Academic Policy Manager, Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President

Application instructions are located at the bottom of the page. Please apply directly through the University of Montana's career portal UM Jobs at https://umjobs.silkroad.com/ for positions at the University of Montana – Missoula, University of Montana Western (Dillon), and Helena College. Do not apply through Indeed.com or use easy apply through Indeed.com * .

The Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President invites applications for an Academic Policy Manager to join their team. This position manages the University’s curriculum processes and work related to the University of Montana’s academic inventory, as well as Academic Affairs policies and procedures, and Office of the Provost projects and initiatives. This position interacts with numerous internal and external units to manage timelines and deliverables.

Reporting to the Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, this position:

• Manages the following academic policies and procedures within Academic Affairs, with oversight from the Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, ensuring participation from key personnel at the department/program and school/college levels:
  • Curriculum submission review
    • Advises departments on appropriate Montana University System (MUS) and University of Montana (UM) forms, formatting and the submission process; develops guidelines and conduct trainings on Board of Regents (BOR) item submission procedures for departments to improve efficiency and quality of proposals.
    • Manages the university’s curricular submission process to the Office of the Commissioner for Higher Education (OCHE) and the BOR for approval.
    • Utilizes the appropriate software to facilitate curriculum reviews/approvals.
    • Prepares regular updates to the Provost’s Executive Assistant on curriculum proposals within the MUS; ensures information is provided in a timely manner to allow for review and comment.
    • Coordinates with Faculty Senate Program Manager to communicate with various university offices and external stakeholders regarding curricular changes.
    • Responsible for correct submission of substantive change notifications to the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
  • Program Review
  • Center Review
  • Unit Standards Review
• Maintains the accuracy of the university’s academic inventory (degrees offered) and coordinates regularly with the Registrar’s Office, Graduate School, Faculty Senate Office, Admissions Office, and the Office of Institutional Effectiveness.
• Supports Office of the Provost initiatives through launch and implementation phases, and ensures successful transitions to their next iteration after a determined period of time. In the next 2-3 years, these may include:
  • Ad hoc task forces and work groups
  • Provides support to high-level recruitments
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Skills

• Excellent project management and planning skills as well as attention to detail.
• Strong oral and written communication skills as well as excellent planning and organization skills.
• Ability to multi-task while setting priorities, and adjusting as necessary, with minimal guidance in order to meet all deadlines and achieve successful outcomes.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships within the office as well as with other academic and administrative divisions.
• Ability to design, develop, implement and direct efforts to create events, communications and projects, as well as accompanying policies and procedures, to increase the visibility of Office of the Provost initiatives and values.
• Demonstrated negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
• Expert critical analysis skills and sound judgment to interpret, monitor and resolve complex matters and situations, autonomously and in conjunction/collaboration with superiors.

Minimum Required Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field and two (2) years of relevant work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a higher education setting or a similar work environment

About the Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and UM

The Provost is the chief academic officer for the University of Montana. The provost's most important duty is oversight of the academic and student support operations of the University to ensure that UM continues to pursue academic excellence and a holistic approach to student success.

The University of Montana capitalizes on its unique strengths to create knowledge, provide an active learning environment for students, and offer programs and services responsive to the needs of Montanans. The University delivers education and training on its four campuses and through telecommunications to sites inside and outside of Montana. With public expectations on the rise, the University asks its students, faculty and staff to do and accomplish even more than they have in the past. The University has a commitment to education defined in the broadest sense as personal development and citizen preparation, workforce development and training, graduate education and research, service learning, and community building on and off the campuses. The University enhances its programs through continuous quality review for improvement and remains fully accountable to the citizenry through annual audits and performance evaluations.

Nestled in at the base of Mount Sentinel and on the banks of the Clark Fork River, UM campus is described as one of the most beautiful in the US. The region boasts unparalleled year around recreational opportunities and a vibrant arts and culture community. UM offers a unique opportunity for professional growth in a magnificent environment. 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.

UM provides a culture that values hard work, intellectual curiosity, diversity, collegiality, innovative thinking, and teamwork, making it a great place to grow and develop professionally. Located in the heart of western Montana’s stunning natural landscape, UM attracts first rate teachers, researchers, and students from around the world. A city within a city – with its own eateries, stores, medical facilities, banking and postal services, and zip code – UM has an increasingly diverse population and rich culture.

The University of Montana is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer committed to diversity as a core value. We support equal access and welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and perspectives. This position is eligible for veterans' and disabilities preference in accordance with Montana State Law.

To learn more about the University of Montana, and Missoula, 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

Position Details

Position Title: Academic Policy Manager (Program Manager)

Position Number: NEW

Department: Provost

Work Schedule: Full-time, 1.0 FTE (40 Hours a week), Monday through

Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, 12 months/year,

Salary: $19.234/hr Current employee’s rate of pay for this position will be determined by the staff compensation plan and will minimally be this posted salary. For questions and details regarding the staff compensation plan, email the Compensation Department .

Union Affiliation: Montana Federation of Public Employees (MFPE)

Probationary Period: Six months minimum

Benefits Include : Insurance package, mandatory retirement plan,

partial tuition waiver, and wellness program.

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


How to Apply

Open Until Filled. Application review has begun, but applications are still being accepted.

The position will remain open until filled. Candidates are required to submit the following materials online through the UM Jobs website directly to ensure your complete application is received. Please do not apply through Indeed.com*.

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

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. Professional References – names and contact information for three (3) professional references.

* Applying through Indeed.com or easy apply through Indeed.com may result in submission of an incomplete application. Applications may be removed from full consideration if they are not complete with materials listed above under the "How to Apply" section. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure complete application materials are submitted and received by the date listed above.

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

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