Associate Chancellor

About Us

The University of Minnesota Crookston (UMN Crookston) is a public, baccalaureate, coeducational institution and one of five campuses within the University of Minnesota System. With more than 1,700 students, including approximately 700 on campus and 1,000 online, UMN Crookston combines the personalized experience of a close-knit campus with the resources and reputation of a world-class public university.

UMN Crookston proudly continues more than a century of educational service to northwestern Minnesota. Established in 1906 as the Northwest School of Agriculture, a residential high school affiliated with the University of Minnesota, the campus evolved into an institution of higher learning in 1966 and began offering bachelor's degree programs in 1993.

Today, the university is recognized for its academic excellence, student-centered approach, and commitment to innovation. In the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, UMN Crookston was named No. 14 among Regional Colleges in the Midwest and No. 1 among Top Public Schools.

Situated on a scenic 108-acre rural campus, which expands to 237 acres when including the adjacent University of Minnesota Northwest Research and Outreach Center, the university's campus encompasses 41 buildings and provides an environment that supports both academic achievement and community engagement.

Known for its emphasis on experiential learning and faculty-student mentorship, UMN Crookston offers students personalized support and hands-on educational experiences that prepare them for success beyond graduation. With more than 75 majors, minors, and certificate programs, the university integrates management concepts and technology applications across nearly every area of study, ensuring students graduate with practical skills that complement their chosen field. A pioneer in online and distance education, UMN Crookston has long expanded access to high-quality learning opportunities while maintaining its commitment to individualized instruction and student success. Through innovative academic delivery, real-world learning experiences, and close faculty engagement, students develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to thrive in their careers and make meaningful contributions to their communities.

About Crookston

Crookston is a friendly, safe, progressive community located on the banks of the meandering Red Lake River. Crookston and the surrounding Red River Valley bring opportunities for relaxation and enjoyment year-round! Below you’ll find just a partial list of the endless activities to explore.

Explore the Outdoors

Golfing, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, bird watching, boating, camping, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, ice fishing and ice skating.

Places to Visit Year-Round

Bergeson Gardens, Glacial Ridge Nature Conservancy, Itasca State Park, Old Mill State Park, Rydell National Wildlife Refuge, Tympanuchus Wildlife Management Area, Wetland Pines and Prairie Audubon Sanctuary, Natural History Area, Agassiz Environmental Center/Fertile Sand Hills, Heritage Village, and Hout Park Historical Site.

Events

Ox Cart Days – one of the top festivals in northwestern Minnesota! King of Trails Fall Marketplace – vendors with unique merchandise and retailer sidewalk sales galore! Winter Wonderland – open the Christmas holiday season with carolers, holiday treats, and retail sales!

Shopping, Arts and Entertainment

Grand Forks, ND (24 miles) is just a short drive away! North Dakota Ballet Company, North Valley Arts Council, Empire Theater, Grand Forks Symphony, Alerus Center, Engelstad Arena, and the Columbia Mall.

The Role

The Associate Chancellor has responsibility for the day-to-day management and leadership of the University of Minnesota Crookston campus as well as partnering with the Chancellor to identify and implement new strategies aligned with the campus and university strategic roadmap. This role is responsible for the day-to-day management of campus operations, including personnel and financial stewardship. The Associate Chancellor acts as the Chancellor’s primary deputy, ensuring academic and support services are aligned across the campus and system while fostering a modern, flexible leadership culture that responds to regional and statewide opportunities and needs for the future workforce.

Required Qualifications

• Terminal degree
• Experience as a senior leader in higher education, non-profit, government, or similar organization.
• Experience leading strategic plan implementation
• Demonstrated experience supervising senior leaders
• Demonstrated leadership, budget management and interpersonal skills.
• A leadership style that promotes collaboration and cooperation.
• Commitment to excellence, creativity and innovation.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Documented experience in developing, implementing and evaluating unit goals.
• Teaching and/or research credentials and accomplishments, or equivalent professional credentials and accomplishments.
• Experience working in a shared governance environment.
• Effective communication and presentation skills with experience engaging senior leaders, community decision-makers, and elected officials.
• Experience working with labor unions.

The Chancellor's Administrative department at the University of Minnesota Crookston serves as the chief administrative department for the campus, providing executive leadership, strategic direction, and institutional oversight. The department focuses on delivering a world-class education within a close-knit, supportive campus setting. It is responsible for driving student success, fostering mentorship, maintaining the University of Minnesota brand of excellence, and executing strategic initiatives across academic programming, rural outreach, international connections, and diversity.

Pay Range: $235,000- $260,000 per year; 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

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications and Nominations

Buffkin/Baker, an executive search firm, is assisting the University in the search. Inquiries of interest, nominations, and applications should be submitted electronically, in confidence, to:

Mr. Martin M. Baker, Managing Partner

Ms. Chelsie Whitelock, Associate Partner

umncrookston@buffkinbaker.com  

Applications should include a current CV and a cover letter that addresses the responsibilities and qualifications for this appointment.

To learn more about this opportunity, please view the Full Leadership Profile

Salary : $235,000 - $260,000