Seasonal User Support Specialist - Farm Financial Management

This is a seasonal, full-time position (approximately November 1st through March 31st) located in the Department of Applied Economics, St. Paul Campus, University of Minnesota.

The Seasonal User Support Specialist will work closely with software developers, sales, and agricultural economists to maintain relationships with users by providing support, ensuring software functionality and usability, developing training documentation, and driving product evolution in response to user needs.

Work Breakdown

• 60% - Provide support to users who utilize a variety of CFFM products including; credit analysis and financial management software, business planning and farm transition planning websites, and other farm financial management programs via multiple channels of communication, including but not limited to telephone, email, and web-based meetings.
• 15% - Assist in onboarding process for new lender licensees including participating in system set-up calls, creating risk rating models, credit decision scorecards, and loan presentations based on customer-provided criteria
• 10% - Perform regular, regimented testing of software products and work cross-functionally with software developers to address application deficiencies and improve operation.
• 5% - Act as liaison between users and software developers, using feedback to proactively suggest improvements for software functionality and enhanced user experience.
• 5% - Help create and revise training documentation for CFFM applications, in particular, FINPACK and FINPACK+.
• 5% - Engage in other special projects and assignments related to support of CFFM applications.

This is a hybrid position. The University of Minnesota is currently offering flexible working options. Specifics will be discussed during the interview stage. The desired start date is November 1, 2025, or earlier, depending on candidate availability.

Essential (Required Qualifications)

• Bachelor's degree or a combination of related education and work experience to equal at least four years.
• Ability to understand and discuss farm and lending issues.

Desired (Preferred) Qualifications

• Experience in user service or software support.
• Demonstrated strengths in communication skills, both oral and written.
• Demonstrated ability to research and solve issues.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills.
• Ability to learn and adapt to new software technologies.
• Experience with Windows software and desktop operating systems.
• Experience with cloud-based software.
• Experience with FINPACK program use and functionality.
• Experience testing function and usability of software.
• Desire to develop and cultivate meaningful relationships with individual users and companies.

The Center for Farm Financial Management (CFFM) develops educational programs and software/web applications that are used by farmers, educators, lenders, and other professionals throughout the United States. Products and training focus on financial planning, credit analysis, financial analysis, risk management, business planning, and commodity marketing. FINPACK, the Center's flagship software product, provides a suite of tools that guide credit professionals and businesses to sound financial decisions. Other web-based tools and projects include AgPlan, FINBIN, Commodity Challenge, Farm Answers, the Results Verification System, and the Ag Risk and Farm Management Library.

The Center for Farm Financial Management is in Ruttan Hall on the St. Paul Campus of the University of Minnesota. It is a unit in the Department of Applied Economics in the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences and University of Minnesota Extension. For more information about CFFM and the scope of its programs, visit https://cffm.umn.edu.

Pay Range: $26.75 - $28.75 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 100% Appointment, Temporary (5 month / Seasonal)

Position Type: Civil-Service

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 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.

Email inquiries about the position are welcome, but a formal application process is required. For questions regarding the position contact:

Kevin Klair
Center for Farm Financial Management
University of Minnesota
1994 Buford Ave., Rm 130
St. Paul, MN 55108
wynn@umn.edu

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).