TheL.S. Skaggs Institute for Health Innovation (SIHI) is seeking a Research and Community Engagement Specialistto support SIHI initiatives through grant proposal development, research communications, stakeholder engagement, and coordination of scientific convenings, including thePathways Symposium. The position will support collaborations with internal and external research centers, community partners, Tribal Nations, and funding organizations. The Research and Community Engagement Specialist will also provide programmatic support, including planning and documenting meetings, managing communications with external partners, developing research materials and summaries, and tracking research deliverables and timelines. This position operates with a high degree of independence and requires strong judgment, initiative, and the ability to coordinate multi-stakeholder research activities in a dynamic environment.
- Identify and support development of grant and contract opportunities, including coordinating proposal materials, timelines, and submission documentation.
- Assist with preparation of progress reports for sponsors and funding agencies, and monitor agency updates to communicate relevant policy changes.
- Prepare meeting summaries, research briefs, literature reviews, and other dissemination materials.
- Develop and administer research and evaluation surveys, including data collection and summary analysis.
- Coordinate communications and meetings with community, Tribal, and rural partners, and document stakeholder input to inform research design.
- Lead planning and execution of scientific convenings, including coordinating speakers, logistics, materials, vendors, and evaluations.
- Coordinate research meetings and working groups, including developing agendas, tracking action items, and maintaining project timelines and deliverables.
- Maintain organized research systems and operations, including policies, procedures, filing systems, staff and student support, and contributions to program planning.
- Bachelor’s degree in public health, health or biological sciences, social sciences, environmental sciences, community health, or a related field.
- Two years of experience working in research environments (e.g., universities, research centers, nonprofit research organizations).
- Proficiency in computer software programs, including word processing, data entry, and spreadsheets.
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to exercise diplomacy, sound judgment, and independent decision-making.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree or at least five (5) years of experience in program management, with demonstrated success overseeing research programs.
- Strong management skills, with the ability to oversee complex processes, solve problems, and prioritize multiple projects.
- Experience in grant or research proposal development, including familiarity with sponsor requirements and extramural funding (e.g., NIH, NSF, philanthropy).
- Experience in communications, with the ability to translate complex or scientific information for broader audiences.
- Experience organizing scientific convenings or academic events.
- Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong working relationships with diverse individuals and organizations.
- Exceptional communication skills, including the ability to lead meetings and demonstrate thought leadership.
- Excellent computer literacy, including proficiency with word processing, spreadsheets, and visual communication tools.
- Familiarity with University of Montana systems and processes (e.g., Banner, UMDW, GrizMart, PaymentWorks, U-Approve, Cayuse, Axiom, Qualtrics, Moodle).
Position is full-time, 1.0 FTE, Letter of Appointment and includes a comprehensive and competitive benefits package including insurance package, mandatory retirement plan, partial tuition waiver, and wellness program.
Screening of applications will begin after the closingdate; 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.
To apply, please upload the following materials:
- 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
The University of Montana is interested in receiving applications from people who would assist the University in demonstrating its fivepriorities 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.
