Program Specialist

Position Details

Position Information

Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 26417

For questions regarding this position, please contact:

Mollie Walnum, CRRE Education Specialist

View email address on click.appcast.io (%View email address on click.appcast.io)

Classification Title Program/Project Lead

Working Title Program Specialist

Brief Position Overview

The MSU Center for Research in Rural Education ( CRRE ) seeks to hire a dynamic team member to join the ASPIRE (Advancing Support, Preparation, and Innovation in Rural Education) Project as a Program Specialist. The Program Specialist will develop systems to coordinate logistics and events while serving as primary point of contact for all ASPIRE programs and maintaining relationships to support partner engagement in ASPIRE’s on-campus and statewide networks.

Position Number 4C7716

Department Center for Research on Rural Educ

Division Office of Research and Economic Development

Appointment Type Professional

Contract Term Fiscal Year

Semester

If other, specify From date

If other, specify End date

FLSA Exempt

Union Affiliation Exempt from Collective Bargaining

FTE 1.0

Benefits Eligible Eligible

Salary $52,000 - $54,000 annually, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications

Contract Type LOA

If other, please specify

Recruitment Type Open

Position Details

General Statement

The mission of the Center for Research on Rural Education is to respond to the pressing concerns of small, rural, and remote schools and communities across Montana, the nation, and the world through carefully designed service and research. CRRE is home to the ASPIRE project funded by Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies. The project represents a comprehensive effort to reduce the critical shortage of teachers in rural Montana, strengthen the teaching profession across the state, and ensure that Montana’s students are taught by well-prepared and supported teachers.

The ASPIRE project integrates three strategic initiatives:

• Strengthening undergraduate rural teacher preparation.

• Cultivating the skills of new and underprepared rural teachers through access to a network of mentors.

• Increasing rural teachers’ access to digital resources.

For more information, please visit: Center for Research on Rural Education (

Duties and Responsibilities

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Serving as a knowledgeable internal and external liaison for all components of ASPIRE .

• Documenting ASPIRE program history, evolution, and planning; maintaining a comprehensive calendar of events and engagements.

• Managing ASPIRE -related logistics; handling inquiries from participants and stakeholders; overseeing participant expenses, compensation, and travel; monitoring contracts and payment status.

• Conducting ASPIRE program-related travel planning and event planning.

Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Education, Business, Communications).

• Demonstrated experience organizing and prioritizing multiple work assignments, meeting deadlines, and exercising adaptability with a high degree of accuracy.

• Excellent verbal and written skills for positive and effective communication with MSU staff and students, K-12 teachers, and the public by email, over the phone, and in person.

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel, Outlook, and computer databases.

Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

• Program management experience or evidence of management capacity.

• Experience or interest in supporting Montana’s rural schools and communities.

• Experience in successfully navigating complex interpersonal situations.

• Experience with administrative and fiscal processes (e.g., travel/meeting arrangements).

• Familiarity with Montana’s K-12 educational systems and policies.

The Successful Candidate Will

• Strong work ethic and ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

• Motivation to contribute and collaborate productively as a member of a team.

• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and environments.

Position Special Requirements/Additional Information

Must possess a valid driver’s license, an acceptable driving record, and meet all State of Montana requirements to operate State/University vehicles. (If successful candidate possesses a valid out-of-state driver’s license, must obtain a valid Montana driver’s license within 60 days of hire.)

This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Physical Demands

Normal office environment; extensive keyboarding.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

This position has supervisory duties? No

Posting Detail Information

Number of Vacancies 1

Desired Start Date Upon completion of a successful search

Position End Date (if temporary)

Open Date

Close Date

Applications will be:

Screening of applications will begin on June 5, 2026; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.

Special Instructions

This position is not eligible for sponsorship.

EEO Statement

Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.

In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.