Community Programs Coordinator

We are seeking a Program Coordinator to join our Community Programs team. This is a 100% time, 12 month appointment continuing. This position will provide critical support in implementing CURA's community-based programs, managing program data, and developing effective communications that center and elevate community voices. The Program Coordinator plays an essential role in supporting multiple community initiatives, serving as a connector between university resources and community partners, and ensuring that programs run smoothly and effectively. This position requires someone who values community wisdom, understands the importance of equitable partnerships, and can help translate complex research into accessible formats that benefit community organizations. The ideal candidate will bring both technical skills and cultural competence to help advance CURA's mission of strengthening urban and regional communities through collaborative and community-driven work. This is a hybrid position that requires the candidate to be based in the Twin Cities, with 2-3 days of in-office work per week.

Job Responsibilities

Program Implementation Support (40%)

• Manage the lifecycle of program activities from planning to evaluation across the Community Programs team
• Recruit and manage program participants, including local leaders and graduate research assistants
• Facilitate connections between community-based organizations, community members, and institutional resources
• Document outcomes and implement evaluation processes to assess impact and guide improvement
• Identify community needs and potential funding sources to support program development

Database Management (20%)

• Maintain and organize program databases, ensuring that program records are up to date
• Develop systems for tracking program metrics and outcomes
• Generate reports on program activities and impact
• Ensure data collection practices align with program evaluation needs

Communications and Administrative Support (40%)

• Develop communications materials that center and elevate the work, voices, and priorities of community partners
• Collaborate with partners to understand their communications needs and create responsive materials
• Produce data visualizations and accessible presentations that translate complex information into formats aligned with partner goals
• Ensure partner organizations receive appropriate recognition and attribution in all program communications
• Coordinate meetings, workshops, and community events
• Assist with program budget tracking and resource allocation.
• Other Administrative duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS plus at least 4 years of experience or a combination of related education and work experience equal to eight years, such as:
  • Relevant professional experience in community organizing, relationship-building, or research
  • Formal education (degree or certificate programs)
  • Community-based leadership and organizing experience
  • Lived experience relevant to the communities we serve
• Research experience including qualitative methodologies (such as interviews, focus groups, content analysis, or participatory approaches) and demonstrated ability to collect, analyze, and synthesize data
• Strong database management and data organization skills
• Administrative and program coordination experience, with strong organizational skills
• Ability to create compelling communications materials and data visualizations
• Demonstrated commitment to racial equity and social justice principles, including experience applying an equity lens to program design, implementation, and evaluation.
• Experience building relationships with BIPOC communities and organizations, with a track record of authentic collaboration and culturally responsive communication strategies.

Preferred Qualifications

• Relationships with local nonprofit organizations, advocacy groups, and community organizers
• Knowledge of community issues related to housing, transportation, economic development, and/or environmental justice

The mission of the Center for Urban and Regional Affairs is to align University of Minnesota resources to catalyze community-driven change. We collaborate with community and local government to advance smart and equitable decision making, investments, and policies to benefit all of Minnesota's diverse communities. Faculty and students at the University of Minnesota are involved in CURA programs in a variety of ways. CURA's work ranges from community engaged research to leadership development. Our varied programs seek to develop deep partnerships with community collaborators and acknowledge the expertise and contributions of our partners in all of the work we do.

CURA's Community Programs team provides community-engaged research, technical assistance, capacity building, organizing assistance, leadership development, and facilitation support. This team focuses particularly on benefiting Black, Brown, and Indigenous populations and other marginalized communities in Minnesota. Through multiple initiatives, including Neighborhood Leadership and Organizing, Artist Neighborhood Partnership Initiative, Kris Nelson Community-Based Research Program, and the Community GIS program, our team works directly with community partners to address pressing issues of equity and justice. We believe that residents should lead the decision-making in their own communities, and we strive to provide resources, training, and support that honor the unique knowledge and experiences of community members. Our team builds bridges between academic resources and community wisdom to create more equitable outcomes throughout the region.

Pay Range: $59,987 - $65,000 annually; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 100% Appointment, 12 month

Position Type: Civil-Service

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

A COMPLETE application must be submitted online via the University of Minnesota system. Please Submit:

• A complete resume.
• A Cover letter explaining your interest in the position and how your career goals training and experiences support your candidacy.
• Names and contact information of three references.

This position will remain open until filled.

If you receive a message from the online employment system that the position is no longer available prior to the application deadline, close out of your browser and try again or try a different browser. If you continue to experience problems, contact CJ Madsen madse002@umn.edu

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 the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).