Administrative Associate IV, Buffalo Nations

Position Details

Position Information

Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 27032 For questions regarding this position, please contact:

Jill Falcon Ramaker

406-994-6369

jillfalcon.ramaker@montana.edu

Classification Title Admin Assoc IV Working Title Administrative Associate IV, Buffalo Nations Brief Position Overview

Join the Buffalo Nations Food Systems Initiative as our Business Operations Manager and play a vital role in supporting Indigenous-centered education, research, and community engagement. You will work closely with the Director, faculty, students, Indigenous knowledge keepers, and community partners to coordinate programs, manage fiscal operations, and support impactful events and field research. This is an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to culturally grounded programming in a collaborative, mission-driven environment.

Position Number 4M1964 Department Food Systems Nutrition & Kinesiolog Division College of Education, Health & Human Development Appointment Type Classified Contract Term Fiscal Year Semester If other, specify From date If other, specify End date FLSA Non-Exempt Union Affiliation FOCUS-MFPE FTE 0.75 Benefits Eligible Eligible Salary $25.04 per hour, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications Contract Type Classified Salary If other, please specify Recruitment Type Open

Position Details

General Statement

The Buffalo Nations Food Systems Initiative, housed within the Department of Food Systems, Nutrition, & Kinesiology, supports educational, research, and community-engaged programming centered on Indigenous food systems and knowledge, partnering with faculty, students, Indigenous knowledge keepers, and community members to advance culturally grounded teaching, research, and outreach.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide administrative and operational support for the Buffalo Nations Food Systems Initiative, including calendar management, correspondence, and reception support
• Coordinate business and fiscal processes, including budget tracking, procurement, financial reconciliation, and travel and reimbursement processing
• Coordinate program logistics, hosted events, workshops, and field research, including travel, lodging, and speaker/elder honoraria arrangements
• Maintain Buffalo Nations web and social media platforms and support grant reporting and program assessment
  
  

Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience
• Demonstrated history of progressively responsible administrative experience emphasizing customer service, office operations, or program coordination
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including advanced skills in Word and Excel, with experience preparing and formatting professional documents, reports, and communications
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, maintain organizational systems, and work collaboratively in a dynamic team environment
  
  

Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

• Demonstrated experience working with Tribal Nations, Indigenous communities, or Indigenous knowledge keepers
• Demonstrated experience with university or grant-funded fiscal systems and processes (e.g., procurement, travel reimbursement, budget reconciliation)
• Demonstrated experience coordinating events, meetings, or field logistics
• Demonstrated experience supporting grant administration, reporting, or program assessment
• Familiarity with website and social media platform management
  
  

The Successful Candidate Will

• Cultural responsiveness and respect when working with Indigenous communities and other partners
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• High attention to detail and strong organizational abilities
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently with sound judgment
• Flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment
• Discretion and professionalism when handling sensitive or confidential information
  
  

Position Special Requirements/Additional Information

This position is not eligible for sponsorship.

Physical Demands

This position may require occasional evening or weekend work to support Buffalo Nations events, workshops, and field research, as well as periodic in-state and/or out-of-state travel.

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.

This position has supervisory duties? No

Posting Detail Information

Number Of Vacancies 1 Desired Start Date At The Conclusion Of a Successful Search. Position End Date (if Temporary) Open Date Close Date Applications Will Be

Screening of applications will begin on July 7, 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.

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter
  
  

Optional Documents

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).