What are the responsibilities and job description for the Program Director - Small Business Administration position at Montana State University?
Gallatin College—Southwest Montana’s two‑year college at Montana State University—offers associate degrees and one‑year professional certificates. The college complements MSU’s four‑year programs and expands access to workforce education that supports a vibrant local economy. We champion open access, affordability, and responsiveness to local needs.
The Business Administration Programs prepares students for employment in a variety of small businesses and professions through hands‑on, student‑centered learning. Faculty and staff support students closely helping them discover purpose, build practical skills, connect with industry, and persist to graduation.
The students’ journey to discovering purpose may take many turns. We’ve been lucky to help our students on their own unique journeys. Our teachers and staff work closely with individual students to provide guidance, help them learn in their own ways, provide career advice, and most importantly, ensure student success.
The Business Administration Programs prepares students for employment in a variety of small businesses and professions through hands‑on, student‑centered learning. Faculty and staff support students closely helping them discover purpose, build practical skills, connect with industry, and persist to graduation.
The students’ journey to discovering purpose may take many turns. We’ve been lucky to help our students on their own unique journeys. Our teachers and staff work closely with individual students to provide guidance, help them learn in their own ways, provide career advice, and most importantly, ensure student success.
Duties and Responsibilities
Leadership & Administration
- Oversee daily program operations; ensure academic quality and compliance with state/federal law, college policy, and accreditation standards.
- Recruit, hire, supervise, and manage 8–12 part‑time faculty; ensure instructional quality aligned with industry and accreditation expectations.
- Manage course scheduling, budgeting and purchasing, and computer lab operations (equipment, software licensing, inventory, and upkeep).
- Coordinate program activities and represent the program within Gallatin College; serve on campus committees to foster a supportive institutional climate.
Teaching, Advising & Student Success
- Teach at least two courses per semester within Small Business Administration (e.g. Business Management, Accounting, or Hospitality). (A higher teaching load may be assigned if appointed on a tenure‑track line).
- Provide evening availability to support students and faculty as needed.
- Support academic advising in partnership with the student success team—from orientation through graduation.
- Implement student tracking systems; collect/monitor retention, graduation, and placement data to improve outcomes.
Curriculum, Assessment & Accreditation
- Develop, implement, and continuously improve a comprehensive program of lectures, labs, and student support.
- Lead annual program assessment and reporting; evaluate student learning and stakeholder (student, alumni, employer) satisfaction.
- Monitor national trends and emerging practices; initiate program improvements (including new courses or credentials) as appropriate.
- Pursue relevant industry accreditation, strengthen curriculum alignment, and maintain industry connection.
Industry & Community Engagement
- Foster positive student and industry relations; convene the Business Management, Bookkeeping and Hospitality Advisory Boards each semester and coordinate industry/student events.
- Build and sustain partnerships for internships, site visits, live projects, mentorship, and job placement.
- Network with local and state business, bookkeeping, and hospitality partners and associations; represent the program with professionalism and collaborative spirit.
Collaboration
- Work closely with the Networking, Cybersecurity, AA/AS, Hospitality Management, and Culinary Arts program directors and the MSU Colleges overseeing of shared faculty, scheduling, and curriculum that supports all programs.
- Align and collaborate with MSU’s College of Jake Jabs College of Business and Entrepreneurship and College of Education Health and Human Development.
- Participate as needed on Gallatin College and MSU internal committees.
Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
- Associate’s degree or CAS in Bookkeeping, Accounting, Business Management, Hospitality or related field.
- 10 years demonstrated professional experience in one of the following Bookkeeping, Accounting, Business, or Hospitality industries.
- Ability to connect with local business and accounting community.
- Experience teaching or training in an educational setting or as an industry trainer.
- Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft products, including Excel and/or QuickBooks.
Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
- Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Business, Hospitality a related field.
- College or university teaching experience in related field.
- Program and/or curriculum development experience.
- Experience in academic administration in a technical or community college in a related field.
- Use of instructional technology beyond basic computer skills.
- Use of simulation technology for teaching-learning; experience with simulation technologies, autonomous learning or artificial intelligence.
The Successful Candidate Will
- Commitment to the two‑year college mission, high academic standards, and responsiveness to student and industry needs.
- Passion for teaching and student success; desire to innovate, grow professionally, and engage with the business community and colleagues.
- Strong written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills and experience with QuickBooks, Excel and Microsoft products.
- Demonstrated management skills; ability to lead collaboratively and work effectively with diverse teams and individuals.
Position Special Requirements/Additional Information
- Evening work schedule and hours are required.
- Special events and work during those special events will be required.
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 will spend a majority of time working in the Business Management, Bookkeeping and Hospitality classrooms. Must be able to drive back and forth to Gallatin College MSU’s main campus and the East campus.
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.
Please note that this position can be structured as either a fiscal year Non-Tenure Track Faculty member OR as an academic year Tenure-Track Faculty member. The structure will be at the discretion of the employee at time of hire.
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
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 April 17, 2026; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
Special Instructions
This position is not eligible for new 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.
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.