Director for Strategic Initiatives

Position Overview

The Director for Strategic Initiatives (SI) is a critical member of the Multidisciplinary Institute for Child Welfare's (MICW) team who works collaboratively to drive, facilitate and support strategic projects, directives and initiatives. The SI Director provides strategic advice and counsel, possesses a high level of technical knowledge, integrity, and demonstrates competency in cross cultural work. This position reports directly to MICW's Executive Director and works in partnership with the Associate Executive Director of the Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare (CASCW) and the UMN Co-Director of the Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy (MNCWTA).

In addition, the SI Director provides consultation across the organization for diversity, equity, justice, and inclusion (DEIJ) strategic planning and capacity building. By working directly with the MICW's Executive Director, Associate Executive Director of CASCW, and the UMN Co-Director of MNCWTA, the SI Director strives to advance the priorities of the Multidisciplinary Institute for Child Welfare and the missions of the School of Social Work, College of Education and Human Development, and the University of Minnesota.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities of an Ideal Candidate:
Demonstrated leadership ability and success in building a team, including working with and through others to accomplish goals
Ability to manage and maintain sensitive and confidential information
Knowledge of strategic management concepts, business practices, and principles
Strong leadership and interpersonal skills with a demonstrated record of establishing effective working relationships with diverse populations and functions, both internal and external to the University
Ability to coordinate multiple tasks, work efficiently, and meet deadlines

This is a 100%, 12-months annually renewable appointment in the academic and administrative personnel series. The University of Minnesota encourages a healthy work life balance for employees. CEHD is committed to an excellent employee experience, offering a flexible work environment that meets the needs of students, staff, faculty, and the communities we serve. Flexible work arrangements may include flexibility in schedule and/or work location. Please note that 100% remote work requires approval prior to offer.

Job Responsibilities

Strategic Advisor and Counsel to the Executive Director (60%)

• Lead area teams and MICW's organizations in regular strategic planning efforts - refining and updating existing plans and initiating new areas of work as determined by the needs of the organization(s).
• Assess strategic growth opportunities and initiatives to plan and develop strategic objectives for the MICW across the field of state, national and international child welfare. Develop and monitor key organizational performance indicators to measure the effectiveness of strategic initiatives and programs.
• Assess a variety of data input to verify opportunities vs strategic goals. Lead the MICW team in analyzing strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.
• Partner with the Multidisciplinary Institute for Child Welfare's communication team in its liaison work on internal and external outreach and strategic communication. Develop strategic presentations, speeches, and other communications to internal and external stakeholders.
• Advise on the development and implementation of organizational policies, procedures, and practices in alignment with university policy.
• Identify and assess complex problems using integrative solutions including the intersections and interdependencies between staff, technology, processes, and resources.
  

DIJE Strategic Leadership (40%)

• Identify, coordinate, and maintain strategic liaison relationships throughout the MICW in relation to the complimentary DIJE work within each sub-organization.
• Provide support and advice to the Executive Director and the senior leadership team (SLT) to drive DIJE strategy and capacity building efforts across its sub-organizations.
• Assist CASCW and MNCWTA leaders/supervisors, as well as SSW faculty and staff with DIJE strategic planning and action.
• Lead initiatives aimed at building capacity for diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts across the university system.
• Foster collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders to advance the Institute's DIJE goals and objectives.
• Support the development and implementation of programs and initiatives that support the Institute's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
  

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS degree, plus six (6) years of relevant professional experience
• Ability to communicate effectively, succinctly, and persuasively in writing, orally, and interpersonally
• Demonstrated commitment and contribution to fostering and advancing diversity and inclusiveness
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in a related field
• Prior professional experience in strategic administrative positions
• Demonstrated effective leadership skills and excellent organizational and managerial abilities
• Knowledge of and experience with University of Minnesota policies, systems, and procedures, and a working understanding of different levels of the University governance system

Institute Overview

The Multidisciplinary Institute for Child Welfare (MICW) is a new organizing structure housing several dynamic research and training entities, including The Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare (CASCW), the Minnesota Linking Information for Kids (Minn-LInK) project, and the Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy (MNCWTA). Each entity is grant-funded and self-sustaining. During an early phase of strategic planning for CASCW in 2024, the creation of the MICW emerged as an essential task to continue to support the growth and productivity of these entities while also continuing the mission of the School of Social Work and the College of Education and Human Development as it pertains to continued community service, growth, and innovation.

The Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare (CASCW) is a research and training center located within the School of Social Work in the College of Education and Human Development on the St. Paul campus of the University of Minnesota. CASCW supports the education and training of public child welfare professionals; identifies, and examines, effective child welfare practice methods, informs the public and policy makers about various child welfare issues, and incorporates research and evaluation findings into the School of Social Work curriculum.

Minn-LInK, an incredibly rich resource within the University and across the state of Minnesota, is an interdisciplinary, integrated, administrative data project used for research and evaluation projects aimed at understanding the experiences and outcomes of children, youth, and families who are multi-system involved. Minn-LInK staff provide research services to internal and external partners through grants and agreements.

The MNCWTA is a partnership between the University's MICW and the MN Department of Child Youth and Family (DCYF). The MNCWTA is responsible for the training and professional development of Minnesota's county and tribal child welfare frontline staff and supervisors. The mission is to train, develop, and support the skills, expertise, and well-being of Minnesota's child welfare workforce while nurturing a commitment to equitable child welfare practice.

Department Overview

Founded in 1917 on its Dakota homeland, the School of Social Work at the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities is part of a public, research-intensive university and one of seven administrative units in the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD). The School offers several graduate and undergraduate educational programs including: a PhD in Social Work; a Master of Social Work; a Master of Education in Youth Development Leadership; a Bachelor of Science in Youth Studies, and undergraduate minors in Family Violence Prevention, Social Justice, and Youth Studies. Underlying all these multidisciplinary programs is a social justice value base and a commitment to the most vulnerable and marginalized populations in our society. The curricula of our educational programs, and faculty research and engagement, intentionally seek to emphasize and expand anti-racist perspectives, social, economic and racial justice, and decolonization. The School is the home to a variety of labs and centers that actively involve our students, staff, faculty, and community partners, e.g., the Youth Work Learning Lab, the Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare, the Center for Practice Transformation, and the Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy, an innovative partnership with the Minnesota Department of Human Services that is funded by the state legislature to further develop equitable child welfare practices.

College Overview

The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), the University's third largest college, contributes to a just and sustainable future through engagement with the local and global communities to enhance human learning and development at all stages of life. We know diversity is necessary to do our best work and foster our humanity. That's why the CEHD community is collectively dedicated to cultivating an inclusive and equitable environment, embracing and celebrating all identities of our students, staff, and faculty. These values are also a moral imperative requiring continuous proactive measures and a firm stance against prejudice, discrimination, and systemic injustice.

Pay Range: The salary range for this position is $111,000 $130,000. Final salary offers are dependent on the candidate's experience, skills, and internal equity within the department.

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: 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

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 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 the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).