What are the responsibilities and job description for the Liberal Studies Online Program Manager (on-site) position at Montana State University?
The Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies program at Montana State University is flexible, rigorous and multidisciplinary. Students challenge and expand their thinking, learn how to connect their growing knowledge to the outside world, and gain the skills necessary to succeed – in college, the workplace and life. The Liberal Studies degree values a broad, integrated and interdisciplinary approach to higher education. Interdisciplinary studies foster connections among disciplines and draw upon multiple areas of knowledge. Students choose one of three program options: Environmental Studies, Global and Multicultural, or Quaternity (on campus or online degree completion).
The Liberal Studies Online Degree Completion Program is the only fully online, degree-granting undergraduate program at Montana State University. The online degree completion program is designed for students who have completed at least two years of college and would like to earn a bachelor’s degree online.
The Distance Learning Program Manager provides critical oversight, management and coordination of the Liberal Studies Program. This position oversees the daily operations of the Online Degree Completion Program, coordinates with a number of MSU academic and administrative units, and manages various projects and key initiatives simultaneously. The Program Manager also works closely with student services and assists the mostly non-traditional distance students and instructors spanning multiple departments. The successful candidate should possess strong written and communication skills as well as organizational, and trouble-shooting skills. They should be able to work well independently and in a team environment and have an appreciation and understanding of the unique requirements and demands of online education.
This position will be on-site at Montana State University.
The Liberal Studies Online Degree Completion Program is the only fully online, degree-granting undergraduate program at Montana State University. The online degree completion program is designed for students who have completed at least two years of college and would like to earn a bachelor’s degree online.
The Distance Learning Program Manager provides critical oversight, management and coordination of the Liberal Studies Program. This position oversees the daily operations of the Online Degree Completion Program, coordinates with a number of MSU academic and administrative units, and manages various projects and key initiatives simultaneously. The Program Manager also works closely with student services and assists the mostly non-traditional distance students and instructors spanning multiple departments. The successful candidate should possess strong written and communication skills as well as organizational, and trouble-shooting skills. They should be able to work well independently and in a team environment and have an appreciation and understanding of the unique requirements and demands of online education.
This position will be on-site at Montana State University.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Serves as a liaison between the program and campus offices (Admissions, Brightspace D2L, the Center for Faculty Excellence, Academic Technology Outreach, Registrar’s Office, University Business Services, Provost’s Office, Human Resources, etc.) to maintain positive instructor and distance student experiences and program success.
- Manages continuing education for online instructors to maintain and/or improve training standards and develops biannual and as needed training workshop for online instructors.
- Oversees special projects, events, and initiatives related to student success or program needs.
- Manages registration, recruitment and retention of online students.
- Coordinates marketing plans for program and courses, working with the Dean’s Office and University Communications where appropriate, in the design, creation and distribution of marketing materials.
- Plans occasional travel for self and others for training and recruitment purposes.
- Assists with personnel tasks such as composing and routing of contracts, and working closely with others in the program and affiliate program.
- Creates and maintains online content learning management shells, including an online orientation for new students and instructors, and ongoing shells for existing students and instructors to help foster a sense of community for online participants.
- Serves on the Liberal Studies Core Committee among other committees such as the US-Core Learning Committee.
- Serves as a webmaster for the Liberal Studies Program.
- Maintains databases associated with the program’s enrollment and demographic trends
- Assists the program director and affiliated departments and Registrar’s Office in planning, developing, and scheduling online classes.
- Helps faculty resolve basic technical problems with the MSU supported instructional tools, and investigates and seeks solutions to complex issues.
- Keeps current with use and best practices related to existing and emerging instructional technology tools.
Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
- Bachelor’s degree and two years of full-time (or part-time equivalent) experience in educational program management/coordination or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Demonstrated experience in customer service and working with a wide variety of clientele.
- Demonstrated experience overseeing/managing multiple programs and/or projects simultaneously.
- Demonstrated advanced skill using personal computers and various software involving word processing, spreadsheets, databases, email, internet, and website maintenance (please list equipment and software used).
- Experience organizing and conducting trainings or workshops.
Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
- Experience with creating and maintaining online or distance education learning environments.
- Experience working in an academic environment.
- Experience with marketing and/or graphic design.
The Successful Candidate Will
- Possess strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
- Be able to effectively prioritize workload and activities in order to meet deadlines and adapt to changing priorities while maintaining a positive, effective and professional manner.
- Have the ability to be self-directed and work independently, as well as be able to work as part of the Liberal Studies team.
- Be able to creatively problem-solve with short timelines to address challenges.
- Be able to work with individuals and groups from all backgrounds both on campus and in the larger community setting.
- Plan occasional travel with intent of promoting the program.
- Have the ability to implement strategies necessary for successful and effective training and support, including successful group facilitation skills in an adult learning environment.
- Possess the ability to communicate effectively and professionally in person, over the phone and in writing.
- Have exceptional judgement and problem-solving skills.
- Be able to represent the program, college and university to others in a professional and courteous manner.
Position Special Requirements/Additional Information
- Occasional travel to annual distance learning conference or specialized recruitment effort.
- Working occasional events outside of normal business hours including morning, evening, and/or weekend events.
- A flexible work arrangement can be arranged for eligible candidates after passing an initial probationary period.
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
This position will be on-site at Montana State University:
- Work is performed in a standard office environment.
- Requires the ability to operate standard computer equipment (keyboard, monitor, mouse or pointing device) for extended periods of time.
- Significant periods in a stationary position.
- Occasional driving of a personal or rented vehicle.
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 April 7, 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.
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.
