Access and Civil Rights Coordinator, University of Minnesota Extension

About the Job

Working Title: Extension Access and Civil Rights Coordinator

Appointment: Full-time (100%), Job code 9341CE, ADMN Cnsultnt 1- Community Eng

Salary Range: $80,000-$96,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Office Location: Coffey Hall, St Paul campus: this is an in-person position

Reports to: Director of Tribal Engagement, Access and Civil Rights

Apply by: November 9, 2026

About the Job

The Extension Access and Civil Rights Coordinator helps develop and implement strategies that advance University of Minnesota Extension's mission and strategic priorities and ensures civil rights compliance. The coordinator works with college leaders, faculty and staff to increase awareness and understanding of the populations Extension serves; shares effective engagement strategies for a variety of stakeholders; work toward access and a welcoming environment for all; and help ensure college-level compliance with federal/state civil rights obligations.

Primary Responsibilities

Coordinate and deliver civil rights training and compliance activities - 55%

• Maintain, update and implement clear communication about Extension's civil rights compliance plans and requirements, in close collaboration with the Director of Tribal Engagement, Access and Civil Rights, and Extension's communications team.
• Design and deliver training sessions and resources on implementing civil rights and compliance responsibilities, as well as reporting mechanisms on behalf of Extension.
• Work closely with the Director of Tribal Engagement, Access and Civil Rights and the Director of Strategic Initiatives and Administration to facilitate civil rights audits, data gathering and report writing.
• Work closely with Extension leaders to ensure Extension's programs, funding, contracting, hiring and outreach meet federal and state civil rights laws and University policies.
• Monitor participation, access and service data for Extension; use disaggregated metrics to identify gaps; recommend adjustments to programming or policies based on findings.
• Track national trends - including in higher education and Extension systems - and regulatory changes (particularly USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) policies) that may impact Extension's work. Inform Extension leaders, faculty and staff about what those trends and regulatory changes mean for Extension's work. Recommend and implement ongoing improvement strategies.

Support Extension capacity-building efforts to serve all Minnesotans - 45%

• Build and deepen trusting relationships with key leaders, faculty, educators and staff in Extension to foster learning across the college, honor research and community-based knowledge, and collaborate closely with communities so that Extension remains a trusted partner for all Minnesotans.
• Provide input into Extension's annual work and strategy plans to achieve effective Tribal engagement, access and civil rights compliance.
• Work with the Director of Tribal Engagement, Access and Civil Rights to create and deliver training and tools around access, collaborative frameworks, effective Tribal relationships and related topics. Travel to Extension teams across the state to share this information and best practices and consult as needed.
• Provide counsel to faculty, educators and other employees to enhance their effectiveness in serving all Minnesota communities and contribute to Extension's culture of fairness and excellence.
• Create a mechanism for quickly answering questions and providing consultation on specific access requests made by community members related to Extension programming, education and events.
• Help facilitate mechanisms for elevating Extension employee feedback and engaging interested Extension employees in opportunities to learn about and contribute to initiatives that promote inclusion, access and compliance.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors degree.

• Six (6) years of relevant professional experience to include:

• Experience in civil rights, human rights, access, equal opportunity, compliance related work, applying policies and laws in the workplace, or another related field.

• Demonstrated experience in developing and delivering impactful training and tools and/or contributing to greater access to programming, policies and compliance.

• Demonstrated experience facilitating discussions with tact, professionalism and confidentiality to cultivate a respectful environment of collegiality, shared inquiry and responsibility, reciprocal partnerships and collective accomplishment.

• Experience in conflict resolution, including experience navigating challenging or sensitive issues.

• Knowledge of participatory and organizational change models, and the research to understand and implement tools and best practices.

• Excellent verbal and written communication, and presentation skills.

• Experience translating information to develop insights, inform, drive decisions, measure impact, and take actionable next steps.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced education focusing on relevant compliance fields.
• Experience working in a decentralized organization and building relationships with key stakeholders.
• Experience partnering at all levels of an organization with a capacity to influence stakeholders, partners and senior leaders without having direct authority.
• Proficiency in Microsoft and Google Workspace, and Zoom applications.
• Relevant experience working in higher education, public/governmental organizations or non-profits.
• Experience working with Indigenous and other various communities
• Deep understanding of federal (including USDA NIFA), state and local laws and policies related to civil rights compliance.

Additional Requirements

• Valid drivers license and own means of transportation with required liability insurance.

• Ability to drive to locations across Minnesota or nationally with overnight stays multiple times per year.

• Reimbursement for travel and subsistence is available in accordance with University policy.

• This position must work on the St. Paul campus at least 3 days/per week, with flexible work opportunities outside of that schedule, based on agreement with the Director of Tribal Engagement, Access and Civil Rights.

• When not in the assigned office location, employees must be reachable with a number that will be published in the Extension staff directory.

• Must have reliable internet if/when working outside of the assigned office location.

• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including occasional evening or weekend work.

• This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

About the Department

University of Minnesota Extension is a major outreach arm of the University of Minnesota, a land grant institution with a mission to serve the public through applied research and education. Our mission is to make a difference by connecting community needs and University resources to address critical issues in Minnesota. Extension strives to attract and retain high-quality, passionate employees. Find further information on the Extension website.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $80,000-$96,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and 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.

How To Apply

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.

Diversity

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

Employment Requirements

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.

About University of Minnesota

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 nations 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.