Resilient Communities Project Program Director

This position is a full-time Hyrbid appointment in the Center for Urban and Regional Affairs (CURA). The Resilient Communities Program Director will be responsible for the day-to-day management and operation of the Resilient Communities Program (RCP), which partners with city and county governments to provide research and technical assistance on community-identified projects that advance local sustainability and resilience, and to provide experiential teaching and learning opportunities for University of MN faculty and students.

The successful candidate will be responsible for running the RCP program, providing strategic leadership for the program and working with the CURA director and associate director on programmatic direction. The RCP director will work with the CURA associate director on fund raising and coordinating program evaluations. The RCP director will develop and nurture working relationships with local governments with the objective of developing proposals for RCP-sponsored community-engaged research and technical assistance projects. The RCP director will also manage efforts to translate project outcomes for use by local governments.

Responsibilities:

(1) Provide overall program coordination and leadership, including strategic planning and implementation, grant management, and hiring and supervising program staff/vendors.
(2) Coordinate with CURA Associate Director on fund raising and on conducting program evaluation.
(3) Solicit and/or help to develop proposals for RCP-sponsored community-engaged research and technical assistance projects.
(4) Provide project management for RCP-sponsored research and technical assistance projects.
(5) Translate project outcomes for wider dissemination to inform local government policies, procedures, and planning.
(6) Build and maintain relationships with internal and external partners and stakeholders.
(7) Represent RCP, CURA, and the University of Minnesota at local and national conferences, and on local and national organizations and committees.

Salary: Depends on qualifications and experience, $92,000 to $94,000.

This position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

Qualifications:

Required:
* Requires a B.A./BS degree in Public Affairs or related field
* At least 8 years of work experience in a professional role
* Experience working with University faculty members on incorporating community projects into individual course planning
* Experience working with local governments and other community partners to identify and right-scale projects for student work

Preferred:
* Masters Degree in Public Affairs or related field
* Experience planning and implementing support initiatives for student workers
* Experience translating research findings into actionable learning lessons for government officials
* Experience supervising student workers

Pay Range: $92,000.00 to $94,000.00; 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.

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 or CV.

Resume and Cover Letter are required.

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.

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 Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.