Community and Policy Researcher

The incumbent will support infrastructure and transportation research projects at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs and with partner organizations. They will independently complete short-term projects and collaborate with research teams on longer projects. Projects will range from budgetary and quantitative work to qualitative research (including GIS or other visualization). This position may assist with the supervision of graduate research assistants.

Please note that this is a one year grant funded position.

Specific Responsibilities

• 30% - Working with community members and leaders to strategically invite, design, develop, implement, and evaluate research related to improving infrastructures in small Minnesota communities (less than 15,000 people), within the Twin Cities Metro Area
• 25% - Individually completing short-term projects (no more than six weeks)
• 15% - Identifying and recruiting University faculty, staff and students, and other experts to conduct long-term (longer than six weeks) research, education and outreach projects in small communities
• 15% - Formulating and investigating public policy questions arising from ESMC research
• 10% - Communicating project progress and outcomes to ESMC team members and stakeholders, contributing content upon request for use in social media and other outlets.and serving as a liaison for the Humphrey School
• 5% - Facilitating and supporting timely evaluation of projects and portfolios of projects, and
  assisting with administrative work such as budgeting, GRA and team planning, etc.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Geography, Design, Urban Studies, or related field, and 2+ years of relevant experience, or a combination of education and relevant work experience to equal at least six years
• Demonstrated knowledge and networking capacity in community development or related fields
• Experience developing project work plans, timelines, and tasks, and applying project management skills and tools
• Practical ability to facilitate meetings and communicate with teams, both in person and virtually
• Strong experience with GIS

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Planning, Design, Geography, or related field
• Research experience related to transportation and other infrastructure
• Experience and enthusiasm for community outreach and public engagement
• Experience with community development, especially with small cities and organizations
• Experience working within and/or leading work teams
• Interest in rural development

The Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota ranks among the country's top professional public policy and planning schools, widely recognized for its success in advancing the common good through a comprehensive, world-class program. The School offers six distinctive master's degrees, a doctoral degree, and six certificate programs that match students' passion with the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to solve real-world challenges.

Pay Range: $34.62 per hour - $37.50 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & 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

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 be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Please include a resume and cover letter to be considered.

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.

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.