The University of Montana invites applications for the Director of Operations for the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS). Reporting directly to the Dean, the Director of Operations serves as the College's principal administrative and operational leader and as the Dean's chief advisor on administration, personnel, organizational effectiveness, and strategic initiatives. The Director provides leadership for the College's administrative infrastructure, ensuring the effective operation of one of the University's largest academic colleges, comprising eighteen academic departments and programs.

The Director of Operations serves as a key liaison across CHSS, the University, and the broader community, cultivating productive relationships with faculty, staff, students, administrators, and external partners. This position exercises significant independent judgment in a high-profile leadership role, overseeing College administrative and student personnel, directing operational and personnel functions, leading complex initiatives from planning through implementation, and advising the Dean on both day-to-day administration and long-term strategic priorities. The position performs a broad range of complex administrative functions that support the College's academic mission and strategic goals while ensuring compliance with University of Montana and Montana University System policies.

• Lead the day-to-day administrative and operational functions of the College and Dean's Office.
• Supervise and develop Dean's Office staff while providing leadership to administrative personnel across the College.
• Oversee college-wide administrative processes, including personnel, payroll, faculty evaluations, and academic operations.
• Develop and implement operational practices that improve efficiency, communication, and service delivery.
• Coordinate executive communications, meetings, and strategic initiatives on behalf of the Dean.
• Oversee College communications, including web content, marketing, newsletters, and social media.
• Partner with University leadership to coordinate resources, operations, and organizational priorities.
• Advise the Dean on operational matters and exercise sound judgment in managing complex and confidential issues.
• Foster a collaborative, service-oriented culture that supports the College's mission and strategic goals.

• Three (3) years of professional experience in providing administrative support for senior-level Directors or executives or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated interpersonal, collaboration, and conflict-resolution skills, with the ability to build productive relationships across diverse constituencies.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of audiences.
• Knowledge of administrative principles, organizational practices, and policy development, with the ability to analyze information and make sound recommendations.
• Ability to evaluate operational challenges and assess the strategic impact of policies, procedures, and organizational decisions.
• Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, anticipate needs, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated leadership, sound judgment, and professionalism, including the ability to manage sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and other business applications across Mac and PC platforms; ability to learn and effectively utilize University systems.
• Demonstrated commitment to customer service, teamwork, and fostering an inclusive, collaborative work environment that supports the mission and strategic priorities of the University.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and five (5) years of progressively responsible administrative or operational experience, or any combination of education and experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to successfully perform the duties of the position.
• Five (5) or more years of progressively responsible experience in higher education or a similarly complex organizational environment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of effective management and supervisory principles, including experience leading and developing staff.
• Proficiency with University of Montana systems and software, or the ability to quickly learn and effectively utilize enterprise systems and technology.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively collaborate with executive leadership, advocate for operational and administrative needs, and build productive relationships across a complex organization.

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

To apply, please upload the following materials:

• 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 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.