Student Posting - Bulldog Beginnings Stu. Manger

As a Bulldog Beginnings Manager, you will work on the creation of a shared experience that occurs prior to the first day of classes and assists incoming students successfully transition to UMD. This position will serve to fulfill a logistical, organizational, operational, and leadership role within the Bulldog Beginnings program in Kirby Student Center. With the assistance of the Student Activities Coordinator, the Manager will play a critical role in leading the Bulldog Beginning Event Planners & Volunteer team, planning Bulldog Welcome Week, & Welcome Back Week. 

This role is a paid position, and works year round beginning in November. Hours fluctuate depending on the time of year, as described below. The preliminary responsibilities and expectations of the positions are listed below, while other responsibilities may be assigned when appropriate. Bulldog Beginnings seeks students from a variety of backgrounds representing diverse hometowns, interests, majors, campus affiliations, and personal qualities of the students attending UMD. We’re looking for team members who are passionate about service, innovative, creative, proactive, and dependable.

Note: Work Study not REQUIRED. 10-40 hours depending on time of semester.

Manager Responsibilities

• Community Development & Educational Enrichment 

  • Developing first-year events designed to facilitate engagement, connection, and sense of belonging amongst all incoming students 

  • Meeting with student organizations and campus partners to develop programmatic elements o Managing and accepting proposals from student groups/campus partners to host events 

  • Assisting with event planning and execution 

• Event Management 

  • Overseeing and directing the Volunteer Staff during Bulldog Beginnings events 

  • Meeting with campus partners to discuss program elements and services needed 

  • Coordinating and managing schedules, inventory, rosters, signage, etc. 

• Communications & Engagement 

  • Collaborating with the Kirby Student Center Communications Coordinator and Communications Assistant to create content ideas for materials needed for incoming students in their transition to campus – including but not limited to summer mailings, t-shirt designs, and pieces given away during Orientation o Assisting with the mobile app selection, content, and design 

  • Serve as point person for Community Partners and Sponsorships 

• Administrative Duties 

  • Attending staff, supervisory, and campus partner meetings 

  • Leading Bulldog Beginnings team meetings 

  • Assist with recruiting, hiring, and training student leaders 

  • Providing input regarding the allocation of funds in the budgeting process, when needed o Serve as the point person for answering phone calls and responding to emails sent to the Bulldog Beginnings account 

• General

  • Making decisions while always considering the potential impact on incoming students 

  • Assisting with managing Bulldog Beginning files and storage 

  • Potential for assisting during Orientation sessions over the summer 

• Other Duties As Assigned 

Responsibilities of All Kirby Student Employees: 

• Adherence to the Kirby Student Center mission and core values 

• Participation in an ongoing training and development program 

• Commitment to understanding diverse perspectives and quality customer service 

• Focus on effectiveness and efficiency in team and individual tasks 

• Strong desire to foster success in self and others

Time Commitment & Training 

• Onboarding during the end of Fall 2026 semester. 

• Attend Kirby Student Center mandatory employee training Spring 2027: TBD 

• 10-15 hours/week during Spring 2027, including staff and supervisory meetings, 20-30 hours/week during May-July 2027, 30-40 hours/week August 2027, 10-15 hours/week Fall 2027. All hours will be completed in person, no remote work is available. 

• Be available for long days and extended hours from 8/25-8/29 

•  Attend Bulldog Beginnings student leader training Fall 2027

Compensation 

• $16.25 to 17.00/hr

• Valuable work experience for future employment 

• Development of leadership and organizational skills 

• Free food and swag during Welcome Week 

Required Qualifications 

• Must be a current UMD degree-seeking undergraduate student registered for the Spring - Fall 2025 semesters 

• Have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or above 

• Energy, enthusiasm, and sensitivity for assisting students facing many new experiences 

• Demonstrated effective teamwork, communication, and conflict resolution skills 

• Ability to exhibit professional conduct at all times 

• This is an in-person position, no remote work is available. Must be able to work from the Bulldog Beginnings office. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Be willing to learn about Kirby Student Center programs, publications, and outreach efforts 

• Effective communication skills and a willingness to learn how to have difficult conversations 

• Ability to manage details and piece together many pieces of separate data 

• Ability to work independently and under direction 

• Event management experience

Kirby Student Center is the hub of student activities on the UMD campus. KSC houses and supports approximately 250 student organizations, Greek Life, Kirby Program Board, leadership development, the Welcome Desk, and Events and Operations. Through the efforts of eight professional staff and more than 30 student employees, Kirby strives to offer a positive and engaging experience for everyone on the UMD campus.

OUR MISSION Creating community at the heart of campus. 

OUR VISION We will be the true center of campus: the place where students, staff, faculty and community will meet to learn from each other and share experiences in inclusive, innovative and inspiring ways. 

OUR VALUES Unconditional Human Worth, Joy, Learning, Leadership & Service, Diversity, Caring Community, and Integrity. 

Learning Outcomes 

While employed with Kirby Student Center, student workers will develop interpersonal, decision-making, and time management skills to apply in their future careers. 

• Students will practice active listening, decision-making and conflict management when responding to issues that arise in the workplace. 

• Students will understand their role and the expectations that foster a positive workplace. 

• Students develop a sense of teamwork and with their peers as they work toward a common goal. 

• Students will learn how to provide quality customer service through clear communication, adaptability, self control, and responsibility. 

• Students will learn how to manage their time while balancing an on-campus job with their academic studies and social commitments. 

   

Students will approach their skill development with respect for diverse perspectives and backgrounds.

Pay Range: $16.25 to 17.00/hr; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Please visit the Office of Student Health Benefits website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

Student workers are eligible to participate in the Student Health Benefit Plan, if they maintain 6 or more eligible course credits within a given semester. The same applies for Undergraduate Students, Graduate Assistants, Residents, Fellows and Interns.

Application Deadline: 10/31/2026

Applications must be submitted online and include a resume and cover letter stating why you are interested in the position. To be considered for this position, please click the "Apply" button and follow the instructions. After you complete the online application, you may attach your cover letter and resume by accessing your "My Activities" page and uploading documents there. 

Contact Rachel Kraus at 218-726-8739 and/or [email protected] for more information 

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.

University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD)

The University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD) consistently ranks among the top Midwestern, regional universities in U.S. News and World Report's "America's Best Colleges" issue.

Overlooking Lake Superior, UMD provides an alternative to both large research and small liberal arts environments and attracts students looking for a personalized learning experience on a medium-sized campus of a major university.  A firm liberal arts foundation anchors a variety of traditional degree programs, as well as professional and graduate students that draw on UMD's many research institutes and labs.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.