Director, Undergraduate Research and Graduate Opportunity - Augsburg University

Augsburg University has maintained a strong academic reputation defined by excellence in the liberal arts and professional studies since 1869. A safe and welcoming campus in the heart of Minneapolis, Augsburg offers undergraduate and graduate degrees to nearly 3,200 diverse students.

Augsburg’s mission is to educate students to be informed citizens, thoughtful stewards, critical thinkers, and responsible leaders. The Augsburg experience is supported by an engaged community that is committed to intentional diversity in its life and work. An Augsburg education is defined by excellence in the liberal arts and professional studies, guided by the faith and values of the Lutheran church, and shaped by its urban and global settings.

Augsburg invites individuals who share our mission and commitment to intentional diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging to join our community.  In particular, Augsburg invites BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, individuals with disabilities, women, veterans and those from underrepresented or marginalized backgrounds are encouraged to apply. 

Summary of Position

This position provides leadership for the Office of Undergraduate Research and Graduate Opportunities (URGO) as it partners with others across the University to be small to every student and achieve Augsburg’s mission. The opportunity to participate in meaningful one-to-one research and creative work with mentors is a proven best practice to enhance student persistence and graduation. As such, this position is focused on coordinating the university’s existing summer and academic-year research and creative projects program, expanding the university’s opportunities for all students to engage in meaningful research and creative activities year-round, and collaborating with the Strommen Center and faculty to support students interested in graduate education. This position works closely with faculty and staff throughout the University, the administrative leadership of the five schools, and aligned programs and offices, such as the Gage Center for Student Success, the Sabo Center, Student Life’s emerging Leader Program, the McNair Scholars Program, TRIO Student Support Services, STEM Programs, Enrollment Management, Institutional Advancement, and the Strommen Center for Meaningful Work.

Primary Responsibilities

• Provide direction and set the overall strategy for the Office of Undergraduate Research and Graduate Opportunities to further the Augsburg strategic plan and the University's mission.
• Partner with faculty, staff, academic leaders, and partner institutions to foster and promote all students’ persistence and post-graduate success through research and creative project opportunities.
• Collaborate with the Faculty Director of Fellowships as well as other student success programs across the University as needed to support all students’ success and access to opportunities.
• Manage the summer and academic year research and creative projects program. This includes promoting the programs, soliciting and managing applications, developing selection criteria, and managing program finances.
• Organize and run the annual Zyggeton student research symposium in the spring as well as summer presentations.
• Manage the selection and distribution of student research travel grants. This includes promoting opportunities, managing applications, and processing reimbursements.
• Collaborate with the Strommen Center to provide seamless graduate school advising. This may involve direct support and/or the ability to steer students toward the appropriate resources in the Strommen Center or individual faculty.
• Support leaders of signature affiliated programs such as STEM, TRIO, and McNair such that they can continue to develop as leaders and professionals.
• Hire, train, and supervise student workers, manage program budgets, supervise collection of program data, evaluate the effectiveness of URGO programing.

Additional Responsibilities

• Partner with internal and external stakeholders to continue to build students’ knowledge of URGO programming and Augsburg’s capacity to be small to every student.
• Partner with others inside and outside the University (grant-writing, corporate partnerships, etc.) to build the funding base to continue to grow student opportunities.
• Other duties as apparent or assigned by supervisor(s).

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• Typical work environment is an office. Sedentary work for long periods of time.
• Regular computer and phone use.
• Occasional local, regional, and national travel.
• Occasional long or irregular hours on evenings and weekends for special events.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree.
• Five (5) years of relevant professional experience.
• Experience supervising staff and managing a department.
• Experience mentoring students or employees.

Preferred Qualifications

• Doctoral degree.
• Seven (7) or more years of relevant professional experience.
• Experience in higher education working with students.
• Experience managing student-centered programs.
• Experience working with low-income, first generation, and underrepresented students.
• Demonstrated skill in fostering new institutional relationships, budget management, and grants management.
• Experience working with diverse stakeholders within and outside the organization (ex. an advisory board).

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Ability to work effectively with a diverse portfolio of responsibilities and in a team environment.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Organized and detail-oriented.
• Possess strong administrative and financial management skills.
• Proficient in data collection, analysis, reporting, and assessment practices.
• Flexible and able to respond to the changing needs of the institution.
• Self-motivated and able to work with minimal direction.
• Possesses interpersonal skills to interface effectively with staff, faculty, students, alumni, board members, administration, and community members.
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively in a diverse work environment.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to demonstrate patience and understanding.

Benefits at Augsburg

Augsburg University offers a competitive and comprehensive total rewards program including: 

• Medical, dental and vision coverage

• A generous 403(b) matching program with an employer contributions of up to 8% upon eligibility

• Up to 100% tuition remission for employees, spouses and dependents, and participation in the Tuition Exchange program with colleges and universities throughout the US

• Generous paid time-off, including 14 paid holidays, 12 sick days, 2 community service days, and vacation of up to 22 days per year immediately upon hire

• Employer-paid STD, LTD and life insurance

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for all employees

Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Statement

Augsburg is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity, race, age, disability, religion, national origin, color, or any other protected class.  

Augsburg University is committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all applicants and employees regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, national origin, familial status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status or public assistance status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. 

If you need a reasonable accommodation to complete our application process, please contact our Human Resources Department at phone number: 612-330-1058 or email: hr@augsburg.edu.