Senior Education Specialist

The Erosion and Stormwater Management Certification Program is a complex, statewide educational program serving up to 3,000 professionals annually through online and in-person instruction. The program supports best practices in erosion and stormwater management to protect Minnesota's lakes and rivers.
This position is an advanced education professional, serving as a recognized subject-matter expert responsible for designing, implementing, and evaluating comprehensive educational programs and curricula. The incumbent provides strategic leadership for program initiatives, shaping program direction and advancing institutional and disciplinary goals in response to evolving regulatory, industry, and learner needs.
Working under minimal supervision and exercising broad discretion, this role leads curriculum development, instructional strategy, and assessment methods; evaluates program effectiveness; and recommends improvements to ensure educational quality, access, and equity. As part of a small program team, the position carries a wide scope of responsibility and impact, including program planning, policy and procedure development, and operational oversight. Responsibilities may also include contributing to budgeting, staffing, and resource planning to support effective program delivery and compliance with applicable standards.

Job Responsibilities

40% Design, Develop, and Deliver Educational Programs and Workshops
Designs, implements, and evaluates complex educational curricula and workshops for the Erosion and Stormwater Management Certification Program, serving as a subject-matter expert in construction stormwater management and erosion control. Applies advanced instructional design principles to develop high-quality learning materials, instructional strategies, and assessment methods that enhance learning outcomes for diverse professional audiences.
Provides expert instruction by leading in-person and online workshop sessions, facilitating interactive learning experiences, and adapting content to emerging trends, regulatory changes, and evolving industry needs. Exercises broad discretion in determining curriculum direction, identifying new training needs, and revising course offerings to ensure relevance and effectiveness.
Maintains current expertise in erosion and stormwater management practices through ongoing professional development and field engagement. Coordinates logistical aspects of course delivery, including preparation and distribution of instructional materials and supporting participant access to online learning platforms.

20% Manage Program Registration Systems and Participant Support
Oversees and manages registration processes for statewide certification training delivered year-round through multiple modalities. Independently administers and troubleshoots complex registration and learning management systems, including Destiny One Registration System (DORS) and Canvas, ensuring accurate records, compliance, and seamless participant experiences.
Analyzes participant data and feedback to identify trends, anticipate needs, and inform program improvements. Responds to participant inquiries and access issues with sound judgment and discretion, ensuring continuity of learning and program integrity.

25% Program Innovation, Evaluation, and Advisory Board Collaboration
Leads program improvement initiatives through analysis of reports, evaluation data, and stakeholder feedback to assess program effectiveness and inform strategic decisions. Develops new courses, resources, and delivery models to address emerging regulatory requirements, industry practices, and learner needs.
Collaborates with advisory board members, instructors, and internal stakeholders to shape program policies, procedures, and long-term direction. Provides expert recommendations on curriculum evolution, program structure, and resource allocation, contributing to continuous improvement and sustained program impact.

15% Strategic Communications, Outreach, and Digital Presence
Leads program communication and outreach efforts to support enrollment, engagement, and accessibility. Manages and continuously improves the program website and digital content, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and alignment with program goals and educational standards.
Develops and updates course descriptions, schedules, promotional materials, and informational resources. Exercises independent judgment in determining communication strategies, content updates, and dissemination methods to support program visibility and effectiveness.

Required Qualifications
* BA/BS in relevant field (Biosystems Engineering, Water Resources, Ecology, Civil Engineering or other) plus at least (10) years of related professional experience or a Master's Degree plus at least (8) years of experience or a terminal degree with (6) years of experience and proven ability to perform job.
* Excellent oral and written communications skills
* Prior experience in construction and environmental regulation fields
* Extensive knowledge of construction stormwater management
* Proficiency in word processing, spreadsheets and database software with * Microsoft Office and Google applications (Microsoft Word, Excel, Google * Docs, Sheets)
* Must be able to lift 20 pounds

Preferred Qualifications
* Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively
* Demonstrated organizational and time management skills with attention to detail
* Ability to effectively manage and prioritize multiple tasks with minimal supervision
* Experience with website maintenance
* Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive and/or confidential information
* Experience using Access databases
* Experience using Canvas Learning Management System
* Demonstrated experience using InDesign software

Pay Range: $100,500- $105,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 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

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.

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.

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).