Assistant to the VP, Dean, and Director

Position DetailsPosition InformationAnnouncement Number STAFF - VA - 26407 For questions regarding this position, please contact:Elizabeth Greenfieldelizabeth.greenfield@montana.edu406-994-5744Classification Title Admin Assoc Mgr Working Title Assistant to the VP, Dean, and Director Brief Position OverviewThe 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). This person will implement essential initiatives and programs, while providing high-level executive administrative support for the Vice President/Dean/Director. This person manages the VP/Dean/Director’s Office, including creating, monitoring, coordinating, and implementing CoA/MAES plans, databases, policies, procedures, and initiative. This person oversees administrative operations, leads and/or supports staff activities, and coordinates special events.Position Number 4M1291 Department Dean of Agriculture Division College of Agriculture/MAES Appointment Type Classified Contract Term Fiscal Year Semester If other, specify From date If other, specify End date FLSA Exempt Union Affiliation Exempt from Collective Bargaining FTE 1.0 Benefits Eligible Eligible Salary $33.653846 per hour, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications. Contract Type Classified Salary If other, please specify Recruitment Type OpenPosition DetailsGeneral StatementMSU 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.Duties and ResponsibilitiesProvides 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. Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & SkillsBachelor’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.Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & SkillsMaster’s degreeSuccessful experience as a member of an executive management team in higher educationExperience working for and understanding the mission of a land grant institution.The Successful Candidate WillEstablish and maintain cooperative working relationships with various constituencies, including students, faculty, administrators, executives, constituent groups, and the public.Have excellent communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills.Possess strong organizational and time management skills to successfully manage multiple projects with competing priorities and deadlines.Possess skills to effectively manage sensitive or difficult situations.Uphold a strict level of confidentiality.Possess strong attention to detail, and be successful in prioritizing competing demands, and meeting deadlines in a dynamic environment.Have an aptitude for independent problem solving, decision making, and personnel management.Possess good judgement and self-motivation.Have the ability to maintain a high degree of accuracy in one’s work.Demonstrate the ability to maintain a calm, pleasant, positive, and professional demeanor in all situations.Have the ability to positively and professionally represent the CoA/MAES, and MSU.Position Special Requirements/Additional InformationThis position requires occasional work on nights and weekends for special events and meetings.This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.Physical DemandsTo perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.This position has supervisory duties? YesPosting Detail InformationNumber of Vacancies 1 Desired Start Date Position End Date (if temporary) Open Date Close Date Applications will be:Screening of applications will begin on May 27, 2026; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.Special InstructionsThis position is not eligible for new sponsorship.EEO StatementMontana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.Applicant DocumentsRequired DocumentsResumeCover LetterOptional DocumentsSupplemental QuestionsRequired fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).