IonE is a nationally recognized, interdisciplinary institution that catalyzes sustainability outcomes through collaborative research, leadership and education programming and public-interest storytelling and communications.
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Grantmaking Program Manager ($74k-$86k, job ID 375627)
Great ideas need more than funding - they need well-designed programs, strong partnerships, and thoughtful stewardship. The University of Minnesota’s Institute on the Environment (IonE) is seeking a Grantmaking Program Manager to lead the competitive funding programs that help transform innovative ideas into meaningful environmental impact.
This position will oversee the full lifecycle of IonE’s grantmaking portfolio, including Impact Goal grants, Mini Grants, and emerging strategic funding opportunities. From developing requests for proposals and coordinating application reviews to stewarding funded projects and evaluating portfolio outcomes, this position serves as the central operational lead for IonE’s grantmaking programs. Professionals with experience as Program Officers, Programs Representatives, Grants Managers, or similar roles in foundation, nonprofit, government, or university grantmaking will find many familiar elements in this position.
We’re looking for an organized project manager, analytical thinker, and relationship builder who can move comfortably between operational detail and strategic perspective. This is an opportunity to build strong systems, improve the experience of applicants and funded teams, and help shape the future of grantmaking at one of the University’s leading interdisciplinary institutes.
Register for the Informational Webinar: https://z.umn.edu/GrantmakingJob
The job application period will be open from 08/28/2026 through 09/20/2026.
This is a condensed job advertisement; to learn more and apply visit the University of Minnesota Employment website and search for job ID 375627. If you are a current employee at our organization, please use the employee portal instead.
Undergraduate Communications Assistant ($15.91/hr, job ID 375735)
Want hands-on communications experience, while helping UMN students learn about interdisciplinary environmental programs, courses and events?
The Institute on the Environment's Learning and Development team is hiring a part-time undergraduate student to join us as a Communications Assistant.
In this role, you'll draft weekly newsletters and emails, support social media content creation, manage contact lists and help publicize events.
We're looking for a communications assistant who enjoys storytelling, outreach and connecting students with sustainability opportunities. A strong candidate will be curious about the environment, comfortable juggling multiple projects and eager to build hands-on communications experience on a collaborative team.
This student staff position will be expected to work at least 75% of the time in person at the Institute on the Environment on the St. Paul campus. As you become more familiar with the role, you can earn the flexibility to work 50% of your time in person. The supervisor is Christina Lundgren, Student Engagement Coordinator at IonE.
The job application period will be open from 08/26/2026 through 09/20/2026.
This is a condensed job advertisement; to learn more and apply visit the University of Minnesota Employment website and search for job ID 375735. If you are a current employee at our organization, please use the employee portal instead.
Undergraduate Program Assistant ($15.91/hr, job ID 375734)
Join our energized and collaborative team working to support sustainability education opportunities for undergraduate students! In this role you will:
- Support sustainability leadership programming, courses, & events.
- Plan events, lead outreach activities to students, sponsors, and other University of Minnesota groups and departments, and build relationships with student groups and other partners.
- Create website content; promoting sustainability-related courses, student activities, and opportunities; and providing content for our student engagement team.
The job application period will be open from 08/26/2026 through 09/20/2026.
This is a condensed job advertisement; to learn more and apply visit the University of Minnesota Employment website and search for job ID 375734. If you are a current employee at our organization, please use the employee portal instead.
All student employment opportunities can be found on the University’s student employment website.
The terms and conditions of employment for University of Minnesota graduate student positions are established by the Graduate Labor Union Agreement. Please see the agreement for details on pay rates, benefits and other provisions.
Please note, we do not accept or respond to unsolicited job inquiries or résumés.
IonE and the University of Minnesota are proud equal opportunity employers.
Why Work at IonE
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Mission-driven. IonE envisions a world where people and the planet prosper together. Our staff advance this mission through impactful research, innovative learning experiences and public-interest communications that drive real-world impact.
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Rooted in learning. IonE strives to build a culture of continuous learning by providing dedicated time and support for staff to pursue relevant professional development and career advancement opportunities.
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A team of leading experts. As an interdisciplinary, collaboration-focused institution, IonE offers the opportunity to engage with a broad network of recognized experts across research, education and public engagement, both on-staff and through our community of affiliates and partners.
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University benefits. As part of the University of Minnesota, staff at IonE have access to competitive employee benefits and resources.
Questions?
Have a question about working at IonE? Reach out to us.