer institutions, and University stakeholders.Engage with parents and student groups as a recognizable leader for CBS undergraduate programs.Serve as the direct supervisor for 6 full time employees. Responsible for building a highly productive and engaged team of professionals and supervisors. Foster a culture of leadership and professional development.Collegiate Recruitment, Enrollment, and Retention Oversight (20%)- Develop and implement annual strategic plans for recruitment and scholarships in collaboration with key stakeholders, ensuring collegiate enrollment goals are met.
- Collaborate with collegiate and University leadership to set sustainable enrollment targets.
- Analyze retention trends, leveraging data to refine and inform student success initiatives.
Student Success and Engagement (20%)- Foster a dynamic environment for student organizations, leadership development, and mentorship.
- Promote a culture of access, inclusion, and equity across all programmatic content and student support services.
- Establish policies and procedures sensitive to student concerns and institutional fairness.
- Work with the Office of Student Affairs to manage and coordinate responses to student crisis situations.
The employer reserves the right to change or assign duties to this positionQualificationsRequired Qualifications:- Master's degree plus at least 8 years of professional experience in higher education and/or relevant industry experience.
Preferred Qualifications:- 5 or more years of leadership experience in an educational setting, including oversight and accountability for administrative and operational activities.
- Demonstrated ability to build and manage engaged teams to achieve outcomes in higher education (e.g., setting and measuring goals, employee accountability, fostering professional development, organizational culture and effectiveness).
- Demonstrated excellent interpersonal skills, particularly the ability to work effectively and collaboratively with multiple groups and diverse constituencies.
- Demonstrated ability to listen effectively and strategically, translating and prioritizing strategic goals and initiatives into action.
- Ability to inspire a shared vision and relate to employees, influencing and aligning efforts of others to advance current and future priorities.
- Knowledge of and appreciation for biological sciences education.
About the DepartmentCollege and Unit OverviewAt the College of Biological Sciences (CBS), we help our undergraduates turn curiosity into impact. With eight majors, thirteen minors, and a world of complex biological puzzles to solve, our students learn biology by doing biology in classrooms and labs across the University's East Bank and St. Paul campuses. CBS Student Services is there every step of that journey. Our team of 20 advisors, career coaches, and engagement specialists are dedicated to guiding undergrads from their first week on campus to graduation day and beyond.
Pay and BenefitsPay Range: $125,000-$140,000 depending on education/qualifications/experience
Time Appointment: 100% Appointment
Position Type: Faculty and P&A 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
While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.
How To ApplyApplications 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.
This position requires submission of both your resume and a cover letter for consideration.
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
jobcentr@umn.edu.
The priority application deadline for this position is September 30, 2026.DiversityThe 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.eduEmployment RequirementsAny 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.
About University of MinnesotaThe 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 Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.