MN-GEMS Business Analyst/Specialist

University of Minnesota; Minneapolis (MN); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages & holidays

Tuition benefit program

Low-cost medical plans

Retirement plans

PSLF opportunity

Job summary

The University of Minnesota seeks an MN-GEMS Analyst/Specialist to provide technical support, troubleshoot system issues, and assist with data quality across the Sponsored Projects Administration (SPA) environment. You will collaborate with ORIS and SPA teams to maintain seamless MN-GEMS workflows and advance integration with external systems.

Responsibilities include troubleshooting, helpdesk response, and coordinating with SPA staff on awards, data integrity, and process improvements.

Qualifications

• BA/BS degree plus at least two years of relevant work experience in business/systems process analysis, or a master’s degree.
• Demonstrated willingness and capacity to quickly learn and master MN-GEMS (a Huron product) and its underlying modular architecture.
• Excellent computer skills with proficiency in core Microsoft Office applications.
• Proven track record of troubleshooting technical challenges and facilitating solutions on time.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as a core technical liaison.
• Exceptional organizational, prioritization, and multi-tasking skills. Technical writing and communication

Responsibilities

• Technical Troubleshooting & User Support (40%): System Troubleshooting; Integration & Module Problem-Solving; System Change Management; Work with SPA Training Team to identify MN-GEMS technical issues.
• SPA Operations & User Support (30%): Award Set-Up Support; GCO Technical Support; Helpdesk Management; MN-GEMS Lab support.
• Data Quality & Reporting Analysis (20%): Data Inconsistency Identification; Documentation & Process Improvement (10%)
• Work cross-functionally across SPA and departmental teams to keep documentation current alongside system updates.

Skills

Troubleshooting

End-user support

Technical communication

Independent & collaborative work

Education

BA/BS degree + 2 years in business/systems analysis

Master's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

About the Job

The MN-GEMS Analyst/Specialist provides technical support, systemtroubleshooting, and end user support for the University ofMinnesota’s electronic grants management system, MN-GEMS (a Huronsoftware product). This role plays a critical part in supportingSponsored Projects Administration (SPA) operations by proactivelyidentifying system errors, collaborating on integration errors,ensuring data accuracy, and maintaining seamless workflow supportacross the research enterprise.

Position Duties and Responsibilities

Technical Troubleshooting & User Support (40%)

System Troubleshooting: Act as a primary point of contact toinvestigate, diagnose, and potentially resolve day-to-day technicalchallenges and functionality issues within the MN-GEMSsystem.

Integration & Module Problem-Solving: Partner with ORIS and theEFS module support team to help identify and resolve integrationerrors between MN-GEMS modules and external systems.

System Change Management: Work with SPA leadership to help informbusiness-side system changes, fixes, upgrades, and featureenhancements in collaboration with Office of Research InformationSystems (ORIS).

Work with the SPA Training Team to identify MN-GEMS technicalissues and implement business process solutions.

SPA Operations & User Support (30%)

Award Set-Up Support: Provide technical assistance to the SPA AwardSet-Up Team to resolve system issues during EFS integration.

GCO Technical Support: Assist SPA Grant and Contract Officers(GCOs) by troubleshooting system errors, providing quick-turnaroundtechnical solutions, and resolving workflow obstacles inMN-GEMS.

Helpdesk Management: Respond to business- and system-specifictickets via the MN-GEMS Helpdesk, logging trends to suggest ongoingsystem and process improvements.

MN-GEMS Lab support

Data Quality & Reporting Analysis (20%)

Data Inconsistency Identification: Collaborate closely with thereporting specialist to review data issues and recommend solutionsthat safeguard data integrity.

Documentation & Process Improvement (10%)

Maintain, record, and update standard operating procedures (SOPs),technical workflows, and system documentation for MN-GEMSprocesses.

Work cross-functionally across SPA and departmental teams to keepdocumentation current alongside system updates.

Flexible Work Profile

The Research and Innovation Office (RIO) and Sponsored ProjectsAdministration (SPA) endorse a “Work with Flexibility” approachthat offers a welcoming and flexible work environment whereeveryone is inspired to do their best. This means the incumbent maywork remotely, partially remotely, or entirely in the office.Currently, many SPA staff have opted to work remotely.

Regardless of their remote work status, the MN-GEMS BusinessAnalyst/Specialist will be expected to attend certain in-personwork events throughout the year. Out-of-state candidates will beconsidered if their qualifications and experience are exceptionallystrong.

Regardless of work location, work processes will be digital andpaperless. Employees will be provided with University-configuredequipment and supportive technology tools. Employees who choose toperform some or all of their duties remotely will be responsiblefor providing reliable internet access and appropriate home-officefurnishings.

SPA management retains the right to modify flexible workarrangement agreements on a temporary or permanent basis for anyreason at any time.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

BA/BS degree plus at least two years of relevant work experience inbusiness/systems process analysis, or a master’s degree.

Demonstrated willingness and capacity to quickly learn and masterMN-GEMS (a Huron product) and its underlying modulararchitecture.

Excellent computer skills with proficiency in core Microsoft Officeapplications.

Proven track record of troubleshooting technical challenges andfacilitating solutions on time.

Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as a coretechnical liaison.

Exceptional organizational, prioritization, and multi-taskingskills. Technical writing and communication

About the Department

The Office of Sponsored Projects Administration supportsfaculty in seeking, acquiring, and managing externally sponsoredfunding for research, training, and public service projects.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $65,000.00 - $85,009.60 annually; de pending oneducation/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for moreinformation regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package thatincludes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional trainingand degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition BenefitProgram
• 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 counselingat no cost
• Employee TransitPass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metroarea

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important tonote that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range.

Thisapproach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions ofeach candidate while maintaining equity within our organization.

As part of ourcommitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered toincoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversityand inclusion in enriching the employment experience of itsemployees and in supporting the academic mission. The University iscommitted to attracting and retaining employees with varyingidentities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to andopportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment withoutregard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender,age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteranstatus, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successfulcompletion of a background check. Our presumption is thatprospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminalconvictions do not automatically disqualify finalists fromemployment.

This position is not eligible for H-1B visasponsorship.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among thelargest public research universities in the country, offeringundergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude ofopportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of oneof the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities,students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit fromextensive 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 byForbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employerfor 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-lifeflexibility.