Program Officer

REQUIRED SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES:

Candidates must demonstrate the ability to:

• Program and grant administration: Design, manage, and monitor grant funded initiatives, ensuring compliance with laws, regulations, and funding guidelines.
• Effective communication: Communicate complex information clearly in writing, conversation, and public presentations for diverse audiences.
• Partnership and stakeholder engagement: Build and sustain collaborative relationships with community organizations, program directors, and government partners to achieve shared goals.
• Data informed decision making: Collect, analyze, and present data to evaluate program outcomes, identify trends, and recommend improvements.
• Strategic planning and organization: Manage multiple deadlines, adapt to changing priorities, and deliver high quality results under limited supervision.
• Problem solving and innovation: Diagnose challenges, develop viable solutions, and implement improvements that support program effectiveness and compliance.
• Professional integrity and self management: Manage time, priorities, and confidential information responsibly while demonstrating initiative and accountability.
• Public representation: Deliver clear, engaging presentations to internal and external audiences; create professional, visually compelling materials that effectively communicate program goals.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (Education and Experience)

• Demonstrated experience in program, project, or grant administration, including interpreting and applying policies, laws, or regulations.
• Experience supporting or managing community service, volunteer engagement, or national service initiatives such as AmeriCorps.
• Experience in research, data reporting, or technical writing that supports program compliance or evaluation.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and database tools, and the ability to learn specialized grant and reporting systems.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for explaining technical concepts to diverse audiences.
• A degree in human services, business, education, or a related field may supplement relevant professional experience but is not a substitute for demonstrated skills and competencies in the areas noted above. Equivalent combinations of education and directly related experience will be considered.

HOW TO APPLY FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY:

A complete state application is not required; however, you will need to initiate the application and attach the resume, cover letter or other required documents at time of application to be considered for this position. Resume will auto fill the application, but the application will not be scored or reviewed.

Failure to attach the cover letter and resume will result in your application being considered incomplete and will not be considered further. Materials submitted but not requested will not be considered in the selection process.

Tip: When attaching your resume, cover letter or other required documents you must mark the attachments as “RELEVANT” or we will be unable to view your documents.

Required application materials:

• Cover Letter - Your Cover Letter should explain how your experience and education meet the identified required skills and competencies, with examples that demonstrate your qualifications.
• Resume - include all work experience you have held that would help you qualify for this position, including duties, dates of employment.

Only online applications will be accepted. By applying online, you can receive updates and monitor the status of your application.

All documents for Veteran or Disability preference must be received or date stamped by the closing date. You will receive an application confirmation email with instructions on acceptable preference documents and how to submit such documents.

If you need an accommodation with the application process, please contact the HR office.

BENEFITS:

Being able to enjoy the quality of life in the beautiful state of Montana is one of the benefits you will love about this opportunity! Our mountains, waterways and open spaces provide not only beautiful scenery but year-round recreational opportunities including hiking, camping, biking, fishing, boating, hunting, skiing and snowmobiling. Montana boasts a high-quality education system and a variety of entertainment including fairs, rodeos, and theaters. Read more about our great state here.

See our other incredible benefits here. These are some of our benefits just to name a few:

• Work/life balance with hybrid schedules or partial telework may be available within the state of Montana.
• 38 paid days off a year including vacation, sick leave and holidays.
• Military leave: You’ll get up to 15 days of military leave with full pay.
• Longevity raises with continuous service, as well as any negotiated market increases and state statutory raises.
• Health, dental, vision, life insurance coverage, flexible spending accounts, EAP - click here to learn more.
• Free telehealth and access to free employee medical clinics through our medical plan - click here to learn more.
• Choice between two retirement plans with an employer contribution between 8.73% - 9.07% of your annual salary.  A third optional 457(b) deferred compensation plan is also available. – Click here to learn more.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness- Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive loan forgiveness- click here to learn more!
• Career progression, training opportunities and room for professional growth.
• State employee discounts at various businesses across the state.

*This position may be covered by a Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association (VEBA)

E-Verify: This agency is participating in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. After accepting a job offer and completing Form I-9, your information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration for verification. For more information about E-Verify, please visit the E-Verify website found here, https://www.e-verify.gov/