Assistant to the VP, Dean, and Director for Agriculture

Company DescriptionMontana State University was founded in 1893 as the Agricultural College of the State of Montana. Today, the College of Agriculture is an integral part of fulfilling MSU’s land grant mission to provide a liberal, practical education in agriculture and related disciplines to the sons and daughters of Montana. As part of the College of Agriculture, the Montana Agricultural Experiment Station (MAES) conducts research on new and continuing challenges for Montana’s agricultural community. MAES creates opportunities for students and faculty to excel through cutting-edge research and hands-on learning, to serve through campus and community engagement, to explore unique solutions to distinct and interesting questions and to connect Montanans with the global community.Please apply at https://jobs.montana.edu/postings/51496 Role DescriptionThe College of Agriculture/MAES is seeking a highly motivated and experienced individual to provide managerial and administrative support for all internal and external operations for the College of Agriculture (CoA) and Montana Agricultural Experiment Station (MAES). Provides high-level executive administrative support for the VP/Dean/Director, including management of confidential matters, coordination of complex schedules, preparation of briefing materials, and organization of decision-ready information to support effective leadership including coordination of alternatives for COA/MAES representation with material coordination and calendar planning should the VP/Dean/Director not available to attend critical events or meetings.Proactively monitor issues, deadlines, and commitments that may affect the successful execution of the VP/Dean/Director’s responsibilities and escalate risks as appropriate.Lead planning and execution of high-visibility CoA/MAES events, including but not limited to:Expanded Celebrate Agriculture eventsAchievements in Agriculture receptionAdvisory Board meetings of MAES, College’s Industrial Advisory Board, and othersAnnual awards, Homecoming activities, Scholarship celebration, Field Days, and other signature engagement eventsOversee event logistics including agendas, venues, speakers, materials, communications, and post-event evaluation to ensure professional execution and alignment with CoA/MAES priorities.Manage the VP/Dean/Director’s front office operations, ensuring consistent desk coverage and a high level of customer service.Supervise permanent staff and student employees, including direct supervision of an undergraduate event planning intern, encompassing recruitment, training, assignment of work, mentoring, performance feedback, and evaluation.Coordinate staffing workflows and office procedures to support efficient operations across the VP/Dean/Director’s OfficeCoordinate college-level committees and processes such as promotion and tenure process, staff searches, leadership meetings, departmental staff training, etc in coordination with departments.Organize and prepare accurate administrative data and reports for university leadership, the Board of Regents, legislative activities, and audits.Maintain confidentiality, data integrity, and professional standards in all documentation and communications.Serve as Building Supervisor for Linfield Hall and maintain productive working relationships with University Facilities and building occupants.Perform other duties as assigned that align with the mission and operational needs of CoA/MAES.Supervises 1.0 FTE permanent staff member and student employees, including an undergraduate event planning intern; may supervise additional temporary or student staff as needed.QualificationsBachelor’s degree and significant experience providing high-level administrative support to an executive/executive team or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.Successful experience in operations/office management for a large organization.Demonstrated competence bringing complex projects and initiatives to a successful completion.Demonstrated experience providing following up on committed deliverables by the executive team and communicating complex information effectively to various constituents (students, staff, faculty, administrators, executives, constituent groups).Demonstrated experience organizing and managing events, and/or prioritizing multiple work assignments, meeting deadlines, and exercising adaptability to changing priorities.Supervisory experience.Demonstrated experience using personal computers a various software such a word processing, spreadsheets, and email. Microsoft Office software experience preferred.