Careers

On average, students who graduate from our MPA Program have a starting salary of $56,000. Seventy-seven percent of our graduates, who do not have employment while pursuing their degree, are employed within six months after graduation.

Career Assistance

The UM School of Law’s Katy Stack (Director of Career Development) and Leslie Ellington-Staal (Career Services Program Coordinator) will provide you direct assistance and their extensive expertise with job preparedness:

  • Resume, cover letter and LinkedIn profile assistance
  • Mock interviews
  • What to do/not do for interviews (e.g. group interviews, zoom interviews, or in-person interviews)
  • Pre- and post-interview success tips

If you want assistance on your resume or cover letter, you are required to send a draft in advance (at least 48 hours prior to your scheduled meeting time). If you need samples to get you started, please ask Katy or Leslie.

These services are open to all (online or in-person)  DPAP graduate students (joint, certificate, or master's).

Jobs and Internships

Please review this portion of our website regularly because it is updated often.

Jobs

PublicServiceCareers.org is a widely used website for finding jobs and career advice for public service and public affairs students and professionals.

AmeriCorps year-long service positions are available in various Montana cities.

Montana Campus Compact (MTCC) Website: https://mtcompact.org/

MTCC Application Process: https://mtcompact.org/americorps-vista/apply-to-serve/full-time-member-application-process/

MTCC Position Descriptions: https://mtcompact.org/americorps-vista/apply-to-serve/service-positions/full-time-positions/

Check the Montana Nonprofit Association job board, a statewide resource for those interested in nonprofit careers.
The Coordinator for Health Equity provides leadership to identify and address the root causes of health inequities, develops and implements a framework with community partners to address social and economic factors impacting health, and supports internal and community health equity initiatives for the Health Promotion Division of the Missoula City–County Health Department (MCCHD). Full time with benefits, $22.13/hour. Deadline to apply is 4-15-21 at 5PM MST. 
Winter Wildlands Alliance is seeking a qualified and experienced Membership Director. Must be a highly-motivated individual to lead and manage the organization’s membership, outreach, donor cultivation, database system and engagement. They are responsible for expanding and managing their membership program, including creating and implementing an annual plan for membership growth and retention. Additionally, this position coordinates development opportunities and oversees membership activities. Salary is $65k DOE. Deadline to apply is 4-15-21. 
The Peace Center Director should be committed to and passionate about the Jeannette Rankin Peace Center's mission of working together to build a world of non-violence, social and racial justice, and environmental sustainability. Candidates should have experience in non-profit leadership, including financials, fundraising, budget compliance, and development. This position is responsible for overseeing current programs as well as developing and managing future programs. Full time with limited benefits, $40k - $42k salary starting range. Deadline to apply is 4-19-21. 
The Housing Manager advances policies and programs to mitigate housing inequities within the community. The Housing Manager will promote equal distribution of resources, ensure due process, and promote equity in the quality of service delivery in alignment with the City of Missoula's Mission. Full-time with benefits, hourly rate at $30-$33/hour. Applicant screening begins 4-1-21 and applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
The Policy Specialist for NAFOA is responsible for researching and advising NAFOA on legislative policy matters impacting Indian Country including, but not limited to: tax, finance, investment, banking, infrastructure, and common sectors such as energy, gaming, and government contracting, as well as issues related to land use. Full time with benefits, DC area preferred but not required.
The ACLU of Montana Foundation (“ACLU of Montana”) seeks a passionate, energetic, and committed Policy Director to lead its Advocacy and Policy Department. This is an opportunity for a visionary professional to build on the success of the premier civil liberties and civil rights organization in Montana. Full time with benefits, $73-$78k annual salary. Applications accepted on rolling bases and review begins on 3-8-21, with goal for start date in late April or May 2021. 

Internships

The NASPAA Higher Education Data Internship is a virtual opportunity, ideal for a graduate student interested in higher education data collection and analysis. The student chosen for this internship will have the opportunity to develop their policy analysis skills and real-world data analysis skills (including data visualization) at the intersection of higher education and public service. $15-17/hour, part-time: 20-25 hrs/week. The deadline is rolling and applications will be accepted until filled. The posting on publicservicecareers.org will be removed once the position is filled--otherwise potential applicants should assume the position is still open. 

The Missoula Food Bank currently has several opportunities, including two food security policy internships (one childhood, one nutrition program), that may be a good fit for students in the Department of Public Administration. Apply on Handshake.

Startup Internships for Accelerate Montana are paid opportunities are a way to obtain real-world experience in business specific to your career interests, develop skills essentials to business and leadership, connect with passionate and innovative entrepreneurs, and open post-graduate career opportunities. To learn more and apply, log into Handshake or contact Accelerate Montana internship manager Sid Paladugu at sid.paladugu@mso.umt.edu.

Notable Alumni

Local/State Communities
  • Jennifer Zellmer-Cuaresma, Director of Student-Athlete Support Services
  • Shyra Scott, Missoula County Recording Director
  • Anne Hughes, Missoula County Chief Operating Officer
  • Dayna Swanson, Director of Government Relations at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance
  • Tim Fox, former Montana Attorney General
  • Christi Jacobsen, Montana Secretary of State
  • Rob Gannon, City of Missoula Chief Financial Officer
Tribal Communities
  • Eldena Bear Don’t Walk, tribal judge, first female Chief Justice of the Crow Tribe
  • Debra DuMontier, Office of Special Trustee for American Indians
Nonprofit/International Communities
  • Deena Mansour, Executive Director of the Mansfield Center
  • Jesse Mahugh, Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flathead County
  • Aubrie Lyons, Director of Montana World Affairs Council
  • Mike Halligan, Executive Director of the Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation