About the Job The Training Officer serves as one of two University of Minnesota central training staff responsible for development and delivery of training materials and classes for the research community. This position will be responsible for training research professionals within SPA and in the departments. The incumbent will work closely with the SPA Operations Manager and the other SPA Training Officer to identify training needs within SPA and the departments and develop impactful training materials and classes related to the areas of need. The incumbent also serves as a resource support person. Specific areas of responsibility include working with faculty, collegiate and departmental staff, and SPA staff in developing and delivering instructional programs to enhance research administration job performance, effectiveness and adherence to University, State and Federal regulations and requirements. This position serves primarily as a training development and delivery professional , with an emphasis on training newly hired GCOs and departmental research administrators on new federal and state regulatory initiatives, federal agency regulations, policies and procedures, institutional best practices and existing research policy. This position will report to the SPA Operations Manager. From time to time, the position will be expected to work directly with the Associate Director and/or Principal Contracting Officer on special initiatives related to high-value or highly complex trainings. Position Duties and Responsibilities Departmental Training Coordinator (50%*) Assess emerging federal requirements to understand their impact on the University research administration community. Keep current in the field and monitoring regulatory releases, including detailed analysis and review of ANPRMs (Advance Notice of Proposed Rule Making) and sponsor-pre-release and final release policy documents. Serve as a trainer for the University's research community. Create and provide in-person and digital training to University faculty, staff, and graduate students in small group, large group, and customized settings. Customize training materials to fit unique needs and interests of the intended audience, using the incumbent's detailed knowledge of research administration and experience. Develop and keep current SPECTRUM/SPA training materials and documents. Oversee requirements SPECTRUM certification program, recommending modifications as needed. Oversee registration and completion of courses by SPECTRUM cohorts. Administer SPECTRUM exams and grant certifications. Communicate agency policies and initiatives to the University research enterprise via the Grants Management User Network and other forums. GCO Training Coordinator (30%*) Serve as a GCO trainer (all aspects of the GCO job). Advise supervisors about the progress of individuals undergoing training. Review GCO work products for staff in training. Develop and keep current SPA business process documents for SPA staff. Teach in future signature authority classes as assigned. Special Initiatives (20%*) Engage in one or more institutional committees or work duties as assigned, such as University's technical representative at Federal Demonstration Partnership meetings; University's representative to the NIH Commons Working Group; lead planning and/or teach for the Sponsored Projects Symposia or specialized SPA training course series. * Percentages associated with specific areas of the job may vary depending on the needs of the office The Research and Innovation Office (RIO) and Sponsored Projects Administration (SPA) endorses a "work with flexibility" approach that offers a welcoming and flexible work environment where everyone is inspired to do their best. Work location options include working fully remote, partially remote, or entirely in the office and are based on the work of the position. Some on-site work may be necessary for certain positions, even those designated as fully remote. This position has been designated as eligible for flexible work profile(s) 1-4. Profile 1 is expected to work primarily on-site. Your office will be located in suite 450 of McNamara Alumni Center. Profile 2 is expected to work on-site more than 50% of the time. Your office will be located in suite 450 of McNamara Alumni Center. Profile 3 is expected to work remotely more than 50% of the time. Your dedicated office space will be in your remote work location. Profile 4 is expected to work fully remotely with the exception of required attendance for on-site events. Your dedicated work space will be in your remote work location. SPA management retains the right to modify flexible work arrangement agreements on a temporary or permanent basis for any reason at any time. Qualifications Required Qualifications BA/BS degree plus at least six years of experience in research administration in a central or departmental role to include proposal/award/subaward preparation, review, and administration with multiple sponsor and subawardee types; Demonstrated experience developing and delivering business process procedures and/or instructional materials. Ability to work independently, designing new and creative solutions when needed, and to resolve most problems without assistance. Excellent communication skills; ability to seamlessly adapt communication style and content to varying audiences (e.g., principal investigators and other researchers, and research administration staff) Experience analyzing complex regulations, determining their impact in the university research setting, and developing training materials to communicate those regulations. Demonstrated ability to work with significant multi-tasking Experience using standard computer tools (e.g., MS Office suite, email, Zoom, calendaring) Strong understanding of federal regulations in relation to funded research at the University of Minnesota. Strong understanding of University of Minnesota research policies and procedures. Preferred Qualifications Master's degree or doctoral/advanced degree Specialized training in Contract and Grant Administration Experience using Canvas software Mentoring experience About the Department Sponsored Projects Administration (SPA) is the University of Minnesota system-wide office authorized to submit research proposals and receive awards from external sources on behalf of the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota. SPA is also the fiduciary for the U on grant-related matters. Benefits Working at the University At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work. The University also 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 Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits. 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 the U of M 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).