Literacy Operations Specialist

Position Overview

The Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement (CAREI) is seeking a qualified professional to join the Literacy Core team as a Literacy Operations Specialist. This position will support and manage key literacy initiatives within CAREI that impact literacy education statewide and nationally.

The Literacy Operations Specialist will lead the administration of the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system for Literacy Core clients, coordinate multiple operational projects, and provide day-to-day operational support for the Literacy Core team. Key duties include managing and improving the project management operations (PMO) system, ensuring smooth customer and partner interactions, organizing team operations, managing project/product timelines, and supporting the delivery of literacy programs and resources.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, proactive, detail-oriented, and an excellent communicator who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

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. All UMN employees are expected to follow applicable public health and safety procedures.

Job Responsibilities

CRM and PMO Administration & Technical Support (50%)

• Administer CAREI's Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and Project Management Operations (PMO) systems (e.g. ClickUp, ActiveCampaign); manage user accounts for Literacy Core clients, workflows, data, and reporting tools.
• Develop, implement, and maintain automation tools to streamline project/product tracking, outreach, and customer engagement.
• Ensure the CRM and PMO systems effectively support all literacy project activities and communications.
• Provide first-line technical support for system-related issues; coordinate troubleshooting and user training for internal staff and external partners.
• Support the integration of the CRM and PMO systems with other digital tools and platforms.

Literacy Core Operations Support (30%)

• Provide cross-functional operational and coordination support across CAREI's Literacy Core portfolio, including CAREIALL, Functional Phonics+Morphology (FP+M), and PRESS.
• Navigate between product and service teams to assist with key operational tasks as project needs evolve.
• Support daily operational workflows, including preparing, organizing, and coordinating the distribution of curriculum materials and resources.
• Facilitate clear and timely communication with schools, partners, and stakeholders to ensure smooth program delivery.
• Assist with onboarding and coordination of Literacy Specialists and other team members, adapting support as priorities shift throughout the year.

Literacy Project Management (20%)

• Manage multiple projects to coordinate and support the development and implementation of CAREI literacy projects and services, to ensure high-quality and timely delivery.
• Develop and monitor project plans, timelines, and milestones; adjust plans as needed to meet goals.
• Schedule and facilitate project meetings; prepare agendas, record meeting notes, and track action items.
  Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to ensure alignment with project objectives.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree plus at least two years of experience or a combination of education and experience to equal at six years.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Proficiency with CRM and/or PMO systems (ClickUp or similar strongly preferred) and standard computer software (Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, etc.).
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across diverse communities and identities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Background in literacy education, research, or curriculum implementation.
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience supporting Learning Management Systems (LMS) or similar online platforms.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Department Overview

The Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement (CAREI) is a well-established college-wide center that serves as the link between research and practice in Minnesota schools PreK-16 and other agencies interested in applied educational and social science research. CAREI's mission is to maximize wellbeing in schools, families, and communities with the vision to become the premier hub for making research accessible and actionable to ensure equitable outcomes.

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 $63,000 - $80,000. Final salary offers are dependent on the candidate's experience, skills, and internal equity within the department.

Time Appointment Category: 75%-100% Appointment (If job description above does not specify appointment or expected weekly hours, assume a 100% appointment.)

Position Type: Civil-Service

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.

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).