Position Details Position Information Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 25321 For questions regarding this position, please contact: Mike Giroux mgiroux@montana.edu 406-994-7877 Classification Title Admin Assoc IV Working Title Business Operations Manager Brief Position Overview The Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology ( PSPP ) Business Operations Manager manages the operations of the department offices and serves as the first contact for hiring, payroll processing and related problem resolution, works closely with the Department Head to provide service to undergraduate and graduate students, and provides general support to the PSPP and MSU Extension Department Head, faculty, and department affiliates as needed. Position Number 4M0003 Department Plant Sciences Division College of Agriculture/MAES 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 1.0 Benefits Eligible Eligible Salary $20.49 - $25.61 hourly, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications Contract Type Classified Salary If other, please specify Recruitment Type Open Position Details General Statement Welcome to the Montana State University College of Agriculture! Our blend of learning, discovery and outreach programs reflect our university’s Land Grant designation. Through a federal/state partnership with the Montana Agricultural Experiment Station ( MAES ) and Extension Service, we strive for excellence in academics, research and engagement. The department of Plant Sciences is searching for an energetic and motivated individual to perform business operations and administrative support activities. Duties and Responsibilities Executive Administrative Support + Coordinates hiring processes and faculty performance reviews with the Department Head. + Manages key meetings, including MAES presentations. + Supports faculty retention, tenure, and promotion processes while maintaining review schedules. + Serves as a communication link between PSPP and MSU Extension colleagues. Office Management + Helps oversee department operations, facilities, and electronic equipment functionality. + Manages office property and space scheduling. + Acts as Telephone Coordinator and FedEx Shipping Manager. + Plans and coordinates department events. Human Resources Liaison + First point of contact for hiring, payroll, and problem resolution. + Oversees recruitment processes, appointment changes, and faculty/staff onboarding. + Assists employees with payroll submissions, deadlines, and troubleshooting. + Communicates updates on policies, procedures, and performance evaluations. Additional Responsibilities + Provides backup support for student services operations. + Maintains department web pages and publishes updates. + Manages PSPP and MSU Extension social media presence. Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills + Bachelor’s degree plus progressively responsible administrative work experience with an emphasis on customer service in a main office setting or an equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience. + Demonstrated experience organizing and prioritizing multiple work assignments, meeting deadlines and exercising adaptability with a high degree of accuracy and close attention to detail, while maintaining a positive and professional demeanor. + Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel, with experience formatting professional documents. Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills + Demonstrated experience using human resources principles, practices, and techniques including hiring and payroll oversight. + Administrative experience supporting or interfacing with executive-level personnel. The Successful Candidate Will + Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to articulate detailed information and policies and procedures, both verbally and in writing to a wide variety of constituents. + Have the ability to manage sensitive and confidential situations and records appropriately. + Possess the ability to troubleshoot problems and have candid conversations. + Establish and maintain productive and positive working relations with coworkers, faculty, students, supervisors, and the public. + Work independently with minimal supervision and as part of a team. + Ability to effectively liaison with associated MSU and MSU Extension Departments. + Possess the ability and skill to interpret, implement and communicate new policies and procedures. + Represent the College of Agriculture, MSU Extension, and MSU 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? 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 May 13, 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.