Senior Data Operations Manager

State of Montana; Montana; On-site; USD 61,000 - 87,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Work/life balance

Family friendly

Retirement plans

Paid vacation, sick leave & holidays

Job summary

Office of Public Instruction in Montana seeks a Senior Data Operations Manager to lead data collection, analysis and reporting for state and federal education data. You will supervise data professionals and ensure reliable, compliant systems and outputs.

The role requires a Bachelor's degree and at least four years in data management or project leadership, plus four years of supervisory experience. Salary is hourly with telework not eligible and a competitive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems, public administration, or related field.
• Minimum of four (4) years designing, maintaining, or administering data management systems or managing data/tech projects.
• Minimum of four (4) years of supervisory experience.
• Equivalent combination of education, certification, and experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for data operations.
• Supervise a team responsible for data collection, analysis, and reporting.
• Ensure data systems and processes are reliable, efficient, and compliant with regulations.
• Lead teams through change and drive process improvements.

Skills

Management

Supervisory experience

Project management

Data governance

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in CS/IS/Public Admin or related field

Job description

Job Description - Senior Data Operations Manager (01403) (26142646)

Position Title:

Senior Data Operations Manager (01403) - ( 26142646 )

Resume - Please include dates of employment and your supervisor’s name/phone number for each position.

Why you would enjoy working here;

Office of Public Instruction employees are a passionate group of professionals dedicated to leading and supporting our education system. We house a diverse collection of experiences with the 200+ unique individuals we employ. Our specialists further OPI’s purpose with applicable knowledge in education, health, research and analysis, nutrition, finance, administration, human resources, licensing and regulation, information technology, and many others. We are proud to serve 149,000+ students pre‑K to grade 12, their parents and guardians, 400+ school districts, 16,000+ educational professionals, and 3,000+ adult learners.

Benefits of working for OPI:

• Work/life balance
• Family friendly
• Dedicated and caring colleagues
• Retirement plans
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and Holidays (combination of up to 38 per year)
• Opportunities and room for professional growth
• Public service loan forgiveness-Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under the PSLF.

E-Verify:

Effective October 1, 2026, 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/

Job Overview:

The Senior Data Operations Manager provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for OPI’s data operations employees and functions. This position supervises a team of data professionals responsible for accurate and timely collection, analysis, and reporting of state and federal education data. This position ensures that data systems, processes, and outputs are reliable, efficient, and aligned with evolving statutory, regulatory, and programmatic requirements.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Behaviors):

• Skilled in management and supervisory experience
• Skilled in project and operational management skills
• Knowledgeable in organizational, written, and verbal communication skills
• Knowledge of data governance, data security, and sensitive information handling
• Ability to design and implement consistent, repeatable, and efficient processes and systems
• Ability to lead teams through change, improvement, and adaptation
• Ability to build consensus around shared goals across teams and programs
• Skilled in facilitation and conflict-resolution skills, with the ability to clearly articulate issues and guide stakeholders toward effective solutions
• Ability to learn and apply OPI data systems, data purposes, and programmatic contexts
• Ability to understand relational data concepts and complex data requirements
• Demonstrated capacity to implement practical change management strategies

Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience)

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Systems, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field
• Minimum of four (4) years of experience designing, maintaining, or administering data management systems and/or managing data or technology projects
• Minimum of four (4) years of supervisory experience
• Substitution: a equivalent combination of education, certification, and experience in business analytics, project management, data management, or related fields may be considered.

Applicant Pool Statement : If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection. Training Assignment : This agency may use a training assignment. Employees in training assignments may be paid below the base pay established by the agency pay rules. Conditions of the training assignment will be stated in writing at the time of hire.

Salary: $53.80 - 53.80 Hourly Telework Eligibility : Not Telework Eligible Benefits Package Eligibility : Health Insurance, Paid Leave & Holidays, Retirement Plan

Number of Openings

1

Employee Status : Regular

Schedule : Full-Time

Job Type

Standard

Shift

Day Job

Travel

Yes, 5 % of the Time

Primary Location

Helena

Other Locations

Kalispell, Bozeman, Billings, Butte, Missoula, Great Falls

Agency : Office of Public Instruction Union : 000 - None

Posting Date

Oct 19, 2026, 7:34:44 PM Closing Date (based on your computer's timezone) : Ongoing

Required Application Materials : Resume

Contact Name : Human Resources | Contact Email : [e-mail] | Contact Phone : [phone] Anyone who needs to request a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the HR staff identified on the job listing or by dialing the Montana Relay at 711. Montana Job Service Offices also offer services including assistance with submitting an online application.

State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.