Student & Program Specialist

This position supports the Department of Bioproducts & Biosystems Engineering in recruitment, student relations, and alumni and stakeholder relations. The primary focus is to effectively represent the Department and its programs, increase awareness, interest, and applications for the departmental undergraduate programs through recruitment and marketing activities. Work with other staff to develop communications for the Department, including recruitment materials, advertisements, and online content.

Job Duties

80% Student recruitment, retention, marketing and communications

• Develop and support undergraduate recruitment and retention events.
• Visit high schools, community colleges and other venues. Participate in recruitment events and career fairs organized by the college (CFANS and CSE) and University Admissions. Serve as an information source to prospective and new students. Help organize, plan and conduct outreach events targeting prospective students and parents.
• Develop, execute and maintain a communications strategy in line with the college and the University to raise awareness of BBE courses and degree options among existing and potential students and their advisors.
• Work together with career centers and industry partners to promote student placement; participate in career fairs and interact with prospective employers; assist with student job placement efforts including arranging for employer info sessions, interviews, counseling, mentoring etc.
• Collaborate with other communications staff to design, implement, coordinate and execute branding and communications plans in support of the department that are in line with college communications and marketing strategies.
• Assist undergraduate program coordinators as needed, and work with faculty, staff and students in coordinating and executing student recruitment and related events
• Assist with annual events such as Scholarship Showcase and Scholarship Gaa
• Maintain and update instructional program materials, assist with organization and instruction in orientation and other special classes and settings, assist departmental and faculty projects where appropriate.
• Assist with graduate program recruitment

10% Student Relations

• Working with current students and faculty advisors, develop and support student groups and other
• events /programs that promote a sense of community.
• Assist with orientation programs and courses for new students.

10% Admin support

• Work effectively as a team member with other Department staff and provide backup coverage as needed. Activities may include, but are not limited to, help with planning and executing of Departmental functions and events, and serving as first point of contact for department visitors
• Assist Department Head and Administrator as needed. This may include, but not limited to servings as staff representative in the Honors and Awards, Undergraduate Scholarship and other committees, facilitation of Agricultural Experiment Station reports, and coordination and administration of faculty promotion and tenure process in conjunction with the department head

Work Environment: Hybrid

Visa Language: Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

Required

• Bachelor's degree in science, engineering, or related STEM field with at least two (2) years of relevant experience or a combination of related education and/or relevant work experience to total six (6) years
• Experience working with students or teaching.
• Previous experience in one of the following areas: student advising, recruitment, outreach or marketing and/or communications
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with an ability to work collaboratively with diverse audiences
• Ability to travel occasionally within the state and region, occasionally beyond; some overnight travel is required
• Ability to work evenings and weekends if needed
• Valid U.S. Driver's License and personal vehicle
• Able to lift and carry 25 pounds.
• Proven ability to work independently, work collaboratively with others, and manage multiple projects

Preferred

• Prior public speaking experience
• Demonstration of effective writing skills
• Experience writing advertisements messaging
• Interest in environmental sustainability, renewable resources and systems and products
• Experience with website content management systems (Drupal preferred)
• Demonstrated knowledge of social media strategy, targeting basics, and content strategy
• Experience in recruiting high school and/or college students
  

Pay Range: $27.25 - $30.00 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% 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 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.

• Please include a resume and cover letter with you application.

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.