Upper Midwest HERC

The School of Public Health is committed to anti-racism and anti-oppression in our mission and operations. In pursuit of this goal, we consider an applicant’s record working with individuals from historically marginalized backgrounds, and experience identifying and eliminating systemic barriers to success in an academic environment. SPH seeks to increase the diversity of its workforce, we particularly encourage applications from those who belong to groups that have been historically underrepresented in our discipline, including those who are Black, Indigenous, and people of color, those with disabilities, and those from LGBTQIA+ communities.

The Minnesota Technical Assistance Program (MnTAP) is an outreach and assistance program at the University of Minnesota that helps Minnesota businesses develop and implement industry tailored solutions that prevent pollution at the source, maximize efficient use of resources, and reduce energy use and cost. This position reports to the Head of the Division Environmental Health Sciences in the School of Public Health.  The role of the director is to provide oversight and management of all aspects of the MnTAP program including financial support, staff hiring and supervision, program direction and focus, external partner collaboration and coordination, and technical assistance. http://www.mntap.umn.edu/

 Several important responsibilities of this position include:

• Provide oversight for all aspects of MnTAP operations
• Develop proposals and manage grants to support staff effort and maintain MnTAP operations
• Maintain a broad collaborative network for program coordination and new project development
• Incorporate environmental justice in all program activities
• Create an effective organizational structure to assist MnTAP staff in meeting organization objectives
• Maintain expertise in areas of pollution prevention, water conservation and energy efficiency
• Serve as a technical resource for businesses while developing new technical assistance strategies

Essential Functions

Develop proposals and manage grants to support staff effort and maintain MnTAP operations – 30%

• Oversee and manage all aspects of the MnTAP program, including budget, staff supervision, workplan development, and grant proposal development and execution
• Ensure program is adequately funded, goals are achieved, and reporting obligations are met
• Explore new ideas for outreach, resource development, and technical assistance implementation especially those targeting underserved communities
• Assist staff in developing their ideas into successful programs
• Working closely with University staff to facilitate budgeting and grant management processes

Maintain a broad collaborative network for program coordination and new project development – 30%

• Maintain MnTAP reputation for high quality work, effective management of resources, and timely delivery of objectives
• Create and maintain effective communication and coordination with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and other sponsors to align and expand MnTAP activities with local, state, and federal priorities
• Develop and maintain collaborative interactions with assistance partners and industry organizations to deliver complementary services to Minnesota businesses
• Conduct sector-based analyses of hazardous material, water, and energy use to develop industry technical assistance outreach targets with high impact especially those in environmental justice areas
• Engage trade, professional or business association(s) to share MnTAP resources with members and support business sectors through industry relevant projects
• Actively seek opportunities to engage internal and external partners in new program activities
• Create and capitalize on opportunities to promote MnTAP program activities and results
• Communicate results and opportunities with MPCA project manager, EnHS faculty, MnTAP program sponsors, partners, and clients
• Share results of project activities broadly with sponsors, partners, and clients. Make MnTAP resources and results accessible to stakeholders and other TAP organizations

Create an organizational structure to support MnTAP staff in meeting organization objectives – 20%

• Provide internal support for initiatives including developing web-based resources, collaborating on projects, mentoring staff in areas of expertise, and engaging external partners to improve overall program effectiveness
• Foster team involvement in decision-making process for program direction, project development and other program-wide actions
• Incorporate environmental justice into decision-making process for project development and program-wide action
• Promote collaborative working relationships among staff to encourage flexible work teams
• Participate and contribute to MnTAP team meetings, all-staff meetings and workgroups for information sharing, idea generation and team building
• Encourage staff in their job duties while providing direction, assistance, and support as needed
• Support staff professional development and growth through formal course work and creative program opportunities
• Manage hiring to balancing staffing levels with funding, program requirements, and equity goals
• Review and revise staff job descriptions as needed, conduct performance reviews annually, and utilize opportunities for staff rewards and recognition
• Monitor work activities and provide/receive timely feedback with staff and work teams
• Administer performance improvement plans when required to motivate highest level performance

Serve as a technical resource for businesses while developing new technical assistance strategies – 20%

• Conduct site visits and coordinate MnTAP interns to deliver technical assistance
• Deliver complete, accurate and easily understood information to facilities where technical assistance is provided
• Provide training and give presentations in areas of expertise
• Measure and document environmental and cost savings impacts from technical recommendations from assistance activities and implemented results
• Use client database to input information, document activities and results, monitor client relationships and document follow-up to determine service effectiveness
• Develop and maintain up to date knowledge of relevant technologies and regulations related to programs and activities
• Review and update web-based and newsletter business resources to promote industrial conservation opportunities

Salary range: $110,000-$135,000 annually, depending on qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• BA/BS in a technical discipline with at least 10 years of experience or an advanced degree with 8 years of experience
• Demonstrated work experience in a professional capacity
• Organizational development and supervisory experience
• Demonstrated project management skills
• Demonstrated skills in oral and written communication
• Comfortable with client outreach activities including calls and meetings
• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to manage multiple priorities
• Ability to travel independently throughout the State of Minnesota on a regular basis

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in a technical field
• Demonstrated work experience in manufacturing environment
• Interest/expertise in providing technical assistance to businesses and organizations for pollution prevention, energy efficiency and water conservation 
• Understand the concepts of process mapping and pollution prevention
• Recognize challenges faced by environmental justice communities

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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