Water Resources Center Education and Outreach Manager

About the Job

Position Overview

The University of Minnesota Water Resources Center seeks applications for an Education and Outreach Manager to oversee the design and implementation of Center-wide educational and outreach programming. The position will report directly to the WRC Director and will allow the Center to invest in new strategic priorities in undergraduate and graduate water-resources education, workforce development, science communication, and applied research.

In particular, the Education and Outreach Manager will work with center leadership to design and implement the following initiatives:

• Design, develop and launch a new University-wide student fellowship and professional development program for undergraduate and graduate students interested in careers related to water science, management, or policy.
• Relaunch the Headwaters Lecture Series - a program that brings nationally-recognized water leaders to campus for a seminar and public programming.
• Revamp, administer, and teach an existing online University of Minnesota extension course designed to upskill watershed practitioners (Watershed Specialist Training course).
  To execute these projects, we seek candidates with demonstrated experience in program management and the design and delivery of educational or outreach programming. We are looking for motivated and charismatic leaders who are excited to bring their own ideas and creativity to create high-quality, high-impact programs that appeal to university and external audiences.

In addition to the above programs, we imagine the Education and Outreach Manager will assume project or programmatic management responsibilities for new research or educational opportunities as they arise. This may include project management for applied water research, cultivation and development of new partnerships with non-profit organizations, state agencies, local units of government, or private sector firms. The Education and Outreach Manager will be expected to cultivate relationships with key water stakeholders in Minnesota and regionally and play a lead role in identifying promising new partnerships around applied research or education.

The candidate will be expected to provide leadership over multiple projects, with the ability to manage competing deadlines and diverse and distributed teams. Strong applicants will have demonstrated competencies in facilitation, program management, coordination and leadership of interdisciplinary teams, experience teaching or leading public educational programming, and prior supervisory experience. Some academic or professional experience in water resources management, policy, or practice in Minnesota is required.

Responsibilities

70% Educational and outreach program administration and leadership

• Research, design, and implement programming for water-related undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Minnesota.
• Identify professional development needs of students and develop programming to support workforce development and skill building that will help them advance careers in water policy or management.
• Design recruitment materials, advertise programs, and review applicants.
• Lead program reporting and assist with program evaluation and administration
• Build and maintain relationships with external partners to understand their workforce needs and serve as a liaison between partners and WRC staff and researchers to ensure educational programs are relevant and responsive.
• Develop educational materials for non-academic audiences including online publications, interactive e-learning modules, peer-to-peer extension education
• Review and revise existing watershed specialist training curriculum and adapt online content to contemporary water resource management contexts.
• Organize and facilitate seminars, workshops and other events for university and public audiences
• Coordinate with WRC communications, outreach, and administrative staff to ensure effective and efficient communication and administration of new initiatives and programs.

30% Project management for applied water research and policy analysis

• Prepare reports, factsheets, research summaries, and white papers that synthesize findings to provide accessible information and recommendations to state and local managers, as well as other stakeholders.
• Grant writing and submission, including assisting with researching, writing, revising, and submitting proposals; develop budgets, conduct literature reviews, coordinate materials for multi-state partnerships, and work with departmental staff to complete the grant proposal submission process
• Assist with grant management, which includes tracking project budgets, writing progress reports, ensuring project objectives (research, education and outreach) are accomplished, and setting up and attending regular meetings with team members
• Assign project workload and directives, develop project timelines, and coordinate project plans to ensure timely completion
• Mentor and co-supervise research assistants and students
• Assist with other duties as needed (e.g., scheduling relevant meetings, drafting meeting minutes, purchasing, events management).

Expected starting date and termination date : Expected start date is August 1. Position is fully funded for one year, with the opportunity for renewal based on performance and budget.

Expected supervisor and/or supervisory unit: Bonnie Keeler, Water Resources Center, College of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources (CFANS)

Work location: Candidate will be assigned office space in the Water Resources Center, 173 McNeal Hall, St. Paul Campus. Remote and hybrid work options are available with the expectation of weekly on-campus presence (2-3 days per week).

Anticipated work schedule, including known or estimated deadlines: 100% FTE appointment. Flexible work hours consistent with the UMN policy Work with Flexibility.

Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and at least five years of related experience OR a Master's degree and 3 years of related experience.
• Demonstrated project management experience including coordinating interdisciplinary teams, developing processes and protocols to ensure project deliverables are met, communicating project goals and objectives to diverse audiences and aligning individual contributors around common goals.
• Past supervisory responsibilities including onboarding, training, and performance appraisal
• Professional experience related to natural and/or environmental resources science, policy, or management.
• Evidence of clear and effective public communication skills, including translating scientific and technical concepts both verbally and in writing to diverse audiences
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment with a high degree of independence
• Education or teaching experience including teaching assistantships, coordinating volunteers, or leading credit or non-credit student or adult education programs.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in water resources science and management, environmental policy, environmental social science, sustainability, or related field.
• Experience with water policy and management in Minnesota, including familiarity with watershed concepts, state programs and agencies, key water issues and challenges, and the perspectives of various water-related stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to quickly learn new concepts and skills.
• Ability to think critically across disciplines and perspectives and to integrate and synthesize new knowledge.
• Experience or familiarity with extension programming
• Strong public speaking skills and the ability to connect with multiple audiences
• Experience with facilitating effective workshops, meetings, and/or trainings
• Ability to work independently with little supervision, seek solutions to complex problems, and perform as part of a team
• Dependability, accuracy, and attention to detail in all aspects of work
• Grant-writing and grant management experience

About the Department

About the WRC: The Water Resources Center (WRC) is an interdisciplinary unit of the University of Minnesota’s College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences and University of Minnesota Extension. One of 54 National Institutes for Water Resources, the WRC serves as Minnesota’s trusted water hub, bridging research and practice to advance water science and policy. A national leader in water research, education, and extension, the WRC’s investments in networks of researchers and practitioners has led to demonstrable impacts in evidence-based management of critical water infrastructure, drinking water, aquatic ecosystems, and agricultural landscapes.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $69,500 to $75,750 annually ; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointmen t: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and 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

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.

How To Apply

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.

Diversity

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

Employment Requirements

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.

About University of Minnesota

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 Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.