The Montana Campus Network for Civic Engagement (MCNCE) invites applications for a Operations Manager to join their team. The Montana Campus Network for Civic Engagement (MCNCE) exists to strengthen volunteerism, service, and community engagement across Montana's colleges and universities. Hosted by the University of Montana, the MCNCE Network Office convenes higher education practitioners, administers state and federal grants, and provides programs, scholarships, and awards that support civic and community engagement throughout the state.

The Operations Manager leads administrative, fiscal, and communications operations, ensuring the efficient and effective management of the MCNCE Office. This position provides significant oversight of financial administration, grant compliance, operational procedures, and organizational communications. As steward of grant funding, the Operations Manager develops and maintains strong internal controls, ensures compliance with funder and University requirements, and supports consistent implementation of policies and procedures across staff, partners, and members. Working closely with University of Montana Business Services, the Office of Sponsored Programs, and other campus partners, this position helps ensure timely, accurate, and accountable support for partners, service members, trainers, and award recipients.

• Lead administrative and fiscal operations, including accounts payable/receivable, invoicing, payment processing, and monthly Procard reconciliation.
• Manage grant budgets, financial reconciliation, reporting, spend-down planning, and support Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) financial requirements.
• Coordinate the annual campus affiliation process and maintain accurate financial and administrative records.
• Oversee grant compliance, file management, internal controls, and office procedures to ensure adherence to funding requirements.
• Coordinate grant monitoring activities, including funder site visits, internal audits, and compliance documentation.
• Develop and manage organizational communications, including website content, social media, monthly newsletters, annual impact reports, and recruitment materials.
• Support grant development through proposal writing, budget preparation, and funding research.
• Coordinate onboarding, documentation, and administrative support for AmeriCorps and VISTA members.
• Plan and support office-sponsored events, trainings, advisory committee meetings, and student programs, including scholarship and award initiatives.
• Support AmeriCorps recruitment efforts by coordinating hiring processes, conducting applicant screening, managing eGrants activities, and creating recruitment campaigns and outreach materials.

• Bachelor’s degree and two (2) years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated experience in program and/or project management, preferably in a nonprofit, higher education, or grant-funded environment.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, and public speaking skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences and stakeholders.
• Knowledge of 2 CFR Part 200 (Uniform Guidance), particularly as it relates to AmeriCorps or other federally funded grants.
• Knowledge of higher education-based AmeriCorps programs and civic engagement initiatives.
• Proficiency with standard office technology and software, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams), Canva, Asana, and other productivity tools.
• Knowledge of Montana communities, higher education, and the state's civic engagement landscape.
• Ability to travel throughout Montana as needed (less than 20% of work time).
• Ability to work independently while maintaining regular business hours (8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., Monday–Friday) throughout the year.

Preferred Qualifications

• Business and operations experience.
• National Service (i.e. AmeriCorps, VISTA, Peace Corps) experience.
• Master’s degree plus four years of relevant work experience.

Compensation Title: Program Manager I

Union: FOCUS-MFPE

Work Schedule: Full-time, 1.0 FTE (40 Hours a week), Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, 12 months/year.

Probationary Period: Six (6) months minimum

Benefits Include: 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.Complete applications received by the closing date will be guaranteed consideration.

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

Must be eligible to work in the United States upon hire. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

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 within 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. Due to the September 19, 2025 Presidential Proclamation and related guidance from USCIS and the Department of State, the University may be limited in its ability to offer H-1B sponsorship. At this time, we are unable to sponsor new H-1B visas that require payment of the additional fee introduced by the Proclamation.