IT Manager

Consider a career with the University of Minnesota! The Research & Innovation Office (RIO) is seeking to hire an IT Manager for the Office of Research Information Systems (ORIS). The Research & Innovation Office (RIO) at the University of Minnesota is seeking an experienced and people-focused IT Manager to lead the Office of Research Information Systems (ORIS). This role will manage and develop a talented team of IT professionals specializing in Business/Systems Analysis and Project Management, fostering a high-trust, inclusive team culture while ensuring the stability and continuous improvement of IT operations, partnering with the ORIS Director to align resources to organizational priorities, and contributing to the broader IT roadmap that supports the University's research and innovation mission.

Please note: This position is not eligible for H-1B visa sponsorship.

Position Duties and Responsibilities

People Management (55%)

• Manage and develop a talented team of IT professionals with skills primarily in the area of Business /Systems Analysis and Project Management under the direction of the ORIS Director.
• Interview, hire and onboard new team members and maintain position descriptions.
• Offboard employees, conduct exit interviews and analyze trends for continuous improvement
• Conduct regular 1:1 meetings with team members to discuss performance, current skills, career aspirations and align with RIO's future needs.
• Approve and manage vacation requests, sick leave, and routine supervisory sign-offs
• Work with employees to identify opportunities for professional development to promote staff growth and engagement
• Manage central training budget, justify training investments, and evaluate how training is applied
• Work with team to develop clear performance objectives and provide regular, actionable feedback.
• Conduct annual performance reviews
• Identify and recognize staff contributions and seek feedback from others
• Address performance challenges promptly through clear communication, and development plans as necessary
• Proactively manage conflict, address employee concerns, and foster an equitable, inclusive, and high-trust team culture
• Works with the Director to coordinate ORIS team day planning, research lab field trips, and staff appreciation efforts to support team engagement.

Operational Excellence (35%)

• Ensure the stability and sustainability of operations and foster an environment of excellence
• Manage team resource allocation and identify staffing needs to meet current and future organizational priorities
• Identify personnel risks, and skill or capacity issues providing options and rationale to ORIS Director
• Manage and oversee/track the effective usage of ORIS ticketing system and provide coverage where appropriate
• Monitor management reports, share performance metrics with employees, and ensure service level agreement (SLA) goals are met consistently
• Develop, implement, and maintain essential department and process documentation
• Work with ORIS leadership to define the IT roadmap aligned with short- and long-term organizational goals

Professional Development (5%)

• Serve as RIO representative and participate in appropriate meetings, conferences, and training.

Additional Projects (5%)

• Creatively address opportunities to help advance research goals of the institution.
• Other projects as assigned by the supervisor.

***Please document qualifications on your resume***

Flexible Work Profile
The Research and Innovation Office (RIO) and the Office of Research Information Systems (ORIS) endorses a "work with flexibility" approach that offers a welcoming and flexible work environment where everyone is inspired to do their best. Work location options include working fully remote, partially remote, or entirely in the office and are based on the work of the position. Some on-site work may be necessary for certain positions, even those designated as fully remote. Because we are a land-grant institution that serves the state, the University will continue to- in most cases- expect employees to live in Minnesota.

This position has been designated as eligible for Flexible Work Profile Four.

Flexible Work Profile Four, Fully Remote - Only occasionally visiting the office.
Employees are expected to work fully remotely with the exception of required attendance for on-site events. In addition, this position will require some on-site onboarding. Your dedicated workspace will be in your remote work location.

ORIS management retains the right to modify flexible work arrangement agreements on a temporary or permanent basis for any reason at any time.

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS plus at least six years of experience, or master's degree plus at least four years of experience.
• Leadership and supervision experience in the areas of Business/Systems Analytics and/or Project Management.
• Experience in administrative operations and/or personnel administration
• Experience working with service request ticketing systems

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven track record of developing talent, managing high performers, and navigating difficult conversations
• Experience working in higher education and/or research
• Familiar with University of Minnesota's enterprise research systems and the University of Minnesota's IT environment
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to build effective working relationships across an organization while handling confidential information appropriately.
• Ability to prioritize competing deadlines, maintain accurate records, follow work through to completion, and explain complex personnel and policy information
• Ability to map human resources and team capacity directly to strategic company milestones
• Experience working with AI tools

The Office of Research Information Systems (ORIS) is a dedicated Information Technology unit that uniquely supports the goals of the University of Minnesota's Research & Innovation Office (RIO). RIO is a central resource that services and supports over 800 research administrative and academic staff located across the Twin Cities, Morris, Rochester, and Duluth campuses. ORIS's mission is to identify, implement, and sustain information system solutions to benefit all aspects of RIO's business. We simplify processes, inform decisions, and streamline research activities. We are a progressive, flexible, and team-oriented group that nurtures a culture of collegiality, trust, learning and knowledge sharing, and focus on our customers.

Pay Range: $108,326.40-$129,438.40; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

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

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.

***Please document qualifications on your resume***

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, 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.