Position assists the AISS Director to: provide support services to American Indian students focusing on first-time freshman and tribal college transfers; provide general academic guidance and advising to all American Indian students; explain financial aid policies and procedures; assist in the application process; administer Native American Peer mentoring program; select, supervise, and evaluate AISS Peer Mentors and student support staff; evaluate AISS students’ academic progress; design and implement retention strategies and activities; communicate and network with American Indian student organizations and Tribal Higher Education specialists to facilitate communication with prospective and current students; develop host family program; identify and contact at risk students and make knowledge referrals to campus services; identify community resources to assist with retention related issues; communicate with the UM community to facilitate cross-cultural knowledge and interaction; assist UM departments in recruiting efforts and presentations; act as a liaison with other programs to advocate intra unit coordination of American Indian retention activities; implement social and educational activities and events; participate in short and long range strategic planning for new programs; participate as a member of related UM committees; occasional travel may be required

Provides customer service and administrative support for the office: greet and direct students and visitors; drafting correspondence; responding to basic inquires; answering telephones; scheduling appointments; compiling and disseminating reports; data entry; printing reports; maintains office equipment completes additional duties as assigned

Position will demonstrate: detailed knowledge of complex federal financial aid grant and loan programs, including those available to all students and those that are unique to American Indian students; knowledge of standard office practices and procedures; effective public relations, interpersonal and oral communication skills with the ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with a diverse group of individuals; ability to learn and apply The University of Montana policies and procedures, especially regarding transfers, applying, financial aid and advising; knowledge of relevant UM programs; knowledge of area programs available to American Indian clients; ability to plan, organize and coordinate new programs; ability to exercise sound judgment, effective problem solving skills and make recommendations for change; effective written communication skills with the ability to write, edit, and layout documents and materials in a variety of formats suitable for the intended audience; ability to operate personal computers, related word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, email and database software (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), with the ability to learn other software (Banner); ability to understand cultural factors influencing student retention; ability to plan and organize events; knowledge of program evaluation and reporting; ability to interpret transcripts, reports and standardized test scores; ability to gather and analyze data for reports; effective presentation skills with the ability to represent Director of AISS in meetings; ability to use standard office equipment; copiers, fax machine, and multi-line phone system; ability to maintain confidentiality; knowledge of supervisory practice and procedures

High school graduation and three (3) years related work experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Knowledge of professional office practices and procedures; business English, spelling, composition, and grammar with the ability to draft, proofread, and layout various documents

Effective interpersonal, public relations, and communication skills, including ability to work with a diverse population

Ability to share and present complex information with others; ability to design workshops and presentations

Demonstrated skill in use of personal computers and related word processing, database, and spreadsheet software

Ability to plan and schedule events

Ability to maintain accurate records and files; maintain strict confidentiality

Demonstrated knowledge of supervisory practices and procedures