This position provides program leadership to the Learning Is For Everyone (LIFE) Scholars program at Montana State University. LIFE
Scholars. is a three year fully inclusive non-degree certificate program for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Students audit classes to gain knowledge in their chosen career path, attend social campus events to develop relationships and build social
networks, and participate in career development to learn transferable and marketable job skills. Duties and responsibilities for the
position are below.
Program Strategy and Vision
- Oversee the strategic planning and execution of
the Life Scholars program, ensuring alignment with the university’s land grant mission of inclusivity and excellence in
education. - Maintain a long-term vision for the program, enhancing educational and vocational opportunities and outcomes for
students.
Advocacy and Community Engagement
- Advocate for the rights and needs of LIFE Scholars
within the university and the broader community. - Foster a collaborative and inclusive community culture among staff, students, and
stakeholders, promoting respect, understanding, and belonging. - Engage with stakeholders, including students, families, educators,
and community support providers to promote program goals and initiatives. - Build and maintain partnerships with organizations and
campus/community partners to enhance program offerings and support students. - Actively engage as a member of the NW Inclusive Post
Secondary Alliance to advocate for and expand inclusive college programs throughout the greater Northwest region, while collaborating with
similar initiatives to share best practices and resources.
Staff Management and Development
- Supervise program staff, interns and graduate assistants providing guidance, mentorship, and support for effective program
delivery. - Recruit, hire, train and support peer partners (traditional MSU students) to provide academic support.
- Lead
professional development initiatives to equip faculty and staff with skills and knowledge for inclusive education.
Program Evaluation and Improvement
- Conduct ongoing assessments based on best practices to evaluate program
effectiveness and student success. - Use data-driven insights to continuously improve program offerings, meeting the evolving needs
of students and the university.
Financial Management and Sustainability
- Manage the
program’s budget, ensuring efficient and effective use of financial resources to benefit students. - Develop and execute
fundraising initiatives to secure endowment funding for the program’s future sustainability.
Administrative/Marketing
- Create and maintain program marketing materials in collaboration with team
members. - Oversee marketing and recruitment efforts through social media, presentations, tabling events, etc.
Direct Student Support
- Manage the recruitment, application selection, interview and orientation process for
new students. - Provide students with academic advising and course registration.
- Ensure instruction and materials are
inclusive and accessible to foster meaningful engagement with course content. - Collaborate with faculty and staff to modify audited
coursework and implement strategies to support student learning. - Identify and coordinate individualized instructional
supports. - Offer students ongoing advising and support as needed.
- Maintain communication and support with faculty
throughout the semester. - Collaborate with MSU offices as needed.
- Supervise and collaborate with staff to assist students
in engaging socially on campus. - Work in partnership with MSU housing staff to offer on campus housing options for eligible
students. - Guide and support the expansion and execution of the LIFE Scholars Inclusive Business Network initiative.
- Provide assistance as needed for the development and implementation of internships for students in the last year of the program.
- Work as part of the team to transition graduates to meaningful, competitive community employment.
Interpersonal
Skills:
- Cultivate strong relationships with students, families, staff, and community partners by being approachable
and empathetic. - Skillfully manage a wide variety of situations, addressing the diverse needs and concerns of students, families,
and staff with sensitivity and professionalism. - Adapt swiftly and effectively to changing needs and priorities, demonstrating
flexibility in a dynamic educational environment. - Exhibit a composed and professional demeanor, even in challenging situations, to
provide steady leadership and support to the program community.
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