• Director of Master of Science in Science Education

    Montana State University (Bozeman, MT)


    Position Details

    Position Information

    Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 26102

    For questions regarding this position, please contact:

    Katie Sutich

     

    Assistant to the Dean

     

    (406) 994-3065

     

    [email protected]

     

    Classification Title Managing Director

     

    Working Title Director of Master of Science in Science Education

    Brief Position Overview

    The College of Letters and Science is searching for a highly motivated and experienced academic leader to serve as director of the Master of Science in Science Education program, one of the largest and most active master’s programs for K-12 science teachers in the U.S. The director will coordinate with more than thirty-five participating faculty members across MSU , foster curricular innovation in the program, guide the recruitment and retention of students in the program, and represent the MSSE program within the university and externally.

     

    Position Number 4C9825

     

    Department MSSE MS Science Education

     

    Division College of Letters & Science

     

    Appointment Type Professional

     

    Contract Term Fiscal Year

     

    Semester

     

    If other, specify From date

     

    If other, specify End date

     

    FLSA Exempt

     

    Union Affiliation Exempt from Collective Bargaining

     

    FTE 0.5 - 1.0

     

    Benefits Eligible Eligible

     

    Salary Salary commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications.

     

    Contract Type LOA

     

    If other, please specify

     

    Recruitment Type Open

    Position Details

    General Statement

     

    The College of Letters & Science ( CLS ), the largest center for learning, teaching and research at Montana State University, offers students an excellent liberal arts and sciences education in nearly 50 majors, 25 minors and over 25 graduate degrees within the four areas of the humanities, natural sciences, mathematical, and social sciences.

     

    Building on the great strength of our traditional disciplines, the college provides exciting opportunities for faculty and students at the cutting edge of interdisciplinary inquiry. CLS is dedicated to supporting student success, discovering and disseminating new knowledge, and providing an atmosphere in which discovery and learning are integrated and valued. CLS is at the confluence of intellectual tradition, discovery, and innovation.

     

    The Director of the Master of Science in Science Education serves as the head of a degree program and works closely with affiliated faculty and staff to build a successful graduate program serving science educators across Montana and the U.S. This signature degree program for CLS includes both innovative, asynchronous distance courses and in-residence capstone experience.

    Duties and Responsibilities

    + Direct the MSSE Program, which includes the Master of Science Education option and seven science graduate certificates in science teaching.

    + Manage the MSSE budget (campus, online and certificate program).

    + Lead and evaluate the MSSE program team managers, advisors, staff, and instructors.

    + Coordinate curriculum and instruction with other departments, programs, and colleges.

    + Manage the success of field courses and international programs and courses in MSSE .

    + Manage MSSE Program assessment.

    + Lead, coordinate, administer and grow recruiting and outreach efforts.

    + Coordinate with the chair of the MSSE Steering Committee.

    + Manage the summer Capstone Symposium.

    + Provide a dynamic vision and leadership for the MSSE Program in concert with MSU and CLS strategies priorities.

    + Foster a program culture that is participatory, dynamic, futuristic and supports staff, faculty, and student excellence.

    + Instruct courses in the program as appropriate.

    + Serve as the Program Director and Committee Chair for MSSE students.

    Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

    + A Ph.D or doctorate in one of the CLS disciplines or a related field.

    + Demonstrated experience in graduate education, graduate advising, and mentorship or related activity.

    + Demonstrated experience working directly with science educators, K-12 in service teachers, or related activity.

    Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

    + Experience with distance learning curriculum and teaching.

    + A record of pedagogical and curricular innovation.

    + A record of success in building and sustaining interdisciplinary academic programs.

    The Successful Candidate Will

    + Have knowledge of the disciplines and programs represented in MSSE and in the College of Letters and Science and commitment to our vision.

    + A record of positive staff and personnel relations and interactions.

    + A creative and approachable manner that kindles the innovative spirit of others.

    + A strong ability to communicate effectively as exemplified by the candidate’s writing, speaking and listening skills.

    + Demonstrated accomplishments in research, scholarship, and innovative partnerships.

    + Demonstrated ability to provide analysis of college and university data to inform evidence-based decisions.

    + Demonstrate effectiveness in interacting and supporting constituencies from all backgrounds, including students, faculty, staff, parents, alumni, and other groups.

    Position Special Requirements/Additional Information

    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

    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? Yes

     

    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 September 12, 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.