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About the Job

The Minnesota Design Center (MDC) seeks a motivated individual for a research professional position with significant experience in and knowledge of asset-based community development, community engagement, and Geo-design. The work is supported through the state-funded Empowering Small Minnesota Communities (ESMC) and the foundation-funded Design Assist programs. The candidate will work on projects in diverse communities across Minnesota, and support other project leads in this work. This person will also respond to community needs and coordinate that work with other research staff, keeping the MDC Director and other members of the team informed about the progress of their work. The position will also require overseeing and coordinating the work of graduate research assistants and project subcontractors.

A successful candidate for the position must be able to work independently, have excellent interpersonal skills, and have extensive experience in a design setting. This person will have a working understanding of asset-based community development; strong communication and graphics skills, an attention to detail and a proactive approach to information gathering. In addition, this person will have knowledge and experience in one of the relevant fields. We are committed to attracting candidates from historically underrepresented groups knowing that diversity enriches the academic experience and provides a knowledge base for innovation.

This position is for a full-time research appointment. Continuation beyond the initial appointment is contingent upon available funding and satisfactory performance. Salary is commensurate with education and experience. Work location is flexible between home (in the upper Midwest) and 3-4 days per week in MDC’s office at the University of Minnesota. This position will require regular travel around the state of Minnesota for community engagement work.

This is a 12 month, 100%, full-time position working on asset-based community development projects in the Minnesota Design Center (MDC), in the College of Design at the University of Minnesota. The person in this position will report to the Director of the Minnesota Design Center and work with the staff and research assistants in both the MDC and the Center for Sustainable Building Research (CSBR).

Responsibilities

Duties will include but are not limited to:

Work on asset-based community development projects: (75%)

• Lead collaboration with communities that have diverse needs and participants.
• Spearhead community engagement activities for both the Empowering Small MN Communities and the Design Assist programs.
• Apply Geodesign strategies to develop new ideas, convey those solutions to stakeholders, and develop implementation steps.
• Analyze GIS data to ensure its relevance and applicability.
• Transform research into effective funding proposals and offer guidance on proposal preparation and submission.
• Oversee and conduct research into community assets and how best to leverage them with decisionmakers and stakeholders into actionable designs or proposals.

Coordinate with project leaders and director (25%)

• Lead and manage effective collaboration with the rest of the ESMC team.
• Manage and guide the work of research assistants and project subcontractors to meet schedules and expectations.
• Direct coordination with other project teams to gather information on recent projects, and interpret that data for communication to media and stakeholders.
• Steward information and appropriate context as needed for administrative support of the project.
• Deliver updates and timely reports to the director of the MDC, while also ensuring other partner teams are informed of the work, progress and milestones.
• Contribute to/collaborate on broader ESMC program development as needed, including project selection, program strategy, budget forecasting and future timelines.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Master of Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Planning or Geography
• Five or more years of experience in one of these fields
• Knowledge of asset-based community development strategies
• Knowledge of Geo-design methods
• Knowledge of urban or rural design
• Experience with facilitation methods
• Experience working with teams
• Ability to work in and with diverse communities
• Excellent communications and graphics skills
• Ability to work productively and collaboratively with constituents from diverse backgrounds
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Docs, Excel, Powerpoint, Adobe Creative Cloud, and ArcGIS Pro
• One or more years of research training

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of community engagement processes
• Knowledge of Minnesota’s diverse communities
• Ability to speak extemporaneously in public settings
• Attention to cultural diversity in research and the proven ability to support the University’s commitment to equity and diversity

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $83,000 to $87,000 annually, depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 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

How To Apply

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 cover letter and resume. To be considered for this position, please submit the following:

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter
• Portfolio or Work Samples demonstrating visual design skills and/or community engagement methods.

Applications are due no later than September 5, 2025.

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.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.