Rsch Mgr 3-Research Ops/Admin

Position Overview

The Executive Director reports directly to CEHD's Senior Associate Dean for Research and Policy. The Executive Director provides strategic leadership, management, and oversight for the program activities of the OEN. Key responsibilities of this position include leadership of program teams, establishing and maintaining key relationships externally (with partners and members) and internally (across the UMN). Success in this role will require someone who:

• Is a strategic leader able to inspire, mobilize, and galvanize programmatic staff (currently 6 FTE) and support the long-term impact of the OEN's work.
• Is an exceptional relationship builder, increasing rapport, trust, and transparency across a diverse community of robust, passionate, talented staff, stakeholders, and partners.
• Is a strong listener, public communicator, and storyteller who can articulate and amplify the values, mission, and approach of OEN's work across diverse stakeholders and settings within and outside the University.
• Is committed to advancing the common good before the self. You have an optimistic outlook and the humor, integrity, kindness, and patience necessary to work within a transformative environment. You are willing to set aside a personal agenda in favor of organizational and/or community goals and objectives.

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 Leadership (30%)

• Develop and implement community-centered strategic plans aligned with OEN's mission and guiding principles.
• Ensure all leadership and management practices align with the OEN's seven guiding principles.
• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, action, and continuous improvement.
• Expand the scope of a successful Center for Open Education to include support for expanded sponsored scholarly activity.
• Identify and pursue funding opportunities, including grants, sponsorships, and memberships.
• Diversify and grow sponsored project and related fiscal support
• Represent OEN in national and international open education communities.

Organizational Management (30%)

• Oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring effective program delivery and organizational efficiency.
• Follow CEHD and UMN policies and procedures regarding the OEN's financial, HR, legal, external sales, and other administrative functions
• Lead, mentor, and manage a diverse team of staff and contractors, fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
• Manage robust community input and feedback mechanisms, including the OEN Steering Committee, Community Scan, and topic-specific groups (e.g., Pub101 committee, Certificate Instructors, Event Planning Committee)
• Ensure compliance with legal, financial, and ethical standards.

Partnerships and Community Engagement (20%)

• Cultivate and maintain relationships with member institutions, funders, and strategic partners.
• Build strong internal administrative UMN and CEHD relationships (e.g., HR, Finance, Office of General Counsel, External Sales)
• Serve as the primary spokesperson for OEN.

Financial Stewardship (10%)

• Develop and manage the annual budget in collaboration with the Steering Committee, community, and finance staff.
• Develop program-specific budgets to ensure sustainability, competitiveness, and fairness.
• Ensure transparent and responsible financial practices.

Steering Committee Relations (10%)

• Collaborate with the Steering Committee to set organizational priorities and policies.
• Provide regular updates and reports to the Steering Committee on progress and challenges.
• Support Steering Committee development and governance.
• Engage Steering Committee members to help lead community conversations and activities.

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS Degree and at least 10 years of relevant experience, or advanced degree plus at least 8 years of relevant experience.
• Proven leadership experience in nonprofit, academic, or open education sectors.
• Deep understanding of the potential benefits, risks, challenges, and opportunities of open educational resources (OER), open pedagogy, and open educational practices.
• The ability to stay abreast of emerging trends and needs in the field of open education.
• Evidence of leadership based on shared expertise and perspectives.
• Experience of success in environments of mutual expertise, acknowledging and leveraging the ideas and perspectives of community partners to build initiatives of mutual benefit.
• Experience working in various community contexts building strong relationships and working on sensitive issues including strategic priorities, and ecosystem partner concerns.
• Strong communication, fundraising, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Excellent public speaker
• Proven ability to successfully attract grant funding, including grant writing and funder relationship management.
• Experience managing distributed teams and budgets.
• Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion
• Ability to develop and deliver courses in ways that effectively account for a variety of diverse backgrounds, communities, identities, and abilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in education, public or nonprofit administration, or related field.
• Experience working with higher education institutions and consortia.
• Expertise and experience working in the field of open education

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.

About the Open Education Network

The Open Education Network (OEN) is a membership organization (350+ members) and community dedicated to promoting access, equity, and innovation in education through the adoption and creation of open educational resources (OER). We collaborate with and support educational institutions, libraries, and organizations worldwide to foster a culture of sharing and continuous improvement in education. The OEN is based in the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMN).

Pay Range: The salary range for this position is $129,500 - $138,000. Final salary offers are dependent on the candidate's experience, skills, and internal equity within the department.

Time Appointment Category: 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 have 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.

This position will remain open until filled.

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.

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship

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).