Application and Contract Specialist

Application and Contract Specialist

Position Description
This position serves in the Contracts, Assignments and Billing (CAB) unit within Housing & Residential Life (HRL), and is responsible for planning, implementing, and coordinating activities related to the housing contract and application process for new and returning students to University-owned and/or operated Residence Halls and Apartments. This position is also responsible for providing ongoing coordination of the application process and provides backup for the CAB areas. This position works predominantly in StarRez, which is HRL's housing occupancy management software system and reports to the Assistant Director of Contracts, Assignments and Billing.

Responsibilities for this position include the following:

Application and Contract Process (45%)
* Manage the housing application process for new and returning students.
* Develop, test, and troubleshoot the housing application system and process for new and returning students
* Develop, test, and troubleshoot the housing application system and process for special populations including but not limited to: student-athletes, International student reserved space programs, Community Advisors, and break housing.
* Coordinate application-contract yearly updates and changes.
* Coordinate and streamline student facing communication processes for new applicants and returning residents.
* Manage the housing waitlist for incoming students.
* Update terms and conditions for the student housing contract annually.
* Responsible for creating, updating and troubleshooting processes outside of the application process including but not limited to Room Sign-up, Winter Break Housing and Early Arrival and Move in times.

Data Management/Coordination (25%)
* Verification of information in the database and ensuring everything is accurate and complete with student records.
* Create and maintain reports, dashboards and internal workflows .
* Coordinate assessment and evaluation of the CAB area. Update, create and maintain various housing management reports including but not limited to: Occupancy, Applications, Demographics, No Shows, Contract Releases, Grade Reports, Graduation/Retention data, etc.
* Provide or assist in providing housing data/information requests from University departments and/or staff.

Customer Service, Collaboration and Outreach (15%)
* Assist with presentations and outreach to prospective students.
* Provide guidance for the Student Administrative Assistant (SAA) team as they interact with students and parents.
* Provide information to students, parents and other customers in person, by phone and by email.
* Serve as a representative of Housing & Residential Life at Student Orientation programs, Admissions events, and information/welcome fairs.
* Provide outstanding customer service to internal and external customers.
* Provide assistance and guidance to housing staff and University departments related to complex contract and application processes and questions.
* Educate, guide, and serve as a resource to current and prospective residents and their families/guardians regarding general and complex housing contract and application process inquiries.
* Independently resolve routine and non-routine concerns/questions regarding housing application issues raised by students and/or their families/guardians.

Administrative and Other Essential Functions (15%)
* Create and maintain technical, operational, and end user documentation for StarRez.
* Coordinate training for users of StarRez and other associated systems.
* Provide backup for the housing information desk as needed.
* Coordinate CAB-related Residential Life training and assist with Business Operations Supervisor (BOS) training.
* Serve on departmental committees to represent the Contract Assignment & Billing area.
* Lead and manage various projects in the CAB area.
* Other related duties as assigned by the Assistant Director of Contracts, Assignments and Billing and the Director of Administrative Services and Operations for Housing & Residential Life.

Work Environment: Work is performed mainly in an office setting. With remote/hybrid options available

Minimum Qualifications
* BA/BS degree plus at least 4 years of experience or a combination of related education and work experience to equal eight years
* Excellent written communication, verbal communication, and interpersonal skills are essential.
* Extensive knowledge of computer software, such as Microsoft Office, Google Apps, etc. and experience navigating web applications.
* Prior customer service experience is required

Preferred Qualifications
* An understanding of relational database concepts and prior experience using SQL.
* Ability to handle multiple tasks and manage and maintain a high volume of work often under stressful situations
* Demonstrate commitment to Diversity and Social Justice
* Desire to learn new technologies and improve processes
* Experience working in a university setting, preferably in housing and residential life

Pay Range: $28.85-$30.05/hr depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented 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

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).