PRESIDENT

The Board of Regents for the Montana University System invites nominations and applications for the President of the University of Montana. UM is a flagship public doctoral university, chartered in 1893 and devoted to providing a liberal arts education foundation, balanced with professional preparation, research, and economic development.

The University of Montana in Missoula has more than 2,900 talented faculty and staff who support and guide a student population of 12,000. UM takes pride in its dedication to teaching, research, service, collaboration, and its mission to provide “unique educational experiences through the integration of the liberal arts, graduate study, and professional training with international and interdisciplinary emphases.”  UM also has administratively affiliated universities and two-year colleges in Butte, Dillon, and Helena, Montana.

The University seeks an innovative, inspirational, and visionary leader with substantial knowledge and experience in higher education issues and environments. The successful candidate must be able to master the fusion of academic and administrative excellence, and be capable of advancing UM and its affiliates in conjunction with the University’s mission, vision, and values. The University community expects a strong advocate, a loyal and stable presence, and an agile leader with considerable social capital and foresight. The President must work effectively in a collaborative governance environment, using a consultative style, and be supportive of professional development for faculty and staff.

The successful candidate will thrive in a state university system environment led by a governing Board of Regents and Commissioner of Higher Education.  Desired attributes include:

• Successful experience as an educator, scholar, and leader where it was necessary to demonstrate substantial understanding of undergraduate and graduate teaching, learning, creative scholarship, research, international education, and technology;  

• Appreciation for the roles of liberal arts, professional education, and economic development within a research university;

• Significant senior level administrative and management experience;

• Successful record of business success and proven skills in fiscal management, resource generation, and budget allocation;

• Ability to engage and grow an active university alumni association;

• Proficiency in fundraising, foundation relations, growth and development of membership or donor support opportunities;

• Deep knowledge of sound strategic planning and thoughtful, clear decision making;

• Understanding of national and international marketing and recruitment methods, retention, and enrollment management;

• Proactive commitment to student-first, student-centered learning, and student support;

• Value and support for intercollegiate athletics, student athletes, and athletic department operations;

• Experience and success in institutionalizing diversity in policies, procedures, and practices;

• Ability to work effectively with  plans and policies of the Board of Regents, Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education, and Montana University System colleagues;

• Desire to be the voice and champion of the University with all stakeholders, including the state legislature, tribal leaders, business community, foundations, K-12, the statewide higher education sector, and the state’s residents; 

• Ability to attract, empower, supervise, and develop outstanding faculty, administration, and staff; 

• Excellent written and oral communication skills with ability to inspire and practice open, transparent communication; and

• Earned doctorate/terminal degree from an accredited institution of higher education is preferred.

The President must bring leadership characteristics that include being genuine, open, and receptive to others. The successful candidate will be a leader who is motivating, articulate, and an expert in competencies of interpersonal and organizational awareness, boldness and creativity, responsiveness and adaptability. The next President must effectively organize information and priorities in complex circumstances and make prompt, sound decisions. She or he will develop and form productive, diverse, collaborative relationships on behalf of the University and higher education in Montana.

To assure best consideration, applications should be received by July 21, 2017. The application should include a two- to four-page letter of interest specifically addressing the applicant’s background in relationship to the attributes described; a current résumé (or curriculum vitae); and the names of at least five professional references with each person’s position, office or home address, e-mail address, and telephone numbers. References will not be contacted without prior authorization from the applicant. The new president may assume office in January 2018.

The President of the University of Montana reports to the Commissioner of Higher Education for the Montana University System. The search is being assisted by James H. McCormick, AGB Search, jhm@agbsearch.com, 651-238-5188. Nominations and applications should be sent electronically (MS Word or PDF Format) to umontanapresident@agbsearch.com.  Additional information may be found at www.umt.edu.

Each campus of the Montana University System shall ensure that no employment or educational policy is discriminatory on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, national origin, or ancestry unless based on reasonable grounds.