Executive Officer

The position is required to be in office 3 days a week in Helena.  

Note\: Employees for the State of Montana must reside within Montana. All applications and required application documents must be submitted through the MT Careers site at\: https\://mtstatejobs.taleo.net/careersection/200/jobdetail.ftl?job=26142056&tz=GMT-07:00&tzname=America/Denver

Are you passionate about public protection and professional excellence? The Professional Licensing Bureau, part of the Employment Standards Division (ESD) at the Montana Department of Labor & Industry (DLI), is looking for an Executive Officer to play a key role in supporting multiple licensing boards and programs.

In this position, you'll help ensure that Montana's licensed professionals meet the required standards while also protecting the public and strengthening the workforce that communities across the state rely on. You will collaborate with licensing boards to carry out their duties, guide professional licensing processes, and contribute to transparent, compliant operations.

We offer a growth-oriented environment that values continuous improvement, accuracy, and outstanding customer service. If you're ready to make a meaningful impact, we'd love to hear from you.

MISSION STATEMENT\:

Empowering all Montanans through work and opportunity.

It's about the people and the impact we make in our communities every day. We are proud of our open, team-based, supportive, and collaborative work environments. Learn more about DLI here.

POSITION OVERVIEW\:

As an Executive Officer in the Professional Licensing Bureau, you will provide day to day support to Montana’s professional and occupational licensing boards and programs. Executive Officers work closely with board members, licensees, the public, and stakeholders to coordinate board meetings, prepare materials, manage licensing and regulatory processes, and support consistent, compliant operations. You will use strong communication, analytical, and organizational skills to help ensure boards and programs carry out their work within statutory authority and advance DLI’s mission to empower Montanans through work and opportunity. This position is both operational and public facing, offering the opportunity to support professional standards and contribute to positive outcomes for Montanans who rely on licensed services.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU\:

• Meaningful public impact\: Contribute directly to protecting the public, strengthening Montana’s licensed workforce, and supporting fair, reliable professional standards across multiple occupations.
• Specialized regulatory experience\: Build deep knowledge of occupational licensing laws, administrative procedures, and board governance while working on real world regulatory issues.
• Professional growth and skill development\: Expand your skills in policy analysis, meeting preparation, communication, data informed problem solving, and program coordination in a supportive, learning focused environment.
• Collaboration with diverse professionals\: Work closely with board members, licensees, professional associations, the public, and partner agencies, gaining exposure to a wide range of professions and perspectives.
• Engaging, varied work\: Balance analytical tasks, meeting preparation, stakeholder communication, and process improvement work, offering variety and ongoing opportunities to contribute ideas.
• Stability and mission driven service\: Enjoy the benefits of public sector employment while contributing to a clear mission rooted in accountability, fairness, and service to Montanans.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS\:

• Lead board and program operations\: Provide direct oversight for licensing board and program ac-tivities, ensuring compliance with statutes, administrative rules, and department policies while pro-moting efficient, customer focused service.
• Develop and implement board policy\: Collaborate with board members and stakeholders to draft, refine, and implement policies and rules that balance regulatory requirements, workforce needs, and public protection.
• Evaluate Broad performance\: Use data, metrics, and trend analysis to assess program effective-ness, identify risks and opportunities, and recommend process improvements that enhance efficiency, transparency, and accountability.
• Engage stakeholders and the public\: Build and maintain relationships with licensees, professional associations, consumers, and partner agencies through proactive communication, outreach, and par-ticipation in local, state, and national meetings.
• Lead and coordinate staff work\: Guide program staff and coordinate activities across functional work units to ensure consistent application of laws, rules, and policies and accurate, timely licensing operations.
• Prepare and manage board meetings\: Develop agendas, meeting materials, and reports; docu-ment board actions; and ensure meetings comply with open meeting laws, public notice require-ments, and departmental standards.
• Provide fiscal analysis and guidance\: Analyze fiscal data, monitor program budgets and reve-nues, and recommend resource allocations that support strategic goals, legislative priorities, and re-sponsible stewardship of public funds.
• Partner on bureau and division initiatives\: Work closely with bureau and division leadership to advance department wide initiatives that promote modernization, accountability, and customer service excellence across licensing programs.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES\:

Candidates must demonstrate the ability to\:

• Stakeholder engagement and communication\: Engage diverse stakeholders, develop and implement strategic plans, and communicate complex technical or legal information in clear, concise language through written materials, presentations, and public speaking.
• Leadership and board governance\: Support and advise governor appointed boards and internal programs through policy development, rulemaking, and program oversight, including facilitating meetings, preparing board materials, and translating board decisions into actionable operational plans.
• Collaborative negotiation and conflict management\: Navigate complex stakeholder relationships and board dynamics with diplomacy and emotional intelligence, build consensus while maintaining compliance with laws and policies, and resolve conflict constructively in politically sensitive or high impact situations.
• Operational analysis and program evaluation\: Analyze licensing operations, interpret performance data, identify trends, risks, and opportunities, and apply strategic problem solving to improve efficiency, accountability, and transparency.
• Regulatory interpretation and legal application\: Interpret and apply Montana’s occupational licensing laws, administrative procedures, and statutory program requirements, advise boards on their legal authority, and ensure programs remain compliant and defensible.
• Fiscal stewardship and public accountability\: Analyze budgets, monitor financial performance, forecast resource needs, and communicate fiscal information clearly to boards, stakeholders, and leadership while upholding responsible resource allocation and transparency.
• Strategic organization and time management\: Manage multiple licensing boards and programs concurrently, coordinate complex schedules, and meet strict legislative, statutory, and operational deadlines while maintaining accuracy and professionalism.
• Technology integration and information management\: Use digital systems, licensing databases, and communication tools to streamline processes, maintain accurate records, and support program modernization, including proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Adobe, Zoom, and department supported systems.
• Public presentation and speaking\: Communicate effectively in public settings by delivering clear, engaging, and informative presentations tailored to diverse audiences, and by developing professional presentation materials that convey complex information in an accessible, visually compelling manner

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (Education and Experience)

• Demonstrated experience leading boards, teams, or projects in environments where advising decision makers, resolving complex issues, and ensuring compliance with laws, rules, or standards are central responsibilities.
• Experience interpreting and applying statutes, administrative rules, policies, or technical standards to real world situations and balancing regulatory requirements with practical customer or business needs.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze data and program information, evaluate operational effectiveness, and implement improvements that enhance efficiency, accountability, and customer outcomes.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing meeting materials, reports, and correspondence and explaining complex concepts to boards, stakeholders, and the public.
• Experience organizing and managing multiple boards, meetings, and deadlines with accuracy, professionalism, and effective time management, including coordination of staff work and stakeholder engagement.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software, and the ability to learn and use licensing databases, case management systems, or electronic records systems.
• A Bachelor’s degree in public administration, Business, Communications, Political Science, or related fields may supplement relevant experience but is not a substitute for proven 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/

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.