CASP Program Specialist

Bargaining unit consideration begins on 6/10/26 and ends on 6/17/26

Salary and/or salary range: $25.90 - $28.71

Shift and hours of work: 30 hrs/wk Monday - Friday, 75% appointment.

No overtime or consecutive Sunday workdays.

The Consortium for Advancing a Science of Purpose (CASP) extends and develops innovative research structures and activities in support of interdisciplinary work in the life sciences.

The program engages a broad community of scholars by bringing together philosophers, theoreticians, and experimentalists to advance the scientific investigation of topics in the life sciences related to the complex theme of teleology (i.e., the study of purposiveness), which includes a variety of contested concepts (e.g., agency, directionality, function, goal-directedness) related to phenomena across spatial and temporal scales.

It is important to be able to work with scholars from a range of backgrounds and varying levels of experience, and the fast pace of the consortium program's activities and events requires an ability to problem-solve while coordinating many moving parts and deadlines.

Job Responsibilities

Coordinate written submissions - 50%

• Coordinate requests for proposals for a variety of grant activities
• Accept and collate submissions for writing hunker participation, hot topic workshop participation, pilot awards, calls for white papers, book fellowships, and short-term visitors
• Assist in contacting and confirming potential reviewers for white paper contests and other writing activities
• Coordinate review process, making sure that reviewers have access to necessary documents and reviews are completed in a timely manner

Event organization support - 25%

• Support the organization of domestic and international grant-funded, interdisciplinary meetings and events.
• Research and select meeting location and venue options, arrange related logistics such as ordering supplies, making travel arrangements, reserving hotel rooms, and arranging for food
• Send publicity information regarding participation opportunities to Website Coordinator for posting

Financial administration - 25%

• Submit invoices, account codes, expense justifications, completed contracts, list of attendees and their affiliation, and any other required documentation for payment for event costs and attendee reimbursement.
• Complete payments for award winners, reviewers, and others as required by grant activity

REQUIRED:

• High School Diploma/GED and 5 years of related or transferable experience in project management; Coursework in a related field may substitute for some years of experience.
• Experience creating and independently coordinating administrative projects
• Effective planning and organizational skills
• Experience creating spreadsheets and databases to track meeting data, calculate and analyze costs
• Ability to independently complete tasks that require attention to detail, prioritize workload, and meet deadlines
• Experience effectively working as part of a team and liaising with other departments

PREFERRED:

• BA or BS degree
• Interest in, or experience with, grant management
• Experience with university policies, financial system (EFS), and travel system

Pay Range: $25.90 - $28.71; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 75% 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 have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a resume.

Please submit a resume and cover letter.

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.