The Project Coordinator at the Center for Natural Resources and Environmental Policy (CNREP) is an integral member of the organization’s team. In this role, the Project Coordinator is expected to demonstrate integrity, professionalism, and respect in all interactions. The Project Coordinator should act as a collaborative leader by fostering a sense of teamwork among CNREP staff and project partners. They should encourage open communication, active listening, and mutual respect to create an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute their ideas and perspectives. Finally, the Project Coordinator should recognize and appreciate project partners' and stakeholders' potentially broad range of interests, perspectives, and experiences.

The Project Coordinator possesses the skills to think creatively, effectively navigate uncertainty and ambiguity, and support projects, programs, students and CNREP staff.

The overall responsibility of the Project Coordinator is to work with and support project partners and CNREP staff to successfully deliver project-level objectives by planning, implementing, and evaluating project tasks and activities. The Project Coordinator will need to utilize a high degree of initiative and professionalism in determining project needs and priorities and to complete project tasks. The Project Coordinator will need to possess the ability to work independently and as part of a team on complex and diverse projects. The Project Coordinator will coordinate the capstone experience for the graduate certificate program in Natural Resources Conflict Resolution – Practicum in Collaborative Conservation – and provide mentoring and support to students enrolled in the certificate program.

Job duties will include:

• Serve on multiple and diverse project teams focused on enhancing natural resource and environmental outcomes
• Work closely with each CNREP project lead to advance a project’s scope of work by designing, implementing, and evaluating a range of tasks and activities that may include:
  • Supporting a project’s coordination, communication, and project management needs
  • Developing agendas for meeting participants and facilitators
  • Facilitating small group discussions
  • Drafting meeting summaries, situation assessments, reports, and other written materials
  • Supporting technology based tools and approaches for remote engagement
  • Developing and conducting surveys, interviews, and focus groups
• Act as a main point of contact on assigned projects and provide project status updates to partners and internal staff
• Conduct regular reviews of project effectiveness and progress, and work with CNREP staff to make adaptations when needed to address challenges or pursue emergent opportunities
• Maintain good working relationships with project stakeholders and partners
• Work with the co-chairs of the Natural Resources Conflict Resolution program to support program delivery, coordinate Practicum student projects, and provide support to graduate students pursuing the certificate
• Actively participate in CNREP staff meetings
• Additional duties assigned by project leads in coordination with CNREP’s Director

• Masters's degree in social science, environmental studies/policy, natural resource management, or other related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience

• 1-2 years of experience working on social, political, and legal aspects of environmental issues, and/or managing projects related to natural resources and environmental issues, or educational equivalent.

• Strong interpersonal and collaborative leadership skills
• Strong project management skills
• Broad knowledge of natural resources and environmental policy issues
• Familiarity with natural resources and environmental laws, regulations, and policies, especially with respect to public and stakeholder engagement
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience with negotiation and conflict resolution
• The ability to work well as part of a team, but also take initiative and work independently
• The ability to use basic computer software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, etc.
• The ability to conduct independent research, synthesize information from across numerous sources, and convey scientific and technical information in understandable ways to multiple audiences
• Demonstrated ability to work successfully with community members from a broad range of perspectives

Position Number: 078520

Work Schedule: Part-time, 0.5 FTE

Probationary Period: Six (6) months minimum

Screening of applications will begin after the closing date; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.

A complete application includes:

1. Letter of Interest– addressing your qualifications and experience related to the stated required skills for the position. A general letter salutation such as “Dear Search Committee” or “Dear Hiring Manager” is acceptable.
2. Detailed Resume– listing education and describing work experience
3. Three (3) Professional References– names and contact information

The Affiliation of the University of Montana (UM Affiliation) is an equal opportunity employer. UM Affiliation does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of protected class status as described in UM’s non-discrimination policy and any applicable law. Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law.

Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to the offer of employment. In accordance with university regulations, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations.

References: References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant. UM partners with SkillSurvey for reference checking. Applicants may receive emails from SkillSurvey to submit reference information.

Testing: Individual hiring departments withing the UM Affiliation may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions.

Employment Eligibility: All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM and all affiliated campuses, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9).