Director of Student Services, Alexander Blewett III School of Law

The Director of Student Services oversees the Office of Student Services. The Director of Student Services provides leadership and manages all aspects of student registration, the administration of examinations, recording of final grades, determining academic standing, room and course scheduling, computing student class ranks and grade point averages, producing class rosters, providing transcripts, determining credits for student practice rule paperwork, monitoring student fulfillment of graduation requirements, certifications for eligibility for bar examinations, making deposits, ordering supplies for the Office of Student Services, and maintaining the School of Law’s digital and paper student records management system. The Director of Student Services serves as a liaison with the University of Montana Registrar’s office, an ex-officio member of the Curriculum Committee and Student Affairs Committee, and the principal advisor to the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and the Associate Dean of Students regarding interpretation and administration of laws and policies governing registration, grading, education records, and privacy. The Director of Student Services provides personal and academic advising to individual students.

The Director of Student Services works with the School of Law Dean and the Director of Fiscal Services to plan for expenditures necessary to accomplish the functions of the Office of Student Services and works collaboratively with the University of Montana Registrar to maintain standards as required by accreditation and best practices.

The Director of Student Services is the primary supervisor of one full-time administrative associate and one work-study student. The Director of Student Services ensures the Office of Student Services provides exceptional customer service to students, staff, faculty, and administrators.

This position requires the incumbent to develop a general knowledge of the University (locations of buildings/departments, parking areas, network of people outside of the Law School student may need to contact, etc.); develop a working knowledge of registration deadlines and procedures; proficiency with SofTest, Banner, Moodle, calendar software, ACES II, UMDW, and GrizMart; develop the ability to use Banner to determine credits for student practice rule paperwork, produce class rosters, print transcripts, and make deposits; and develop a working knowledge of ABA accreditation rules and the Law Student and Faculty Handbooks.

Position Details

• Position is full-time, 1.0 FTE, Montana University System (MUS) Contract and includes a comprehensive and competitive benefits package including Insurance package, mandatory retirement plan, partial tuition waiver, and wellness program.
• Salary for this position is $50,000 - $56,000 per year commensurate with qualifications

Required Education and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in addition to three (3) years of closely related experience or increasing responsibility and experience in administrative work or an equivalent combination of related education, including at least two (2) years in a senior administrative support or student services support role.
• Ability to take accurate inventory, anticipate need and order supplies in a timely manner; and knowledge of faculty evaluation processes, procedure and documentation .
• Ability to assess and advise on Character and Fitness application materials.
• Comprehensive knowledge of FERPA and ABA regulations regarding student records management and academic requirements.
• Highly developed administrative, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Ability to communicate clearly both orally and in writing.
• Knowledge of or the ability to quickly learn:
• A demonstrated commitment to student success.
• Ability to demonstrate tact and diplomacy.
• Ability to collaborate and work effectively with others.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks while working effectively under time pressure.
• Ability to use, develop, and maintain databases, word processing, and spreadsheet computer applications to perform the functions of the Office of Student Services.
• Ability to supervise and train employees, including organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments.
• Experience with academic software, including Banner or its equivalent and Moodle or similar learning management systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of best practices in graduate student development, engagement, and culture.
• Working knowledge of:
• the School of Law’s curriculum, policies and procedures;
• the rules and regulations pertaining to education records under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act;
• the American Bar Association Standards and Rules of Procedure for Approval of Law Schools; and
• the University of Montana policies and procedures as well as a general understanding of the university (such as locations of buildings/departments, parking areas, network of people outside of the School of Law, etc.).
• Experience in student services, graduations, academic advising, student success, or an office of registrar.
• Experience with ExamSoft, Top Hat, Exam4, Moodle, or similar pedagogic software and tools.
• Proven record of successful supervisory experience in a people-oriented environment.
• Master’s degree in a related field (Education, Public Administration, Counseling, etc.)

About the Alexander Blewett II School of Law, UM , and Missoula

The Alexander Blewett III School of Law at the University of Montana prepares students for the people-oriented practice of law by integrating theory and practice in a competency-based curriculum; serves as the academic legal center in Montana; and contributes to the development of national, state, and tribal law and legal institutions through teaching, scholarship, and service.

The University of Montana is a unit of the Montana University System with over 10,000 students. It is located in Missoula, a culturally vibrant community of about 72,000, surrounded by mountain grandeur which was recently ranked in the “ top 20 best college towns with a population of less than 250,000 ” by the American Institute for Economic Research and ranked 9th in Outside Magazine’s “ The 16 Greatest Places to Live in America” in 2014 . Many national publications recognize Missoula for its high quality of life . Abundant recreational opportunities in surrounding state and national forests and nearby Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park complement a thriving intellectual atmosphere. The University of Montana offers eligible employees a generous benefits package that positively separates UM from other local employers and offers many programs and policies to support work-life balance for its employees.

The University of Montana is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity in all areas. In that spirit, we are particularly interested in receiving applications from a broad spectrum of qualified 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.



To learn more about the University of Montana, Missoula, and the State of Montana, please visit the links below.

• University of Montana
• Video: UM Lifestyles
• University Highlights
• City of Missoula
• Video: There's This Place
• Destination Missoula
• Missoula Area Chamber of Commerce
• The State of Montana
• Visit Montana

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. ADA/EOE/AA/Veteran's Preference Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. As an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, we encourage applications from minorities, veterans, and women. Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law. References: References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant. Testing: Individual hiring departments at UM 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, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9).

How to Apply

Priority Application Date: February 8, 2021

Applications received by this date will be guaranteed consideration. Application review will begin after date above and continue until the position is filled.

Please submit the following application materials via "New Resume/CV" button below.

*Please note: only five (5) attachments are allowed per application. Please combine documents accordingly.

• Cover letter – describing research interests, experience, career goals, and your fit for the position
• Detailed CV - listing education, publications, skills, etc
• Names and contact information for three (3) professional references

Need additional help? Check out our UM Jobs FAQ website.

Job Location Missoula, Montana, United States
Position Type Full-Time/Regular