What are the responsibilities and job description for the Program Manager – Local Government Center position at Montana State University?
This position manages communications, operations, logistics, and event support for a dispersed team dedicated to strengthening the knowledge, skills, and leadership capacity of local government officials and civic leaders across Montana. Through educational programming, professional development, and technical assistance, the Local Government Center supports effective local governance and strong communities statewide.
Learn more about the Local Government Center at: Local Government Center
We support Montana’s communities by partnering with local government officials, employees, and professional associations to provide high-quality education, leadership development, and resources that enhance the effectiveness of local government.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Manage and coordinate the operations, logistics, and administrative functions of the MSU Extension Local Government Center (LGC), ensuring effective delivery of programs, services, and educational initiatives.
- Oversee event management processes, including registration, participant communications, recordkeeping, certifications, evaluations, reporting, invoicing, and post-event follow-up activities.
- Serve as the primary administrator for the Local Government Center’s HubSpot system, managing databases, workflows, communications, reporting, invoices, and operational processes to support efficient program delivery and stakeholder engagement.
- Develop and manage strategic communications and marketing efforts for the Local Government Center, including website content, social media, email communications, and the creation of digital and print promotional materials in accordance with MSU brand standards.
- Monitor, and reconcile program budgets and manage financial transactions, including revenue projections, invoicing, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and event-related expenditures.
- Manage program data, assessment activities, and reporting to support strategic planning, continuous improvement, and program accountability.
- Collaborate with faculty, staff, partners, and stakeholders to plan, implement, and evaluate educational programs, conferences, trainings, certification programs, and professional development opportunities serving local government officials and employees.
- Maintain effective working relationships with local government officials, professional associations, program participants, campus partners, and external stakeholders to advance the mission of the Local Government Center.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
- Demonstrated experience with program management.
- Demonstrated experience maintaining and tracking budgets.
- Demonstrated experience with personal computers including word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, email, internet, and graphic design programs. Microsoft Office Software preferred.
- Attention to detail in written communications and project management.
Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
- Experience with event management.
- Experience with graphic design.
- Experience managing virtual events via Zoom or other video conferencing platforms.
- Experience with Customer Relationship Management programs (HubSpot).
The Successful Candidate Will
- Thrive working independently and as part of a small, dispersed team.
- Communicate effectively and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, other MSU program areas, Extension field faculty, the university, strategic partners and the public in all forms of communication.
- Possess and utilize excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
- Attention to detail, to meeting deadlines, and to prioritizing competing demands.
- Represent Montana State University Extension in a professional and courteous manner.
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
Upon completion of a successful search
Position End Date (if temporary)
Open Date
Close Date
Applications will be:
Screening of applications will begin on July 22, 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.
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.