Position Details
Position Information
Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 26304
For questions regarding this position, please contact:
Laura Wilson
laura.wilson5@montana.edu
406-994-3683
Classification Title Compliance Spec
Working Title Compliance Operations Manager
Brief Position Overview
The Compliance Operations Manager provides essential leadership in ensuring that the College of Agriculture operates in full alignment with federal regulations, university policies, and institutional standards. This role supports the integrity of the college's research, teaching, and outreach activities by overseeing compliance processes, managing regulatory reporting, and coordinating risk mitigation efforts. Serving as a key liaison between the college, federal agencies, and university administrative units, the Compliance Operations Manager ensures that complex requirements are translated into effective practices that keep programs running smoothly and responsibly.
Position Number 4M0062
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 FOCUS-MFPE
FTE 1.0
Benefits Eligible Eligible
Salary Salary commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications.
Contract Type Classified Salary
If other, please specify
Recruitment Type Open
Position Details
General Statement
MSU 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 serving the sons and daughters of our state. The Montana Agricultural Experiment Station ( MAES ) creates opportunities for students and faculty to excel through 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 Responsibilities
Compliance & Reporting Operations
Ensure federal reporting compliance by maintaining current knowledge of USDA / NIFA and other federal agency requirements.
Identify compliance risks across the College of Agriculture and recommend mitigation strategies.
Serve as the NIFA / USDA Civil Rights Representative, maintaining communication with MAES faculty and staff and overseeing compliance with federal civil rights policies.
Provide oversight and guidance on adherence to MSU and Board of Regents policies and procedures.
Develop and maintain compliance tracking systems and create standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Prepare and submit the annual Animal Health Report.
Run and review unallowable expense reports (code 62886), communicating findings to COA department heads and staff, and coordinating remediation and prevention efforts.
Coordinate pesticide license renewals: collaborate with the Pesticide Office, troubleshoot system issues, manage payments, and distribute printed licenses.
Support contract administration for MAES and the Dean's Office, liaising with Legal and Insurance to ensure compliance (including tenant leases on farm properties).
Fiscal Management
Review MAES funded accounts payable transactions (BPAs, PCard, etc.) for compliance and accurate coding.
Advise, train, and support COA and MAES staff on allowable expenditures in accordance with state and federal guidelines.
Assist departmental staff with procurement related questions and processes.
Review and approve Hospitality Approval Forms for accuracy and compliance.
Provide backup support to the Assistant Budget and Finance Director as needed.
Complete monthly Time and Effort reporting.
Procurement & Property Management
Oversee capital and minor property inventory for the Dean's Office and Bozeman area farm facilities.
Manage and maintain MAES vehicle and real estate property inventories, including leases.
Coordinate all MAES vehicle licensing with the Montana Motor Vehicle Division.
Submit Reports of Incident for property and vehicle insurance claims and serve as a liaison with State Risk Management and Tort Defense ( RMTD ).
Serve as the primary point of contact for tenant related issues.
Required Qualifications - Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
Bachelor's degree OR an equivalent combination of relevant education and professional experience.
Ability to initiate, coordinate, oversee and complete various projects on own initiative.
Strong organizational techniques with the ability to manage multiple tasks and remain flexible.
Excellent communication skills, enabling effective coordination with faculty, staff, federal agencies, and university administrative units.
Preferred Qualifications - Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
Experience in a higher education institution, nonprofit organization, or government agency working with policies, procedures, and systems.
Experience developing standard operating procedures and compliance tracking systems.
Demonstrated experience of supervising staff and providing operational guidance.
Experience managing compliance processes, including reporting, tracking, and ensuring adherence to institutional or governmental policies.
The Successful Candidate Will
Exercise sound judgement and initiative in decision-making, while maintaining professionalism and confidentiality.
Lead and collaborate effectively with different teams and stakeholders, demonstrating strong interpersonal and conflict resolution skills.
Communicate clearly and effectively in both written and verbal formats, including presentations.
Manage multiple priorities with attention to detail, accuracy, and adherence to deadlines in a dynamic environment.
Position Special Requirements/Additional Information
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 Demands
To 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? No
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies 1
Desired Start Date
Position End Date (if temporary)
Open Date
Close Date
Applications will be:
Screening of applications will begin on March 18, 2026; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
Special Instructions
This position is not eligible for new sponsorship.
EEO Statement
Montana 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.
