Program Implementation Manager Jobs in Helena, MT

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=26141186&tz=GMT-06:00&tzname=America/Denver

Are you ready to lead work that truly matters, helping people start, grow, and sustain their careers across Montana? Are you motivated to lead a team whose work directly affects how quickly and successfully licensed professionals enter and stay in their careers? As the Professional Licensing Section Manager, you will oversee licensing programs that help Montanans obtain and maintain the credentials they need to work, run businesses, and serve their communities. You will lead a team that manages high volume licensing workflows, uses data and technology to improve service, and ensures that licensing decisions are timely, fair, and consistent. This position is well suited for leaders from both the public and private sectors who enjoy building strong teams, improving operations, and delivering reliable results for customers.

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:

The Professional Licensing Bureau administers licensing programs that help protect the public, support legitimate business activity, and keep Montana's workforce moving. The Professional Licensing Section Manager leads a team of license examiners responsible for reviewing applications, processing renewals, and maintaining accurate records for the professions assigned to the section. The manager ensures that licensing activities are completed efficiently, consistently, and in alignment with laws, rules, and board or program requirements. The role also drives improvement in how data, systems, and processes are used to manage workflows, resolve complex licensing questions, and implement legislative or policy changes.  

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU:

• Make a noticeable impact by leading an operation that helps people get to work faster, start and grow businesses, and continue serving their communities.
• Grow your leadership skills by coaching a team, managing performance, and building a positive, accountable, customer focused culture.
• Strengthen your expertise in licensing programs, data driven operations, and regulatory implementation, with skills that transfer across industries and sectors.
• Work in a professional environment that values problem solving, continuous improvement, and collaboration with leaders, boards, and partner programs.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

As a Professional Licensing Section Manager you will:

• Lead and develop staff: Supervises, coaches, trains, and evaluates license examiners to support strong performance, accountability, accuracy, and professional growth.
• Oversee licensing operations: Plans and directs daily work so that applications, renewals, and related transactions are processed on time, correctly, and in alignment with applicable laws, rules, and board requirements.
•  Support specific licensing programs: Ensures the section's assigned occupational or professional licensing programs are administered consistently, and that staff understand the requirements, processes, and systems used to manage them.
• Use data and systems effectively: Monitors dashboards, queues, and Accela database reports to track workloads, identify bottlenecks, and adjust assignments to meet service and quality expectations.
• Resolve complex licensing issues: Reviews difficult or unusual cases, interprets policies or requirements, and provides guidance and decisions that support fairness, clarity, and consistent outcomes.
• Improve processes and tools: Identifies opportunities to streamline steps, strengthen internal controls, and improve how licensing databases and electronic records are used to support operations.
• Collaborate with leaders and partners: Works with bureau leadership, boards, and other internal and external stakeholders to align section goals, share information, and support implementation of legislative or policy changes.
• Model customerfocused service: Promotes a culture where customers receive clear information, timely responses, and professional assistance, even in highvolume or complex situations.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES:

• Leadership and team management: Lead and develop staff, set clear expectations, provide regular coaching and feedback, and address performance issues in a fair and timely way.
• Operational planning and oversight: Manage work queues, prioritize tasks, and ensure that high volume licensing workflows are completed accurately and on schedule.
• Customer service and communication: Communicate clearly and respectfully with applicants, licensees, board members, and colleagues, explaining requirements and decisions in plain language.
• Licensing and regulatory application: Interpret and apply laws, rules, board policies, and program procedures to real world licensing scenarios and questions.
• Data and systems proficiency: Use licensing databases, dashboards, and reports to monitor workloads, check data quality, and support informed decisions and improvements.
• Problem solving and decision making: Analyze complex or sensitive licensing situations, weigh options, and make well supported decisions that balance customer needs, risk, and compliance.
• Change management and adaptability: Help staff adjust to new laws, system changes, or updated procedures while maintaining service levels and consistent application of requirements.
• Visual Communication: Skilled in developing professional presentation materials that convey complex information in an accessible and visually compelling manner, ensuring audience understanding and engagement.
• Presentation Expertise: Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in public settings by delivering clear, engaging, and informative presentations tailored to diverse audiences, including staff, leadership, and external stakeholders.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (Education and Experience)

• Demonstrated experience leading staff or teams in an environment where accuracy, timeliness, and customer service are core expectations.
• Experience coordinating or overseeing high volume administrative, licensing, permitting, or similar operations that rely heavily on databases and electronic records.
• Experience interpreting and applying laws, rules, policies, or technical requirements and integrating those standards into day to day work.
• Demonstrated ability to use computer systems and databases to enter, retrieve, and analyze information, including comfort working with reports, dashboards, or electronic workflows.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience explaining processes, requirements, or decisions to customers and staff.
• A bachelor's degree in business 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 eligible for a statutory $1.00 an hour base pay increase effective on July 1, 2026.

*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/