Position Details
Position Information
Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 26413
For questions regarding this position, please contact:
Lisa Stevenson
Business Operations Manager
406-994-3884
lisa.stevenson1@montana.edu
Classification Title Program Coord II
Working Title Academic Services Coordinator
Brief Position Overview
The Academic Services Coordinator is a critical member of the Native American Studies Department within the College of Letters and Science, serving as the initial point of contact for students and the public. This role manages undergraduate and graduate programs, provides comprehensive administrative, technical, and customer service support, and assists faculty in delivering outstanding educational opportunities to all students at Montana State University.
Success in this highly visible, people-focused position requires strong communication skills and the ability to interact tactfully and professionally with faculty, staff, students, and the public.
Position Number 4M1018
Department Native American Studies
Division College of Letters & Science
Appointment Type Classified
Contract Term Fiscal Year
Semester
If other, specify From date
If other, specify End date
FLSA Non-Exempt
Union Affiliation FOCUS-MFPE
FTE 1.0
Benefits Eligible Eligible
Salary $21.99 per hour, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications
Contract Type Classified Salary
If other, please specify
Recruitment Type Open
Position Details
General Statement
The Department of Native American Studies at Montana State University was established to provide and advance quality education for and about American Indians of Montana the region, and the nation. In fulfilling this mission, the Department is committed to meet the changing needs of Montana's Indian tribes and all Montana citizens through excellence in teaching, research, and service.
In its academic programs, the Department provides concentrated study through a master's in Native American Studies, a graduate certificate in Native American Studies, a graduate certificate in Indigenous Food Systems, and a non-teaching minor in Native American Studies, as well as opportunities for students to gain a multicultural perspective in pursuing a general education through the University's core curriculum.
Duties and Responsibilities
Graduate Program Coordination
Coordinates key aspects of graduate programs, including processing applications, scheduling classrooms, maintaining student records, and supporting students through graduation processes and procedures.
Supports graduate student orientation and committee activities.
Processes graduate awards, fellowships, and related budgets.
Generates all departmental correspondence to graduate students; responds to general graduate program inquiries.
Undergraduate Program Coordination
Coordinates key aspects of non-teaching minor and undergraduate programs, including student registration for restricted-entry courses and maintenance of records for internships, independent studies, and academic progress.
Coordinates advising efforts and assigns faculty advisors.
Meets with prospective students and families.
Serves as liaison between NAS and AIANSSS , as well as to campus student services offices.
Communications & Events
Plans and coordinates departmental events, including venue booking, travel and lodging arrangements, budget management, invitations, refreshments, and meeting materials.
Coordinates events and reservations for the American Indian Hall Building.
Coordinates with the NAS Department Head, Dean's Office, and University Communications to support the development of newsletters, promotional materials, and departmental content, including website and social media updates.
Coordinates with AIANSSS on recruitment events, including MSU Fridays and statewide initiatives.
Administrative Support
Provides front-line customer service and daily office support.
Maintains shared spaces and schedules (e.g., conference rooms).
Processes course scheduling, catalog updates, and textbook orders.
Compiles and analyzes data related to enrollment, courses, and curriculum.
Provides guidance on department and university policies and procedures in conjunction with the Graduate School, Registrar's Office, and the Office of International Programs.
Required Qualifications - Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
Progressively responsible administrative work experience, or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.
Demonstrated experience in customer service and working with constituents from all backgrounds.
Demonstrated experience organizing and prioritizing multiple work assignments, meeting deadlines, and exercising adaptability with a high degree of accuracy.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel, Outlook, and computer databases.
Preferred Qualifications - Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
Bachelor's degree in a related field.
Knowledge of MSU procedures and policies, or previous experience working in an academic department in a higher education setting.
Knowledge of American Indian cultures and the ability to communicate effectively with people from all backgrounds.
The Successful Candidate Will
Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Possess strong decision-making and problem-solving skills.
Demonstrated self-motivation and ability to follow through on tasks and projects to completion.
Ability to learn MSU policies, procedures, and systems for student data tracking.
Have the ability to establish and maintain productive and positive working relations with coworkers, faculty, students, supervisors, and the public.
Represent the Department of Native American Studies and its programs in a professional and courteous manner.
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 Upon completion of a successful search.
Position End Date (if temporary)
Open Date
Close Date
Applications will be:
Screening of applications will begin on June 2, 2026; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
Special Instructions
This position is not eligible for 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.