CAREER CENTER

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR

HELLER-HURWICZ ECONOMICS INSTITUTE

Salary range:  $80,000 - $100,000

This is a hybrid position with the ability to work remotely up to 2 days per week.

Priority review of applications will begin on Tuesday, May 16.

The Heller-Hurwicz Economics Institute informs and influences public policy by supporting and promoting cutting-edge economic research. The Institute resides within the College of Liberal Arts and the Department of Economics, which is consistently ranked among the top 20 economics departments in the United States. The associate director is the lead administrative position serving the Heller-Hurwicz Economics Institute and is the point person for the faculty director, providing day-to-day oversight of all financial and logistical matters. The associate director manages the institute’s advisory board, including building effective working relationships, planning board and committee meetings, and helping to recruit new board members. The associate director also builds and fosters relationships with leading academics, policymakers, business executives, and alumni to raise awareness, visibility, and financial support for the Institute. The ideal candidate for this position will be creative, innovative, and enjoy leading in a collaborative and results-oriented environment.

Job Responsibilities

Strategic Planning and Operational Management (40%)

● With the director and advisory board, set strategic priorities and manage the execution of long-term and short-term goals.

● Identify and assess business opportunities for the Institute and launch new partnership and initiatives.

● Initiate, direct, and evaluate new programs, projects, and services.

● Collaborate with faculty leaders to ensure strategic and operational alignment.

● Direct the process for awarding Heller-Hurwicz funds including the call for grant proposals, the selection of grantees, and administration of the reporting process.

● Work closely with the Advisory Board to determine strategies to move the organization forward, evaluate progress, and recruit new members.

● Evaluate the Institute’s business and economic needs and develop responsive strategies and systems.

● Supervise student workers and interns. Hire and manage consultants and freelancers for project work as needed.

● Develop annual operational budget for the Institute and direct ongoing budget activities through coordinated effort with the College of Liberal Arts, the University of Minnesota Foundation (UMF), and the Sponsored Projects Administration (SPA).

Development (20%)

● Strategize with the Institute Director and the Office of Advancement to develop and execute the $25million fundraising campaign.

● Partner with the Office of Institutional Advancement to advance donor strategy, create and execute events and activities for cultivation, stewardship, and solicitation to advance major gifts.

● Oversee gift acknowledgement and stewardship for donors.

● Identify, write, and submit new grant applications to external funding agencies.

● Identify, recruit, and secure corporate sponsorships.

● Serve as a liaison between the Sponsored Projects Administration (SPA), funders, and principal investigators in the department.

Public Relations/Communications (20%)

● Lead development of communications strategy to increase the Institute’s visibility and strengthen its brand.

● Promote the Institute through earned media and sustain relationships with key media representatives and influencers.

● Oversee the planning, production, and distribution of all communications and marketing materials, including e-newsletters, annual reports, and podcast episodes. Supervise work performed by the communications coordinator and the student communications intern.

● Supervise the Institute’s online presence using the website, social media, and other emerging communications tools. Leverage college and university communications vehicles to reach new audiences.

● Oversee the execution of large, high-profile public events.

Government Relations/Community Outreach (20%)

● Represent the Institute to key audiences and manage relationships with the business community, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations.

● Serve as a liaison to local, state, and federal government agencies on economic policy issues. Meet with legislators, public officials, and local organizations to discuss research and its policy implications.

● Monitor and analyze state and federal policies and develop public policy priorities in collaboration with the Director and Advisory Board.

Required Qualifications

● Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, or Economics, or a related field with at least 6 years of relevant experience.

● Excellent written communication skills.

● Proven ability to effectively communicate with a wide range of individuals, constituencies, and people with diverse backgrounds.

● Strong systems/process orientation with demonstrated analytical thinking, organizational skills, and problem solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

● Master’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Business, Economics, or Public Policy or related field.

● 10 years of experience in integrated program planning, development, and administration within a public, nonprofit, or similar institution.

● Knowledge and experience working with federal, state, and local government entities as well as community organizations.

● Proven project/program management skills (e.g. resource planning, schedule management, critical path planning, project team communication, etc.).

About University of Minnesota Twin Cities

The University of Minnesota, founded in the belief that all people are enriched by understanding, is dedicated to the advancement of learning and the search for truth; to the sharing of this knowledge through education for a diverse community; and to the application of this knowledge to benefit the people of the state, the nation, and the world.

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