The Montana Space Grant Consortium (MSGC) was established in 1991 as a component of NASA’s National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program, NASA’s higher education program. MSGC is one of a national network of 52 Consortia working to strengthen aerospace research and education in the United States. In addition to being the lead institution at Montana State University, all 22 other colleges and universities across Montana are higher education affiliates of MSGC. Other Consortium partners include aerospace industry businesses, non-profit organizations, and museums. MSGC works with these affiliates and partners, and through the government and public outreach, to promote an active STEM base in the state.
The Montana NASA EPSCoR (MNE) program seeks to increase NASA-related competitive research within Montana. As is required by NASA, the MNE Program is led by the MSGC team.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Define, coordinate, and implement new and existing MSGC programs at the statewide member institutions, including student research experiences, faculty grants, and outreach activities.
- Direct the annual MNE Research Initiation and MNE Research Group Award grant processes – advertising the opportunity, managing proposals, creating a review panel, and notifying recipients.
- Manage MSGC and MNE budgets, together with the Director and Program Coordinator.
- Compile annual reports for MSGC and MNE and ensure compliance with NASA program requirements.
- Coordinate program evaluation with the MSGC external evaluator.
- Promote MSGC activities and programs at all levels, including college and university campuses, K-12 classrooms, and state and federal government.
- Includes working with students, faculty, and administrators.
- Travel both within the state (including visits to other MSGC member institutions) and nationally to Space Grant and other NASA meetings.
- Write proposals for developing funding opportunities and collaborations between member campuses, other educational entities, and the aerospace industry.
- Develop and implement strategies for improved workplace, academic culture, and safety for students, staff, and collaborators.
Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
- Bachelor’s degree in science, engineering, math, science education, or related field or an equivalent combination of education/experience.
- Experience in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education and/or outreach at the university level.
Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
- Ph.D. in science, engineering, science education, or related field or an equivalent combination of education/experience.
- Evidence of broad interest in and knowledge of space science, engineering, Earth system science, and NASA programs and mission.
- Experience working with industry and state and federal government.
- Experience in administration of research, education, and/or outreach programs.
The Successful Candidate Will
- Possess a strong background and interest in NASA-related aerospace research and education.
- Excellent interpersonal communications, leadership, and organizational skills.
- Possess the ability to manage multiple simultaneous tasks.
Position Special Requirements/Additional Information
Applicants employed at other MSGC Montana colleges or universities are eligible to apply. Traveling around Montana will be necessary.
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.
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 August 13, 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.