Human Resource Director / Chief HR Officer

Why live in Helena, Montana?

Helena is Montana’s capital city of about 75,000 people, surrounded by rolling hills and lofty mountains just below the Continental Divide, offering a quiet place to call home where small‑town living meets year‑round outdoor adventure.

Why should you keep reading and consider working here?

We know you have other work options, but we invite you to consider joining us at the State of Montana Department of Administration. As a customer service–focused organization, we provide centralized services, specialized support, and practical solutions to state agencies, boards, and commissions, as well as local governments across Montana. Our vision is to transform how government services are delivered and accessed, serving state government with effective, efficient, and customer‑driven solutions that benefit all Montanans.

What is this career opportunity?

The State of Montana employs approximately 14,000 people. As the State’s Human Resource Director, you will lead a team of about 40 human resources, labor relations, and IT professionals to design and deliver forward‑looking, enterprise‑wide solutions. In addition, this role serves as the Governor’s designated Chief Labor Negotiator. The State is currently centralizing the human resource function to drive consistency, efficiency, and strategic alignment and this role is essential to the successful implementation of that initiative.

Through effective leadership, this position fosters collaboration across the State’s human resources community to deliver effective, cost‑conscious HR processes, solutions, and systems; advances initiatives, policy development, and programs under the direction of the State’s Chief Operating Officer/Director of the Department of Administration and the Governor’s Office; and ensures that policies and programs comply with all applicable state and federal employment and labor laws.

This position will remain open until filled. An initial candidate review will take place on Monday, June 22.

What are we looking for?

Education and Experience\: 

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, human resources or related field.

• Five years or more of human resource leadership experience supporting a multifaceted organization; knowledge of human resource/labor relations laws, policies, and best practices; and experience developing and administering human resource programs within a large organization.

• Alternate combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis. 

Competencies\:

Ability to\:

• provide leadership, vision, and direction for the State’s human resource programs and systems;

• excercise judgment and discretion to establish and maintain strong working relationships utilizing strong collaboration, facilitation, and leadership skills;

• build consensus among a group of varying stakeholders;

• communicate program requirements to diverse levels of management;

• identify problems, emerging issues and trends, and establish statewide strategies to address them;

• provide direction and implement state-wide employee compensation strategies;

• represent state government and testify before legislative committees on matters relating to state human resource programs and practices;

• oversee the development of policies, administrative rules, standards, and guidelines;

• delegate projects to ensure multiple and competing priorities are met;

• formulate and direct the development of objectives, budgets, and staff activities; and

• lead on labor union issues and negotiations.

Does this sound like you?

Please tell us how and why by submitting your resume, cover letter, and three professional business references.(Please Note\: You do not need to complete the “work experience” or the “education & certifications” portion of the application process in our recruiting system.You only need to upload the requested documentation.)

What can you expect from us in return for your work with our agency?

ØBenefits include\:

oWork/life Balance

oHealth Coverage

oRetirement plans

oPaid Vacation and Sick Leave and Holidays

oAnd more…

ØPublic Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) – Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under the PSLF.

Other important information to be aware of.

• This position requires the successful completion of a criminal background check.

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

The Department of Administration 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, https\://www.e-verify.gov/.

The State of Montana has a decentralized human resources (HR) system. Each agency is responsible for its own recruitment and selection. Anyone who needs a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the agency's 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.