MLK/PES Advising Admin Specialist

Required Qualifications:

• High school Diploma/GED and two years of related office and administrative experience \- Training/education may be substituted for some of the years of experience
• Experience working in higher education within student services operations or university records, including knowledge of institutional policies as well as detail\-oriented procedures and administrative processes
• Demonstrated computer literacy, including writing documents in Microsoft Word and Google Docs, basic use of Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets (including formatting spreadsheets and workbooks, using formulas, conditional formatting, and data sorting), database(s) usage, and internet usage (including email, web searching, and additional Google Drive applications)
• Proven ability to work independently on repetitive and non\-repetitive tasks with accuracy and completeness
• Demonstrated skills in effectively communicating with a wide variety of audiences from diverse backgrounds (written and verbal), using effective grammar and terminology
• Commitment to understanding and fostering an inclusive work and learning environment for individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in a liberal arts discipline
• Familiarity with University of Minnesota advising and student support services
• Experience supervising student employees
• Demonstrated ability to use web\-based advising software or other technologies used to promote student success across diverse student populations to include: Academic Progress Audit System (APAS), APLUS, MyU Reporting Center, Orientation Database (ORDB), and PeopleSoft Campus Solutions database (specifically, student inquiry and student data pages)
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with teams of colleagues who represent a diversity of backgrounds, communities, socioeconomic status, cultures, work styles, and conflict resolution styles
• Demonstrated evidence of a commitment to promoting a work culture that respects and advances diversity and inclusion

Located in the College of Liberal Arts Student Success unit (CLASS), the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK) and the President’s Emerging Scholars (PES) Advising Programs seek a positive, dependable office professional to serve as Advising Admin Specialist whose main responsibility is to assist in the operations and administration of these social justice\-focused offices and the student advising they provide. The ideal candidate will have proven skills interacting and communicating effectively across cultures, the ability to be diplomatic and clear, and possess strong interpersonal skills and maturity. This role will have limited remote options and will be based in an office setting on the University of Minnesota \- Twin Cities campus. This position will support the Associate Director of MLK and PES as well as the academic advising staff. They will also direct and supervise student peer advisors.

The President’s Emerging Scholars (PES) Program is an advising community within the College of Liberal Arts (CLA) that provides personalized, holistic, and culturally competent advising that advances academic excellence, campus engagement, and professional development for students placed in our program by the Office of Admissions. The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Program (MLK) is an opt\-in academic advising and student life program open to any CLA student who wants to be part of a community of students from different ethnicities and cultural backgrounds. The mission of the MLK Jr. Program is to provide students from historically excluded communities with individualized, holistic, culturally attentive, and responsive advising in support of educational equity, academic excellence, career development, and wellness. The Advising Admin Specialist is a key member of our CLA PES and MLK program teams. This position has the opportunity for some remote work, but it is primarily an on\-campus position.

Major Responsibilities:

Support for MLK and CLA PES Advising (55%)

• Assist with front desk operations, including, but not limited to: initial intake of students, staff, and faculty traffic at our on\-campus or virtual front desks, responding to inquiries related to CLA PES/MLK advising, orientation, registration, leave of absence policies and procedures, and student record inquiries.
• Make appropriate referrals and identify accurate resources. Use knowledge of office and campus resources and roles to direct students to the most appropriate place for support.
• Collaborate with 16 Johnston support staff to monitor academic calendar deadlines, update form workflow language, and to plan Peer Advisor training.
• Regularly monitor, respond to, or redirect emails from 2 departmental email accounts.
• Coordinate and monitor appointment scheduling with MLK and CLA PES advisors.
• Determine the best mode of service to address student questions (advising appointment, drop\-in, email, or information accessible online).
• Review and input program coding in the PeopleSoft system for student records related to advising, leave of absence, probation review, CLA and non\-CLA department majors, minors, and certificates from online workflows and occasionally paper forms for MLK and CLA\-PES students.
• Manage and/or monitor orientation student advising, student group, service indicator, and term activation coding for various admitted and matriculated student admit types.
• Monitor, resolve, and/or report workflow process issues regarding record tracking and maintenance to supervisor.
• Proactively assess and address data and process inconsistencies, recommending and implementing solutions to improve accuracy and efficiency.
• Track and maintain student record files in online filing systems for a variety of processes, can include, but not limited to: majors/minors, Probation Review, Graduation Clearance, Orientation, Leave of Absence.
• Manage, and process all One\-Time Late Withdrawals; notifying students and academic advisors of petition status

+ Maintaining contact with MLK Scholastic Committee Representative to ensure compliance with policies

+ Update student records in PeopleSoft and APLUS with petition status.

• Support Advisors and course instructors with gathering materials and supplies for CLA 1005 and CLA 2005 courses and MLK 1001 and MLK 1002\.

Coordinate Office Procedures and Supervision (25%)

• Supervise, including hiring, training, monitoring job performance, setting standards for professionalism and excellence in customer service in alignment with CLA and university policies and procedures, preparing performance reviews, and handling disciplinary action for approximately eight MLK/PES Student Peer Advisors and other student employees.
• Write and initiate job postings for part\-time student employees.
• Verify student employee timesheets.
• Create and update office procedures as required, and communicate changes to staff.
• Ensure CLA policies/procedures and practices are being followed, and ensure office manuals are kept up to date with current practices.
• Conduct weekly meetings with student peer advising staff.
• Monitor students in the computer lab, provide assistance with questions.
• Monitor computers in lab for maintenance and replacement.
• Provide computer data for technology upgrades in each lab space.
• Serve on the Front Desk Support Staff Committee which is responsible for maintaining consistency in student records and student support service process and policy across all three CLA advising offices.
• Sort, screen, distribute, and process MLK and CLA PES advising US mail, and deliveries.
• Order office supplies for Appleby advising offices and breakroom.
• Monitor and track office budget.
• Process office receipts for supplies, affinity groups, and student activities.
• Coordinate with Program Project Specialist on special events and update event calendars for advising staff and Associate Director.
• As the Department Facilities Representative (DFR) for MLK and PES

+ process and manage office keys and replacements;

+ process and manage requests for after hours building access.

• Serve as a resource to staff and students regarding administrative policies and procedures, and attend CLA Student Success administrative meetings.
• Coordinate office workflow improvements with the Associate Director of MLK and CLA PES to maximize efficiency.

Support for College\-wide Programs: Orientation \& Commencement (25%)

• Assist with MLK/CLA PES undergraduate new\-student orientation, including: preparing orientation materials for distribution to students, creating and printing building and office signage, managing website content updates, managing advising office appointment check\-in lists, and assisting with day\-of orientation activities, including directing orientation room rotation traffic, checking\-in students, etc.
• Update appointment calendars for professional advisors during orientation.
• Follow up with advisors on orientation student registration status at the end of each orientation cycle.
• Prepare building and office spaces by adding or updating signage, moving furniture, and making sure spaces are welcoming and accessible.
• Manage orientation no\-shows by calling and emailing students to reschedule dates.
• Assist students during orientation in the MLK and PES registration computer labs (both in\-person and virtual).
• Track and support sub\-populations of admitted new high school students by working with central offices to email individual orientation welcome letters as needed, monitoring new student checklist progression, and coordinating orientation date selections.
• Support new high school students following successful admission status appeals and shifts from other colleges as needed during orientation.
• Support the opt\-in MLK process: communications, advisor assignments, etc.
• Support CLA Commencement ceremonies by coordinating with CLA Student Success Events Manager to assist with logistical planning which may include: prep and coordinate delivery of commencement items to event site, ordering event materials, coordinating prep tasks for student workers, assisting with commencement needs.

Bargaining unit consideration begins on April 6, 2026 and ends on April 13, 2026\.

Salary range: $24\.45 \- $29\.07

Shift and Hours of Work: 1st shift, 8 am \- 4:30 pm

Overtime or consecutive Sunday work: no

Summary of responsibilities: The Admin Specialist's main responsibility is to assist in the operations and administration of these social justice\-focused offices and the student advising they provide. The ideal candidate will have proven skills interacting and communicating effectively across cultures, the ability to be diplomatic and clear, and possess strong interpersonal skills and maturity. This position will support the Associate Director of MLK and PES as well as the academic advising staff. They will also direct and supervise student peer advisors.

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.

Please include a cover letter addressing the required qualifications. Priority application deadline: April 27, 2026\.

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\).