Director, Rural Institute for Inclusive Communities, University of Montana, Missoula, MT
Posted: Tuesday, July 5, 2022
The University of Montana invites applications for a Director to lead the Rural Institute for Inclusive Communities (RIIC). The Director oversees a dynamic and dedicated center that promotes equal opportunity for people with disabilities through education, research, and direct service. The ED reports to the Vice President for Research at the University of Montana and currently oversees a $6.9 million budget, 48 active projects and programs, and nearly 60 staff. The Director provides direct supervision to a team of principal investigators and the RIIC business office (approximately 15 people) and is responsible for general oversight of the entire organization.
The RIIC is seeking a leader who is ready to inspire change. We are looking for someone skilled at building mutually respectful partnerships statewide and nationally, with an appreciation for the strengths of rural communities. Our new ED needs to model inclusive decision making and be community driven. We would like someone ready to proactively obtain funding for a sustainable future in line with our strategic priorities. It is important our new Director can engage effectively with diverse populations: policy makers, university administration, those with lived experience, and current and future stakeholders.
We are creative, committed, and community-led. We employ both evidence and practice-based solutions in our work. Like many good Montanans, we recognize the importance of a strong work/life balance to enjoy the many benefits offered by our community. We work hard to create accessible workplaces and promote a culture of learning from one another. Our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee is actively working on structural changes within our organization and staff and stakeholders recently completed a strategic planning process resulting in a more unified vision for the future direction of the RIIC.
Minimum Qualifications
- Graduate degree
- Extensive experience working with individuals with disabilities and their families, as well as with disability-focused agencies or organizations
- Ability to develop and maintain strategic partnerships
- Experience serving as a principal investigator with an active disability-related grant-funded research portfolio
- Skill and experience administering research, training, outreach, technical assistance, resource development/leverage, and dissemination activities
- Understanding of the UCEDD network and its role, purpose, and mission
- Excellent communication skills related to administration, strategic vision, and improved understanding of research and issues facing people with disabilities across the lifespan
- Skilled at developing a collaborative workplace through team building, sponsorship of junior colleagues, and respect for employees at all organizational levels
- Demonstrates commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusiveness
- Understands and demonstrates ability to affect systems change to support policy, legislation, service outcomes, equitable access, and quality of life for people with disabilities
- Demonstrates ability to foster a workplace culture that values collaboration, intellectual curiosity, mentoring, academic freedom, and diverse perspectives
Preferred Qualifications
- Terminal degree
- Demonstrated leadership within the UCEDD network
- Knowledge and skills related to direct lived experience as a person with a disability and/or family/caregiver experience
- Substantial record of research, publications, presentations, and grantsmanship related to disability
- Embodiment of the values of independence, productivity, and community inclusion as outlined within the DD Act
How to Apply
Priority Application Date: August 1, 2022.
Applications received by this date will be guaranteed consideration. Application review will begin on August 1 and continue until the position is filled.
Please submit the following application materials via "New Resume/CV" button below. *Please note: only five (5) attachments are allowed per application. Please combine documents accordingly.
- Letter of Interest – addressing the stated required skills for the position
- DEI statement - Diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential components of the RIIC mission.
Please provide a statement (no more than 2-3 paragraphs/1 page) describing how your past and present professional activities, services, and/or lived experience has advanced these efforts. Going forward, how would you advance diversity, equity, and inclusion at the RIIC? - Detailed resume listing education and describing work experience
- Names and contact information for three (3) professional references
See the link for a full application description:
https://university-montana-hr.silkroad.com/epostings/index.cfm?fuseaction=app.jobinfo&jobid=3467&company_id=16254&version=1&source=ONLINE&JobOwner=992519&startflag=1