The University of Montana invites applications for the Director of Operations for the College of Business. The Director of Operations serves as the principal administrative leader for the College of Business, representing the Dean’s strategic priorities and initiatives through effective communication, personnel management, and collaboration across academic departments and administrative units. This highly autonomous role provides direct support to the Dean, oversees administrative staff and operations, and coordinates strategic initiatives for the College’s departments, centers, and programs. This position supervises up to two members of the dean’s office staff and indirectly coordinates all administrative and support staff in the College.

Executive Support & Representation

• Serve as a key advisor to the Dean on day-to-day and strategic operations.
• Provide primary administrative support to the Dean of the College by maximizing efficiency in day-to-day tasks, including scheduling, travel arrangements, expense tracking and other projects as requested by the Dean.
• Represent the Dean and College in meetings, events, and communications with internal and external stakeholders at local, state, and national levels.
• Exercise sound judgment in managing confidential information and sensitive issues.

Administration & Operations

• Be the liaison of the Dean and communicate on their behalf.
• Manage and coordinate complex projects, events, and initiatives that advance College priorities and mission.
• Oversee Dean’s office operations, including scheduling, correspondence, and policy implementation.
• Support budget oversight in collaboration with the College’s Director of Finance and Personnel.
• Ensure compliance with University of Montana and Montana University System policies.
• Observe College operations and inform the Dean of impact and assist with resolution.

Faculty, Staff, & Student Support

• Oversee the faculty evaluation process each academic year.
• Assist with hiring and onboarding of new personnel.
• Support faculty and staff through guidance on fiscal, HR, and academic processes.
• Promote a culture of high performance, collaboration, and continuous improvement for faculty, staff, and students.

Governance & Advisory Councils

• Manage the Dean’s Advisory Council, including communication, plan and execute meetings, prepare materials, and maintain records, as well as provide oversight to three College of Business department boards.
• Build and maintain relationships with the Business Advisory Council, Student Advisory Council, donors, and corporate partners.
• Coordinate with campus leadership, administrators and other deans’ offices to strengthen institutional partnerships.

Project & Event Management

• Oversee planning and execution of all college events and various meetings.
• Prepare materials such as agendas, reports, speeches, presentations, and event materials in collaboration with the Director of Marketing and Communications.
• Special projects assigned by the Dean.

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent education and work experience) and three (3) years of administrative experience.
• Exceptional organizational, problem-solving and interpersonal skills.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Commitment to fostering collaboration, innovation, and excellence within the College and its mission.
• Ability to prioritize multiple high-priority projects, manage competing deadlines, and work independently with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated sound judgment, integrity, discretion, and the ability to maintain confidentiality in sensitive matters.
• Ability to foster teamwork, build effective working relationships across diverse populations, and provide excellent customer service aligned with UM’s strategic goals.
• Strong computer skills and proficiency with Microsoft office applications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and five (5) years of closely related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required competencies.
• Experience with event and/or project management.
• Experience managing others.
• Proficiency in UM systems and software.
• Ability to represent the College with executive leadership regarding COB operations.

Position is full-time, 1.0 FTE, MUS Contract and includes a comprehensive and competitive benefits package including insurance package, mandatory retirement plan, partial tuition waiver, and wellness program.

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

• Letter of Interest – addressing the stated required skills for the position
• Detailed resume listing education and describing work experience
• Three (3) professional references - Names and contact information

The University of Montana is interested in receiving applications from people who would assist the University in demonstrating its five priorities for action: Place student success at the center of all we do; drive excellence and innovation in teaching, learning, and research; embody the principle of “mission first, people always"; partner with place; and proudly tell the UM story.

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). The University of Montana will require proof of authorization to work in the United States before final hiring. Further, based on the September 19, 2025, Presidential Proclamation and accompanying guidance from the USCIS and Dept. of State, the University may not be able to offer H-1B sponsorship. Particularly the University is not able to pay the $100,000 payment accompanying new H-1B visa petitions.