Research and Information Services Program Manager

State of Montana; Helena (MT); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Retirement plans

Paid vacation

Sick leave

Holidays

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Work/life balance

Job summary

The State of Montana, Department of Commerce, seeks a program manager for the Research and Information Services team. The role provides leadership, strategy and vision across four core functions: census data resources, industry development, resort area analysis, and federal grants administration.

You will lead a team, coordinate stakeholders, and ensure accurate data interpretation, grant compliance, and strategic economic development across Montana, with a hybrid work setup and travel to Helena

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of state budgeting, public administration, economics, data analysis, business development, and regulatory processes.
• Proven ability to manage and coordinate diverse programs effectively.
• Solid understanding of state and federal grant administration and compliance.
• Ability to assess complex data sets, interpret trends, and evaluate potential impacts.
• Progressive experience in economics, data analysis, or business development.

Responsibilities

• Lead Census and Economic Information Center initiatives and coordinate data resources.
• Work with stakeholders to ensure accurate counts during the decennial census.
• Identify investments in projects to grow Montana's core industries and economy (Industry Development).
• Oversee resort area/community analysis and determine eligibility based on state statute.
• Manage two large federal grants and monitor reporting and compliance.

Skills

Public administration

Budgeting

Economics

Data analysis

Regulatory processes

Stakeholder engagement

Job description

About the Department

The Department of Commerce aims to make sure Montana is the best place to work, live and play. We work alongside private industry and local organizations to create jobs, grow businesses, develop affordable housing, and improve community infrastructure.

We uphold excellence , integrity , engagement , and innovation by delivering respectful, creative, and accountable service through collaborative, resilient teams. Rooted in a deep love for Montana , we proudly embody its authenticity, independence, and industry as we serve and partner with Montanans.

(You can learn more about us here .)

About the Position

This role is the program manager for the Research and Information Services team. The successful candidate will provide leadership, strategy and vision within the team's four core functions:

Census and Economic Information Center: This position is the main contact for the State of Montana with the U.S. Census Bureau and leads the State Data program in addition to a team who help provide resources based on census data including economic and demographic analysis, data, maps and more.

Work with stakeholders to ensure accurate counts during the decennial census.

Industry Development Program: This position helps to identify and facilitate investments in projects to help grow Montana's core industries and our economy.

Leads a team of two program specialists to provide industry assistance to Montana businesses.

Resort Area & Community Analysis: This position oversees an economist who completes the economic analysis to determine if communities are eligible to become a resort area or resort community based on state statute.

Provide data analysis support and act as a resource for the team.

Federal grants administration: This position helps to manage two large-scale grants through the Department of Energy to help build Montana's energy capacity and realize its potential as an energy leader.

This position will ensure the team monitors project progress, completes necessary federal reporting and meets all grant requirements.

What are we looking for?

• Strong knowledge of state budgeting, public administration, economics, data analysis, business development, and regulatory processes
• Proven ability to manage and coordinate diverse programs effectively
• Solid understanding of state and federal grant administration and compliance
• Ability to assess complex data sets, interpret trends, and evaluate potential impacts
• Progressive experience in economics, data analysis, or business development

Benefits

• Work/life balance,
• Health coverage,
• Retirement plans,
• Paid vacation and sick leave and holidays,
• And more...

Public Service Loan Forgiveness - Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under the PSLF. Look here to learn more and see if you may qualify.

Other important information to be aware of

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

This position allows for a hybrid work schedule from a remote location within the state of Montana. Weekly travel to Helena offices will be required. Specific conditions will be outlined as part of the job offer and must adhere to state policy. New employees may be required to complete training in person before hybrid work schedules begin.

This agency participates 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, Link to E-Verify Website .