Extension Regional Office Administrative Assistant (Mankato, MN)

Working Title: Extension Regional Office Administrative Assistant

Classification: Executive Ofc and Admin Spec (job code 1885), AFSCME represented

Pay Range: $24.33 - $30.69/hour; depending on qualifications

Appointment: Full-time, 40 hours a week (100% time)

Office location: Mankato Regional Extension Office (Mankato, MN); This is an in-office and in-person position, with flexibility.

Apply by: August 16, 2026

This is a vital administrative support position that is key to the daily program and administrative office operations of the Extension Regional Office, which supports regional and statewide program delivery. They interact frequently and collaboratively with other Extension regional and county office staff across the region and state.

This position is for the University of Minnesota Extension Regional Office in Mankato, Minnesota. Work is performed in a regular office environment and often involves working at the front desk, where they greet and assist visitors. During the first 12 weeks, the employee works in the office each day; after that, a hybrid option is available. May drive on short errands.

Typical work hours are 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, with occasional evening, weekend, and overtime work.

• Attends monthly Extension communicators' meetings, monitors communicators' group electronic messages, and provides regular updates on communications projects to center and dean's office communicators

• Updates and coordinates local news media information and distribution lists

• Understands and applies accessibility standards to communication materials

• Reviews educator-created documents for accessibility, formatting, and copy editing

• Uses and advocates for Extension and University brand standards; recommends/requests new templates as needed

• Builds email lists and distributes information via Salesforce Marketing Cloud.

• Applies and upholds Extension and U of M communication practices and standards

Uses Extension internal systems to keep stakeholders informed:

• Uses Extension templates to create handouts, displays, presentations, newsletters, reports, and brochures that enhance and promote Extension educators' work and comply with Extension brand standards

• Proofreads content from educators that will be used for program marketing and impact reporting

• Gathers and formats information for newsletters and emails using Salesforce Marketing Cloud (SMC); maintains mailing lists and distributes messages using SMC

• Promotes Extension's central messages and communication tools such as Answer Line and Farm Information Line

• Greet walk-in traffic, answer phone calls, and respond to inquiries and online communication

• Maintain equipment, including loaner inventory, workroom, office supply inventory, and make necessary purchases. Handle the office mail system, including maintaining the postage meter. Work with vendors, including obtaining estimates for office supplies, equipment, and services

• Schedule/maintain the schedule for office meeting rooms and public access to technology. Maintain and report problems with Regional Office conference room technologies

• Maintain documents related to office operations and policies, including the staff directory, office space map, evacuation procedures, etc.

• Maintain the filing system for historical records and disposal, civil rights, etc.

• Orient new and existing employees on office equipment and practices (i.e., mail, keys)

• As requested, assist with projects and events; this may include making copies, arranging for food, securing a venue, or other logistics tasks

• Use a purchasing card to make purchases (e.g., conference registrations, supplies, meeting catering, and room reservations) and reconcile the P-card

• Prepare deposits for Extension programming, refunds, and other income received

• Collect employment paperwork for local and regional employees

• Four years of experience in an office setting and/or a combination of relevant experience and post-high school education, and/or training to include:

  • Advanced experience with Microsoft (Word, Excel, etc.) and Google Suite applications (Google Docs and Sheets, Google Drive, etc.) and internet browsers and searches

  • Experience formatting, drafting, or writing routine to complex correspondence, reports, and meeting materials

• Ability to work with all populations and in all communities

• Excellent written and oral communication skills

• Skilled at working with details, managing workflow, and meeting deadlines

• Customer service experience

• Valid driver's license and access to a vehicle with required insurance, to conduct day-to-day business, including bank deposits, the post office, picking up food for meetings, etc.; may also travel to provide on-site support for events
  • Reimbursement for travel and subsistence is available in accordance with University policy

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

• Must be able to work regularly at a dedicated/assigned Extension Office

• Working ability to perform tasks involving prolonged work on a computer, and lifting, carrying, bending or twisting with occasional exertion of up to thirty pounds of force

• Experience setting up in-person and virtual meetings and coordinating small events

• Expert-level problem-solving and customer service skills, including both in person, on the phone, electronically, and virtually

• Excellent organization and filing system skills

• Experience supporting more than one professional at a time and prioritizing work and meeting deadlines

• Experience handling credit cards and deposits

• Experience handling sensitive/confidential information

• Proofreading experience

• Experience with AP style

• Understands and advocates for meeting and exceeding federal accessibility requirements

• Understanding of and willingness to adhere to communications policies and practices and explain rationales to colleagues

• Knowledge of digital accessibility best practices (completion of digital accessibility badging program a plus)

• Experience working in digital spaces that may include Learning Management Systems, online meeting management, and/or multimedia content creation

University of Minnesota Extension is a major outreach arm of the University of Minnesota 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 Range: $24.33 - $30.69/hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment (40 hours/week)

Position Type: 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

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.

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.