Why should you keep reading and consider working here?

We know you have other work options, but we ask you to consider working with us at the State of Montana Department of Administration. Our foundation of success is having effective working relationships built on mutual trust and respect. We will challenge you to be the best you can be and will work hard to provide a work environment that allows you to succeed.

What is this career opportunity?

The ConnectMT Act created Montana’s first broadband program to award grants to internet service providers to improve broadband access across the state. An initial amount of $270 million was dedicated from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) in 2021 and these funds are currently being deployed. Additionally, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) provides $550 billion in federal spending with a focus toward infrastructure. Under IIJA, Montana will receive a minimum of $100 million to improve broadband coverage across the state, with the potential for substantially more. Learn more at the ConnectMT Broadband website.

As part of the Department of Administration, this position provides leadership to execute on the state’s broadband deployment initiatives. Working with a variety of stakeholders this role will continue to develop and administer the broadband infrastructure deployment program to deploy and upgrade broadband, cell tower, and public safety technology; work to define criteria and implementation processes to ensure that project funds are used as intended; oversee and manage staff responsible for receiving and reviewing responsive grant proposals and awarding contracts that have been reviewed by the state’s Communications Advisory Commission and the Governor.

This position will remain open until filled.

What are we looking for?

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, public administration, or related field; five or more years of related experience to include demonstrated leadership experience; and experience in successfully leading multifaceted projects.
• Alternative combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Competencies:

• Knowledgeable in grant management, budgeting, general accounting, and fiscal management practices; office procedures; and business operating systems.
• Must have a thorough understanding of financial principles; be able to evaluate fiscal and financial information and achieve positive financial results.
• Establish and implement policies, procedures, organizational structures, staffing, processes, and management reporting and controls.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively work directly with multiple government agencies, clients, the public and private sector personnel.
• Communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, in a diverse range of audiences and settings.
• Assess operational, staffing, and fiscal needs; interpreting legal documents and government regulations, evaluating fiscal and financial reports, forms, and data; analyzing complex written documents.
• Knowledge and the ability to interpret contracts, agreements, and administrative policies to properly apply provisions to supervising and directing the work of subordinates, as appropriate, and to build and lead a team successfully.

Preferred:

• Prior experience in federal, city or county government, telecom, municipal electric utilities, or cooperatives.
• Knowledge of ISP network operations to deliver residential and commercial internet services, strong understanding of broadband utilities in a rural and urban environment, knowledge of GIS and mapping.
• Demonstrated in-depth knowledge of business principles and practices required to deploy fiber networks; including but not limited to engineering, sales, operations, project management, construction management, customer service, communication, and process development.
• Understanding of federal guidance and criteria surrounding federal grant funds.

Does this sound like you? Please tell us how and why by submitting your resume, cover letter, and three professional business references.

What can you expect from us in return for your hard work?

• Work/life Balance
• Health Coverage
• Retirement plans
• Paid Vacation and Sick Leave and Holidays
• And more…

Public 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.