Administrative Associate IV, Buffalo Nations

For questions regarding this position, please contact Jill Falcon Ramaker at 406-994-6369 or jillfalcon.ramaker@montana.edu.

About the Role

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. This role involves partnering with faculty, students, Indigenous knowledge keepers, and community members to advance culturally grounded teaching, research, and outreach.

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.

Requirements

• 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

• 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.

Skills

• 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.

Additional Information

This position is not eligible for sponsorship. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to support Buffalo Nations events, workshops, and field research, as well as periodic in-state and/or out-of-state travel.

Pay

$25.04 per hour.

Schedule

• FTE: 0.75 (75% time).
• Benefits eligible.
• Classified, fiscal year contract term.