LIFE Scholars Program Director
Montana State University
Position Details Position Information Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 26036 For questions regarding this position, please contact: Michelle Grocke-Dewey
406-994-4711
michelle.grocke@montana.edu Classification Title Program/Project Lead Working Title LIFE Scholars Program Director Brief Position Overview The Program Director is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the LIFE Scholars program and cultivating a meaningful college experience. The Program Director leads a team that maintains high expectations and empowers students to thrive and achieve their academic, personal and professional goals, fostering a community that supports their growth and success. Position Number 4CDLG Department Human Development &Community Health Division College of Education, Health & Human 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 Salary commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications. Contract Type LOA If other, please specify Recruitment Type Open Position Details General Statement LIFE Scholars is a three year fully inclusive non-degree certificate program for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Students audit classes to gain knowledge in their chosen career path, attend social campus events to develop relationships and build social networks, and participate in career development to learn transferable and marketable job skills Duties and Responsibilities Program Strategy and Vision Oversee the strategic planning and execution of the Life Scholars program, ensuring alignment with the university’s land grant mission of inclusivity and excellence in education. Maintain a long-term vision for the program, enhancing educational and vocational opportunities and outcomes for students.
Advocacy and Community Engagement Advocate for the rights and needs of LIFE Scholars within the university and the broader community. Foster a collaborative and inclusive community culture among staff, students, and stakeholders, promoting respect, understanding, and belonging. Engage with stakeholders, including students, families, educators, and community support providers to promote program goals and initiatives. Build and maintain partnerships with organizations and campus/community partners to enhance program offerings and support students. Actively engage as a member of the NW Inclusive Post Secondary Alliance to advocate for and expand inclusive college programs throughout the greater Northwest region, while collaborating with similar initiatives to share best practices and resources.
Staff Management and Development Supervise program staff, interns and graduate assistants providing guidance, mentorship, and support for effective program delivery. Recruit, hire, train and support peer partners (traditional MSU students) to provide academic support. Lead professional development initiatives to equip faculty and staff with skills and knowledge for inclusive education.
Program Evaluation and Improvement Conduct ongoing assessments based on best practices to evaluate program effectiveness and student success. Use data-driven insights to continuously improve program offerings, meeting the evolving needs of students and the university.
Financial Management and Sustainability Manage the program’s budget, ensuring efficient and effective use of financial resources to benefit students. Develop and execute fundraising initiatives to secure endowment funding for the program’s future sustainability.
Administrative/Marketing Create and maintain program marketing materials in collaboration with team members. Oversee marketing and recruitment efforts through social media, presentations, tabling events, etc.
Direct Student Support Manage the recruitment, application selection, interview and orientation process for new students. Provide students with academic advising and course registration. Ensure instruction and materials are inclusive and accessible to foster meaningful engagement with course content. Collaborate with faculty and staff to modify audited coursework and implement strategies to support student learning. Identify and coordinate individualized instructional supports. Offer students ongoing advising and support as needed. Maintain communication and support with faculty throughout the semester. Collaborate with MSU offices as needed. Supervise and collaborate with staff to assist students in engaging socially on campus. Work in partnership with MSU housing staff to offer on campus housing options for eligible students. Guide and support the expansion and execution of the LIFE Scholars Inclusive Business Network initiative. Provide assistance as needed for the development and implementation of internships for students in the last year of the program. Work as part of the team to transition graduates to meaningful, competitive community employment.
Interpersonal Skills: Cultivate strong relationships with students, families, staff, and community partners by being approachable and empathetic. Skillfully manage a wide variety of situations, addressing the diverse needs and concerns of students, families, and staff with sensitivity and professionalism. Adapt swiftly and effectively to changing needs and priorities, demonstrating flexibility in a dynamic educational environment. Exhibit a composed and professional demeanor, even in challenging situations, to provide steady leadership and support to the program community. Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills Master’s degree in special education or a related discipline. A minimum of 3 years’ experience working with, teaching or mentoring individuals with disabilities. Experience in leading and managing teams with a focus on driving innovation and continuous improvement Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills Proven experience in managing or independently overseeing programs that serve individuals with disabilities. Experience in budget management and fundraising to support program growth and sustainability, with a commitment to being a responsible steward of donated funds. Familiarity with and established connections to community agencies and community support providers Experience working in higher education. The Successful Candidate Will Ability to inspire, motivate and develop team members, fostering a positive and productive work environment. Actively cultivate strong relationships with students, families, campus staff, and community partners. Skillfully manage a wide variety of situations, addressing the various needs and concerns of students, families, and staff with sensitivity and professionalism. Adapt swiftly and effectively to changing needs and priorities, demonstrating flexibility in a dynamic educational environment. Maintain a composed and professional demeanor to provide steady leadership and support for all stakeholders. A deep commitment to promoting awareness and advocating for students with disabilities. Proven organizational skills with the ability to successfully manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously, prioritize tasks effectively, and manage time efficiently to meet program goals and deadlines. Position Special Requirements/Additional Information 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 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? Yes Posting Detail Information Number of Vacancies 1 Desired Start Date After completion of a successful search. Position End Date (if temporary) Open Date Close Date Applications will be: Screening of applications will begin on July 28, 2025; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
Special Instructions 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. Applicant Documents Required Documents Resume Cover Letter Optional Documents Supplemental Questions
406-994-4711
michelle.grocke@montana.edu Classification Title Program/Project Lead Working Title LIFE Scholars Program Director Brief Position Overview The Program Director is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the LIFE Scholars program and cultivating a meaningful college experience. The Program Director leads a team that maintains high expectations and empowers students to thrive and achieve their academic, personal and professional goals, fostering a community that supports their growth and success. Position Number 4CDLG Department Human Development &Community Health Division College of Education, Health & Human 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 Salary commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications. Contract Type LOA If other, please specify Recruitment Type Open Position Details General Statement LIFE Scholars is a three year fully inclusive non-degree certificate program for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Students audit classes to gain knowledge in their chosen career path, attend social campus events to develop relationships and build social networks, and participate in career development to learn transferable and marketable job skills Duties and Responsibilities Program Strategy and Vision Oversee the strategic planning and execution of the Life Scholars program, ensuring alignment with the university’s land grant mission of inclusivity and excellence in education. Maintain a long-term vision for the program, enhancing educational and vocational opportunities and outcomes for students.
Advocacy and Community Engagement Advocate for the rights and needs of LIFE Scholars within the university and the broader community. Foster a collaborative and inclusive community culture among staff, students, and stakeholders, promoting respect, understanding, and belonging. Engage with stakeholders, including students, families, educators, and community support providers to promote program goals and initiatives. Build and maintain partnerships with organizations and campus/community partners to enhance program offerings and support students. Actively engage as a member of the NW Inclusive Post Secondary Alliance to advocate for and expand inclusive college programs throughout the greater Northwest region, while collaborating with similar initiatives to share best practices and resources.
Staff Management and Development Supervise program staff, interns and graduate assistants providing guidance, mentorship, and support for effective program delivery. Recruit, hire, train and support peer partners (traditional MSU students) to provide academic support. Lead professional development initiatives to equip faculty and staff with skills and knowledge for inclusive education.
Program Evaluation and Improvement Conduct ongoing assessments based on best practices to evaluate program effectiveness and student success. Use data-driven insights to continuously improve program offerings, meeting the evolving needs of students and the university.
Financial Management and Sustainability Manage the program’s budget, ensuring efficient and effective use of financial resources to benefit students. Develop and execute fundraising initiatives to secure endowment funding for the program’s future sustainability.
Administrative/Marketing Create and maintain program marketing materials in collaboration with team members. Oversee marketing and recruitment efforts through social media, presentations, tabling events, etc.
Direct Student Support Manage the recruitment, application selection, interview and orientation process for new students. Provide students with academic advising and course registration. Ensure instruction and materials are inclusive and accessible to foster meaningful engagement with course content. Collaborate with faculty and staff to modify audited coursework and implement strategies to support student learning. Identify and coordinate individualized instructional supports. Offer students ongoing advising and support as needed. Maintain communication and support with faculty throughout the semester. Collaborate with MSU offices as needed. Supervise and collaborate with staff to assist students in engaging socially on campus. Work in partnership with MSU housing staff to offer on campus housing options for eligible students. Guide and support the expansion and execution of the LIFE Scholars Inclusive Business Network initiative. Provide assistance as needed for the development and implementation of internships for students in the last year of the program. Work as part of the team to transition graduates to meaningful, competitive community employment.
Interpersonal Skills: Cultivate strong relationships with students, families, staff, and community partners by being approachable and empathetic. Skillfully manage a wide variety of situations, addressing the diverse needs and concerns of students, families, and staff with sensitivity and professionalism. Adapt swiftly and effectively to changing needs and priorities, demonstrating flexibility in a dynamic educational environment. Exhibit a composed and professional demeanor, even in challenging situations, to provide steady leadership and support to the program community. Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills Master’s degree in special education or a related discipline. A minimum of 3 years’ experience working with, teaching or mentoring individuals with disabilities. Experience in leading and managing teams with a focus on driving innovation and continuous improvement Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills Proven experience in managing or independently overseeing programs that serve individuals with disabilities. Experience in budget management and fundraising to support program growth and sustainability, with a commitment to being a responsible steward of donated funds. Familiarity with and established connections to community agencies and community support providers Experience working in higher education. The Successful Candidate Will Ability to inspire, motivate and develop team members, fostering a positive and productive work environment. Actively cultivate strong relationships with students, families, campus staff, and community partners. Skillfully manage a wide variety of situations, addressing the various needs and concerns of students, families, and staff with sensitivity and professionalism. Adapt swiftly and effectively to changing needs and priorities, demonstrating flexibility in a dynamic educational environment. Maintain a composed and professional demeanor to provide steady leadership and support for all stakeholders. A deep commitment to promoting awareness and advocating for students with disabilities. Proven organizational skills with the ability to successfully manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously, prioritize tasks effectively, and manage time efficiently to meet program goals and deadlines. Position Special Requirements/Additional Information 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 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? Yes Posting Detail Information Number of Vacancies 1 Desired Start Date After completion of a successful search. Position End Date (if temporary) Open Date Close Date Applications will be: Screening of applications will begin on July 28, 2025; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
Special Instructions 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. Applicant Documents Required Documents Resume Cover Letter Optional Documents Supplemental Questions
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