Program Officer, Professional Fellows Program, Mansfield Center (Campus Only)

Description

Campus-Only Recruitment

Only current UM Employees* are eligible.

*Open to all employee types including Temporary Staff and Student Employees.



The Maureen and Mike Mansfield Center invites applications for a Program Officer to lead the Professional Fellows Program (PFP) of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA). The Program Officer will work under the direction of the Director of International Programs to construct and assess the Mansfield Center’s monitoring and evaluation systems and instruments; supports the Executive Director in proposal writing and prospecting; and works closely with the Director of Communications and Director of International Programs to frame international exchange successes and communicate those to the U.S. Department of State and the public.

PFP is a two-way exchange program between young Southeast Asian professionals and U.S. counterparts. The Mansfield Center’s PFP program is part of the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI). The program is designed to promote mutual understanding, enhance leadership and professional skills, and build lasting partnerships between professionals with shared interests.

The Program Officer for YSEALI PFP will oversee and manage the placement of Southeast Asian fellows with Montana-based organizations and build and strengthen relationships in the Rocky Mountain West to expand placements of fellows and program reach. This position manages all aspects of the program, from leading recruitment and selection of Southeast Asian fellows for the Mansfield Center, representing the Center to the U.S. Department of State, embassies and consulates, and with national stakeholders, and oversees and manages the daily program operations, program curriculum and implementation, communication to international, national, and local audiences, and manages alumni engagement. This position also oversees and plans the travel of U.S. participants to Southeast Asia.

This position may entail international travel as stipulated in the specific exchange programs, to support participants and programming.

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.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field related to the mission of the Mansfield Center (International Relations, Communications, Education, etc.) or any combination of experience and education that provides the competencies necessary to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities assigned to the position.

• Demonstrate independent judgment, discretion, professionalism, initiative, critical thinking skills, independent thought and action, and the ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Proven ability to succeed in a cross-cultural environment, both here in the U.S. as well as overseas, including performing on a team with individuals from different backgrounds, cultures, and abilities.
• Capacity to actively engage in long work days; for example, meeting program participants arriving at the Missoula International Airport at 1:00 am and starting program activities the same day at 8:00 am, recognizing the need to exercise discretion and judgment to balance the overall workweek.
• Excellent verbal and written skills, including communication with domestic and international audiences.
• Advanced technical writing skills.
• International experience, such as study, work, or extensive travel. Ability to work with and communicate effectively with a diverse group of stakeholders.
• Ability to handle a high volume of communications from audiences with a variety of backgrounds, across time zones.
• Must be able to be successful in both a traditional office setting and also in dynamic field situations, such as during program implementation.
• Ability to travel when required, occasionally under strenuous circumstances.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in a field related to the mission of the Mansfield Center: international relations, public administration, communications, political science, etc.
• Strong network in Montana and extensive knowledge of Montana organizations, agencies, and businesses.
• Experience working in international education.
• Working knowledge of federal guidelines as they relate to grant awards.
• Experience working with the U.S. Department of State.
• Experience working or living abroad in a region where the Center operates international exchanges.
• Partial or full fluency in a foreign language.

Additional Information

• Position is full-time, 1.0 FTE, Letter of Appointment 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