The University of Montana invites applications for a Director for BBER. This individual is a senior leader who directs the activities of the premier business research center in Montana. This position will be responsible for maintaining and growing the BBER’s high visibility role in statewide economic policy and for designing and implementing strategies to grow its visibility and influence in advancing the state of knowledge of business and economic issues with special emphasis on issues relevant to Montana.

The BBER director must successfully manage the financial operations of a medium sized, 20-employee, research center with revenue streams in excess of $2 million annually from contracts and grants, contracted services, publications, outreach activities and state funds.The director is ultimately responsible for ensuring adequate funding for BBER activities, both through the management and conduct of externally supported activities and through the management of the other research professionals within the BBER.

The BBER director takes a lead role in all aspects of applied economic research and is expected to engage in research activities that advance the state of knowledge in regional economics, regularly producing both peer reviewed and other publications and reports. The individual must be an outstanding speaker and presenter of research findings to lay audiences.The BBER director is responsible for protecting and enhancing the reputation of the BBER for timely, relevant, high-quality research and communication that provides unbiased, factually sound information that assists businesses, individuals and policymakers make better decisions.

The BBER director takes a lead role in the planning and conduct of the BBER’s annual Economic Outlook Seminars held in major cities throughout the state of Montana, now in their 50th year.It is also expected that the BBER director will continue the bureau’s role as a major national center of regional research by maintaining a high visibility role in the Association for University Business and Economic Research (AUBER) and other organizations.

Ultimately, the BBER director is responsible for maintaining the Bureau’s position as the dominant economic research and public policy center in the state of Montana.

This position requires incumbent to be able to build and cultivate a vibrant network of business and policy leaders around the state who can alert the BBER to opportunities as well as offer support for its efforts. The individual should also be an effective fundraiser in securing sponsorships for BBER public events and other initiatives. They should be able to lead the BBER in guiding its activities in congruence with the strategic goals of the university as a whole. Success in these efforts will require a full commitment to externally focused outreach, both within and outside the university. 

The University of Montana is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity in all areas. In that spirit, we are particularly interested in receiving applications from a broad spectrum of qualified people who would assist the University in demonstrating its five priorities for action: Place student success at the center of all we do; drive excellence and innovation in teaching, learning, and research; embody the principle of “mission first, people always"; partner with place; and proudly tell the UM story.

Position Details:

• Position is full-time, 1.0 FTE, MUS Contract and includes a comprehensive and competitive benefits package including Insurance package, mandatory retirement plan, partial tuition waiver, and wellness program
• Salary for this position ranges from $160,000-$180,000 per year commensurate with qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in economics or a related field and at least eight (8) years of experience in a leadership role in an applied research setting, or an equivalent combination of experience and education
• Ability to successfully administer all aspects of a medium-sized academic research center, including, but not limited to:
  • Securing and maintaining grant funding for research projects (both personally and through management of others)
  • Managing budgets
  • Motivating personnel
  • Conducting research
  • Making presentations
  • Formulating and implementing strategies and actions to grow and survive in the competitive research environment
• The ability to establish and nurture professional relationships with legislators and political leaders throughout the state, as well as business and educational leaders whose support is critical to the BBER’s mission
• Ability to be an effective writer
• Ability to be an effective presenter of research information to lay audiences
• Demonstrated record of success in both publications and general communications

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience as director of an AUBER or equivalent center

About UM and the Bureau of Business and Economic Research (BBER):

The Bureau of Business and Economic Research’s purpose is to serve the general public, as well as people in business, labor and government, by providing an understanding of the economic environment in which Montanans live and work.

The University of Montana is flagship, research-intensive R1 institution with approximately 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students. It is located in Missoula, a culturally vibrant community of about 75,000, surrounded by mountains and three rivers converge. Abundant recreational opportunities in surrounding state and national forests and nearby Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park complement a thriving intellectual atmosphere.

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).

Must be eligible to work in the United State upon hire. Sponsorship is not available for this position

How to Apply:

Priority Application Date: Sunday, June 16, 2024 by 11:59 pm MST

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 submit the following application materials** via the UM Jobs portal and by clicking "New Resume/CV" button.  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