Salary: $20.08 Hourly
Location : Missoula Mountain Campus
Job Type: Hourly Staff Full-time
Job Number: 202400665
Department: School of Journalism Op Unit, University of Montana
Opening Date: 05/01/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Determined by Position
DescriptionThe
School of Journalism invites applications for a
Montana Media Lab Program Coordinator. This position supports the development and delivery of innovative journalism and media literacy programs for high school students across Montana, with a focus on rural and Indigenous communities. The role includes curriculum and program development, coordination of dual-credit opportunities, and partnership-building with educators, community leaders, and state agencies. The successful candidate will also contribute to grant management, communications, and the growth of Youth Voices initiatives, helping expand access to career-connected learning opportunities. This is a two-year, grant-funded position.
Examples of Duties and Responsibilities- Assist in the development of curriculum and programming for a dual-credit journalism course for high school students.
- Collaborate with Missoula College staff and high school teachers to support dual-credit opportunities through the Youth Voices course.
- Lead the development of a job-readiness certificate in partnership with the Montana Department of Labor and Industry and other stakeholders.
- Manage administrative functions for journalism teacher training, including recruitment, scheduling, compensation, and curriculum coordination.
- Oversee grant reporting and project budgets, and support fundraising efforts for the Montana Media Lab.
- Develop and implement journalism and media literacy programming for high school students, with a focus on Indigenous and rural communities.
- Build and maintain relationships with teachers, administrators, and media professionals to support program delivery statewide.
- Coordinate and support on-site youth programming in communities across Montana.
- Assist with communications and outreach efforts.
- Support strategic planning and program development to expand and enhance Youth Voices initiatives.
Minimum Qualifications- High School diploma and four (4) years of experience in media creation or project management or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Familiarity with rural and Indigenous communities.
- Experience teaching journalism skills and/or media literacy.
- Experience coordinating educational programs and managing teaching staff.
- Experience growing and improving a mission-driven outreach program.
- Knowledge of the needs of the School of Journalism, UM and Montana's rural and Indigenous communities in terms of journalism education.
- Ability to self-guide personal work and work within an organization.
- Experience creating social media, web and newsletter outreach content.
Preferred Qualifications- A Bachelor's or Master's degree in education, journalism, or a related field.
- Knowledge of dual credit.
- Audio journalism skills, including reporting, editing, and producing professional-quality audio stories.
- Skills in grant writing and fundraising.
- Knowledge of job skills credentialing.
Additional InformationPosition Number: TBDCompensation Title: Program Coordinator IIUnion: FOCUS-MFPEWork Schedule: Full-time, 1.0 FTE (40 Hours a week), Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, 12 months/year.
Probationary Period: Six (6) months minimum
Benefits Include: Insurance package, mandatory retirement plan, partial tuition waiver, and wellness program.
Screening of applications will begin after the closing date of May 20, 2026; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established. Complete applications received by the closing date will be guaranteed consideration.A complete application includes:- Letter of Interest - addressing your qualifications and experience related to the stated required skills for the position. A general letter salutation such as "Dear Search Committee" or "Dear Hiring Manager" is acceptable.
- Detailed Resume - listing education and describing work experience
- Three (3) Professional References - names and contact information
Must be eligible to work in the United States upon hire. Sponsorship is not available for this position.The University of Montana is interested in receiving applications from 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.
The Affiliation of the University of Montana (UM Affiliation) is an equal opportunity employer. UM Affiliation does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of protected class status as described in UM's non-discrimination policy and any applicable law. Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. Qualified candidates may request veterans' or disabilities preference in accordance with state law.
Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to the offer of employment. In accordance with university regulations, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations.
References: References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant. UM partners with SkillSurvey for reference checking. Applicants may receive emails from SkillSurvey to submit reference information.
Testing: Individual hiring departments within the UM Affiliation 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 and all affiliated campuses, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9). The University of Montana will require proof of authorization to work in the United States before final hiring. Due to the September 19, 2025 Presidential Proclamation and related guidance from USCIS and the Department of State, the University may be limited in its ability to offer H-1B sponsorship. At this time, we are unable to sponsor new H-1B visas that require payment of the additional fee introduced by the Proclamation.
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