Assistant Director of Executive Operations

About the Job

The Assistant Director of Executive Operations reports directly to the Vice President of Strategic Advocacy and serves as a key operational leader and partner within the University of Minnesota Alumni Association (UMAA). Functioning within the UMAA's organizational structure-spanning Strategic Advocacy, Strategic Engagement, and Business Operations-this position oversees and ensures governance processes are followed and helps facilitate executive impact.

The UMAA serves the University of Minnesota's five-campus system under the "One Alumni Community" initiative. The Assistant Director of Executive Operations provides high-level strategic synchronization for the President & CEO, executes operations for the 30-member, University-wide UMAA Board of Directors, and serves as the primary administrative liaison to University Leadership, including the Presidents Office, Board of Regents, and collegiate Deans.

Key Position Responsibilities:

Strategic Synchronization of the UMAA President & CEOs Office: (35%):

• Identify and analyze top strategic priorities across complex shared governance structures, consulting with the UMAA President & CEO as a trusted advisor ensuring that the UMAA President & CEO executive capacity is focused and aligned with organizational goals and priorities.
• Analyze and synthesize cross-departmental data and information to support informed decision-making to drive measurable outcomes, significantly increasing the effectiveness and impact of the UMAA President & CEO across the University system.
• Understand all details related to the UMAA President & CEO's internal and external meetings, identify action items, finalize meeting prep, and complete post-meeting communications in order to advance senior leadership priorities.
• Exercise independent decision-making and discretion to optimize and manage critical scheduling for the UMAA President & CEO's calendar.
• Coordinate complex domestic and international travel itineraries, maintaining strict adherence to University and organizational travel policies, guidelines, and preferences ensuring operational excellence.

Board Operations & Governance Leadership: (35%):

• Provide independent operational oversight for the 30-member UMAA Board of Directors and its standing committees, including the Executive Committee and the Nominating & Board Development Committee.
• Lead governance processes and independently identify and implement integrative solutions for processes and resources across all five University of Minnesota campuses in consultation with board leadership, board members.
• Act as the expert and trusted advisor to the UMAA Board of Governors board Chair on complex problem solving related to UMAA bylaws, board governance best practices, and navigating shared governance across the University's five campus system to ensure board activities align with fiduciary, legal, and administrative mandates.
• Manage critical fiscal oversight of UMAA Board of Directors and UMAA President & CEO's operational budgets.
• Oversee, analyze, and make process improvements to the orientation program for the UMAA Board of Governors, independently streamlining onboarding workflows and foundational knowledge transfer to accelerate new member integration and institutional effectiveness.
• Direct strategic recruitment and election cycles for the UMAA Board of Governors in close partnership with the CEO and the Nominating & Board Development Committee to secure high-impact leadership.
• Advance leadership priorities through strategic coordination of University system-wide information and distribution of UMAA Board of Governors presentations, reports, and meeting materials promoting transparency and efficiency.
• Manage the quarterly UMAA Board of Governors "Board Scorecard" to track key metrics-including attendance, engagement, financial contributions, and participation-while orchestrating annual mid-year executive check-ins between the UMAA President & CEO and board members to drive continuous governance excellence.
• Author, distribute, and archive comprehensive UMAA Board of Governors board meeting minutes while ensuring strict adherence to Minnesota 501(c)(3) legal mandates, University of Minnesota accountability standards, and the organizations permanent institutional record.

University Leadership Liaison & External Relations: (15%):

• Act as an institutional steward and primary administrative connection between the UMAA, the University President's Office, the Board of Regents, the collegiate Deans, and executive campus leaders to facilitate transparent communication across complex and diverse stakeholder groups.
• Ensure organizational effectiveness by analyzing and managing executive communications and coordinating logistics for mission-driven University leadership meetings, including collegiate Deans and University of Minnesota chancellors' briefings.
• Navigate complex external relationships to manage critical scheduling of comprehensive executive hosting operations and stakeholder engagements.

Internal Operations & Strategic Advocacy: (15%):

• Serve as the principal consultant to the Vice President of Strategic Advocacy in driving efficiency, accountability, and measurable outcomes across the UMAA Advocacy team while fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Optimize UMAA executive operational efficiency by recommending process improvements, streamlining workflows, and integrating emerging technologies (including AI tools).
• Ensure organizational effectiveness by aligning cross-functional executive operations with core UMAA engagement, advocacy, and shared governance goals.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, public administration, communications, organizational leadership, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of full-time professional work experience successfully managing executive operations, board relations, or senior administrative functions.
• Demonstrated experience providing direct support to C-suite executives and working alongside governing boards or high-level volunteer leadership.
• Exceptional organizational and analytical skills, high attention to detail, and a proven ability to manage complex priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Superior written, verbal, and executive-level interpersonal communication skills.
• Proficiency with executive calendaring, travel coordination, and electronic board management portals (e.g., Govenda).
• Able to work independently and collaboratively in the office a minimum of three days per week and remotely a minimum of two days per week for this hybrid role.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience supporting a Board of Directors in a higher education or complex non-profit environment.
• Knowledge of the University of Minnesota system, its organizational structure, and system and campus leadership dynamics.
• Experience leading operational changes or governance structures across multi-campus institutions.

Non-Essential Functions:

• Provide support at major UMAA events.
• Perform other specialized projects and operational duties as assigned by the Vice President of Strategic Advocacy or the President & CEO (5%).
• Other duties as assigned.

About the Department

Founded in 1904, the University of Minnesota Alumni Association (UMAA) connects alumni with each other, supports student success, and advances the University of Minnesota. The Alumni Association advocates for the University and its alumni with a credible, independent, and collaborative voice. Members make Alumni Association programs strong and ensure that the more than 650,000 alumni across all five campuses share a sense of belonging to our vibrant global community of learners, makers and doers.

Through the U of M Alumni Associations programs and services, we strive to create impact and enrichment to our alumni no matter who or where they are.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $85,000-$100,000 depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100%-time 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.