Position Type: VISTA
Service Commitment: August 10, 2026 – August 9, 2027
Final Application Deadline: July 12, 2026
Car required? Recommended
Driver’s License Required? Yes
Position Summary:
The University of Montana (UM), founded in 1893 in Missoula, is a premier public research university known for its R1 designation and strong focus on liberal arts, forestry, and journalism. With a campus of ~11,000 students, it offers over 500 academic pathways. UM-Tribal Outreach Office supports current Native students and prospective students with academic readiness, college awareness and access to resources through culturally responsive programming. Tribal Outreach Office builds partnerships with tribal leaders, schools and organizations, coordinating outreach efforts and helping marginalized students navigate pathways to higher education. The goal of this project is to strengthen the sustainable outreach systems, increasing access to higher education, civic engagement opportunities, and fostering long-term, reciprocal partnerships between tribal communities and higher education institutions. Through the expansion of higher education opportunities and reduction of barriers to marginalized communities, this increase in retention will have a direct link to higher lifetime earning potential and long-term stability, thereby alleviating poverty.
The VISTA member will serve as a vital bridge between the University of Montana and tribal nations, focusing on a holistic strategy of outreach, student support, and institutional transformation. By developing culturally resonant messaging and traveling directly to tribal communities, the member will expand awareness of higher education opportunities. A significant portion of the role involves strengthening educational pathways; this includes coordinating across campus departments and analyzing student persistence data to improve Native student retention & persistence. Beyond recruitment, the VISTA member will support the development of Indigenous-centered practices by documenting stewardship processes and develop tools that support the ongoing stewardship of Indigenous centered practices on campus, including the coordination with campus & tribal stakeholders in these efforts. Ultimately, the member will strengthen and sustain respectful and reciprocal relationships between UM and tribal nations though the development of outreach communication systems, assistance with collaborative coordination of meetings & listening sessions, and the identification of opportunities for this collaboration.
Montana Campus Network for Civic Engagement (MCNCE) serves as the intermediary for this project. MCNCE is a coalition of colleges and universities dedicated to fostering civic engagement, service learning, and volunteerism across Montana. Led by CEOs from participating institutions, MCNCE works to improve community life and educate students on civic and social responsibility, preparing them to be thoughtful, compassionate, and engaged leaders.
Benefits Include:
- $24,962 VISTA Living Allowance (full year) = $957.46 bi-weekly
- $7,395 Education Award or $1800 cash award
- Relocation Allowance
- Health Insurance
- Personal & Medical Leave
- Non-Competitive Federal Hiring for one year & Eligible for Federal Loan Deferment
- University of Montana access & resources
- Access to regular professional trainings through MCNCE & University of Montana
Professional Skills You Will Gain
- Communications
- Indigenous Community Outreach
- Intercultural Relations
- Leadership
- Grant Writing & Research
- Partnership Development
- Partnership Management
- Program Assessment
- Program Development
- Public Speaking
- Teamwork
- Time Management
- Social Media