Application instructions are located at the bottom of the page.  Please apply directly through the University of Montana's career portal UM Jobs at https://umjobs.silkroad.com/  for positions at the University of Montana – Missoula, University of Montana Western (Dillon), and Helena College.  Do not apply through Indeed.com or use easy apply through Indeed.com*.

The University of Montana (UM) is seeking a visionary executive to lead a newly enhanced People and Culture Sector that will distinguish UM as an employer of choice in the Northwest. An experienced professional with a creative mindset will find this an exciting opportunity to build a strategic division that emphasizes service, collaboration and communication and is critical to the success of the institution. This important role will provide leadership for one of the five Priorities for Action of the University: Embody the Principle of “Mission First, People Always.” 

Reporting directly to the President, the Vice President for People and Culture  will act as the President’s partner in cultivating a culture of employee excellence, engagement, and leadership. The Vice President will provide regular counsel to the President, will serve on the Executive Team, and will develop a new vision for the employee culture at the University of Montana. This position will also support UM’s three campus affiliates, University of Montana Western, Helena College and Montana Technological University.

The University of Montana recently invested in the creation of an integrated People and Culture Sector to enhance the institution's ability to develop a world-class employee experience that attracts high caliber employees; reduces turnover; increases engagement, productivity, and innovation; and prioritizes the well-being of employees. The Vice President for People and Culture will provide strategic and transformational leadership in the development and implementation of all matters relating to the employee-focused functions at UM. This position will lead ongoing transformation efforts and supervise the Interim Associate Vice President of People and Culture Services, the Associate Vice President of People and Culture Conflict,  Resolution, Policy and the Director of People and Culture Organizational Learning and Development.

The VPPC will lead the implementation of people and culture strategies and initiatives with an intentional focus on alignment with the University’s mission. They will have excellent intuition and judgment with a proven track record of building high performance teams in which each member is valued and respected. It will be important for the VPPC to build and maintain strong relationships and trust at every level of the University so they are best prepared to translate stakeholder needs into dynamic programs, practices and procedures that drive performance and consistency across the University. The VPPC must also establish and maintain a strong relationship with the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education for the State of Montana.

The University of Montana is committed to offering an inclusive and supportive workplace that is accessible to all. Given its location and the history of its land, UM has many focused initiatives to support Native and Indigenous employees and students and works to support the Indigenous communities in the region. The person in this position will help promote the unique place-based identity of UM and will help implement components of the University’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Plan. The VPPC will also be responsible for overseeing UM’s affirmative action plan.

President Bodnar’s vision for UM , centered on the concept of “inclusive prosperity,” is both bold and inspired. The VPPC, along with the rest of the Executive Team, will be a vital partner in translating this vision into action.

• Serve as a strategic partner to the President of the university
• Provide effective leadership and vision for the People and Culture sector
• Serve as a member of the Executive Leadership team and regularly contribute People and Culture analyses and data to inform decisions that impact employees
• Offer innovative guidance for the sector and advance a culture of proactive support for UM employees with a focus on assessment of the quality of service provided
• Help establish an enhanced focus on employee relations that offers a one-stop center for employees confronting personnel or management conflicts and challenges
• Build robust support for employee retention at UM including expansion of performance reviews, succession planning, campus culture, employee engagement and brand, and manager support
• In partnership with other units, implement employee-related components of UM’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Plan as well as its affirmative action plan
• Offer strategic leadership for the recruitment of talent to the University of Montana and help build out campus-wide supports for effective recruiting and onboarding practices
• Supervise the Associate Vice President for People and Culture Services, the Associate Vice President for Conflict and Resolution, the Director of People and Culture Organizational Learning and Development, and the Women’s Leadership Initiative Coordinator
• Establish and maintain a strong, strategic working relationship with the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education, Deputy Commissioner for Human Resources
• In partnership with UM Legal Counsel, ensure compliance with policies, laws, and collective bargaining agreements that impact recruitment, retention, separation, union affiliation, and other personnel matters
• Drive continuous improvement efforts within the sector that will standardize and simplify processes that impact employees
• In partnership with UM Information Technology, seek out new technological solutions to common system and process challenges
• Oversee trends in employee data and regularly scan the external environment for issues that may impact our workforce of 3,300 full- and part-time employees
• Grow the leadership capacity of the unit directors within People and Culture and oversee budgets for the division
• Implement other strategic priorities related to people and culture set by the President and Executive Team

• Bachelor’s degree and/or equivalent work experience in people and culture (human resources).
• 7 - 10 years of progressively responsible leadership of a people and culture function (human resources)
  • Experience in higher education is preferred but not required for this position
  • Experience analyzing and solving complex employee or labor relations issues
  • Experience and knowledge with the verticals in a people and culture sector including: benefits, labor and employee relations, information systems, wellness, DEI, worker’s compensation, talent acquisition, learning and development, and compensation
  • Those with experience in any complex organization are encouraged to apply
• Strong business skills in the strategic recruitment, support, development and advancement of people
• The ability to lead by influence and example
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with a high degree of initiative, judgment, discretion and collaborative decision making
• Demonstrated ability to adapt to changing demands and needs of the community
• Strong interpersonal skills, persuasive presentation and public speaking skills
• Extensive management experience and a track record of growing talented teams and supporting employees
• Understanding of effective policies and procedures to support a diverse and inclusive workplace
• Outstanding listening skills and willingness to challenge the status quo
• Demonstrated understanding of EEO, Title IX and discrimination investigations
• Experience implementing change in a complex organization
• Knowledge of federal and state regulatory compliance requirements
• Excellent written, interpersonal and communication skills
• Prior work in organizational development and people and culture management
• Creative problem-solving skills and evidence of innovative thinking
• Knowledge of technology and systems used to support people and culture work
• Advanced degree
• Professional certifications
• Working knowledge of negotiation and implementation of union contracts
• Experience in establishing and implementing key performance indicators and systems of accountability for management teams and institutional efforts around people and culture
• Expertise in people and culture transformation efforts

• Advanced degree
• Professional certifications
• Working knowledge of negotiation and implementation of union contracts
• Experience in establishing and implementing key performance indicators and systems of accountability for management teams and institutional efforts around people and culture
• Expertise in people and culture transformation efforts

As Montana’s flagship university, we set a high bar for academic studies, creative accomplishments and scientific exploration which benefits our students, our community and the world at large. Our institution sits in the aboriginal territories of the Salish and Kalispel people.

The University draws a diverse, global population to Missoula – our home and the state’s second-largest city with about 80,000 residents – and helps cultivate an educated, engaged and vibrant community. Our students receive a world-class education in a broad range of subjects that include the arts, sciences, trades, graduate and postdoctoral study and professional training.

Our main campus , nestled in the heart of western Montana’s stunning natural landscape, spans 56 acres at the base of Mount Sentinel and along the Clark Fork River, and includes the park-like Oval at the center of campus, more than 60 architecturally unique buildings and a 25,200-seat football stadium. UM's 180-acre South Campus offers student housing, a golf course, soccer fields and an outdoor track facility. Missoula College occupies two sites, one just across the river from the main campus, and one on the southwest side of Missoula.

 UM is committed to accessible and inclusive education as the foundation of social and economic prosperity.

The educational, medical, and cultural hub of the region, Missoula offers a rare blend of outdoor adventure, big-city culture, and exceptional quality of life. The vibrant downtown community embraces the state’s most sophisticated music and art scene and includes the world’s best public library as named by the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions. Just east of Missoula is the KettleHouse Amphitheater , ranking No. 8 out of the top 50 amphitheaters worldwide by Pollstar.

To learn more about the University of Montana, Missoula, and the State of Montana, please visit the links below.

Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to Offer of Employment.
In accordance with University policy, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations.
ADA/EOE/AA/Veteran's Preference.
Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. As an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, we encourage applications from minorities, veterans, and women. Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law.
References *References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant.
Testing Individual hiring departments at UM may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions.

Employment Eligibility.  All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9).

Priority Application Date: Tuesday, October 24, 2023 by 11:59 PM (Mountain Time)

Complete applications received by this date will be guaranteed consideration. To receive full consideration, candidates are required to submit all of the following materials.

Please do not apply through Indeed.com*.

• Letter of Interest – addressing the stated required skills for the position
• Detailed resume listing education and describing work experience
• Three (3) professional references- Names and contact information

The position is expected to start in the spring semester of 2024.

Please direct inquiries to: Steven Oswalt, Recruitment Specialist, at steven.oswalt@mso.umt.edu .  

*Applying through Indeed.com or easy apply through Indeed.com may result in submission of an incomplete application.  Applications may be removed from full consideration if they are not complete with materials listed above under the "How to Apply" section.  It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure complete application materials are submitted and received by the date listed above. 

**Please note: only five (5) attachments are allowed per application. Please combine documents accordingly.