Division Administrator - Conservation and Resource Development

State of Montana•Helena, MT

26d

About The Position

The Division Administrator provides executive leadership and overall management of the Conservation and Resource Development Division (CARDD) at the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC). The administrator sets strategic direction; oversees statewide programs, budgets, and staff; develops and implements policy; and represents DNRC with the Legislature, executive branch, governmental partners, stakeholders, media, and the public. The position reports to the DNRC Director and oversees a division of approximately 57 employees. The role calls for a proven executive experienced in leading operations across a large, complex, or geographically distributed organization, including supervising senior leaders. The administrator is expected to manage high-stakes and sometimes contentious issues with integrity, build effective relationships across the organization and with external partners, and communicate effectively in legislative, public, and other high-visibility settings. Frequent travel is required to attend meetings, conferences, and events as a representative of the Department.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in natural-resource management, public administration, business administration, finance, economics, environmental policy, or a closely related field; equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
Ten years of progressively responsible experience in natural-resource program administration, public administration, finance, governmental affairs, infrastructure or resource development, or a related field; equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
Demonstrated experience managing staff, complex programs, budgets, policy development, and relationships with governmental and nongovernmental partners.
Experience leading operations across a large, complex, or geographically distributed organization, including supervising senior leaders.
Experience presenting budgets, legislation, or policy proposals to elected bodies, governing boards, or oversight agencies, and navigating the legislative process.
Demonstrated ability to manage high-stakes issues to resolution with integrity, including issues involving polarized views about reasonable use of land and water.
Advanced ability in planning, prioritizing, and goal setting, and high proficiency in organizational awareness, conflict management, negotiation, and energizing others.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Knowledge of organization and management principles, including leading complex, multidisciplinary programs and teams; supervisory principles, personnel management, and organizational leadership; government operations, public administration, and intergovernmental coordination; and budgeting, finance, and adapting budgets to changing resource levels.
Skill in strategic planning, policy development, translating legislative intent into practical programs and procedures, explaining complex technical and policy issues to diverse audiences, public speaking, stakeholder facilitation, and negotiation.
Ability to represent the Department and State of Montana credibly in legislative and public meetings or hearings; build and maintain effective working relationships; manage sensitive issues diplomatically; balance competing demands under deadlines; analyze complex problems and make well-supported decisions; and communicate with DNRC leadership, division leadership, and staff.
Valid driver’s license required, with fewer than 12 conviction points in the most recent completed 36 months.
Must be eligible to work in the United States and provide required employment authorization documents within three days of hire. The State of Montana does not sponsor.
Fingerprint and background check required.

Nice To Haves

Senior-level experience working with elected or appointed officials is preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide executive leadership and overall management of the Conservation and Resource Development Division.
Set the division’s strategic direction.
Oversee statewide programs, budgets, and staff, including a division of approximately 57 employees.
Develop and implement policy.
Represent DNRC with the Legislature, executive branch, governmental partners, stakeholders, media, and the public.
Manage complex programs, budgets, policy development, and relationships with governmental and nongovernmental partners.
Present and explain budgets, legislation, policy proposals, and complex technical or policy issues to varied audiences.
Build and maintain working relationships with staff, leadership, legislators, tribes, federal partners, stakeholders, county commissioners, elected officials, and the public.
Lead the division through changes and evolving demands; balance competing priorities and make sound decisions in high-visibility environments.
Manage sensitive or contentious issues with fairness, professionalism, diplomacy, and integrity.
Travel frequently for meetings, conferences, and events as a Department representative.

Benefits

Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; vacation leave increases with years of service.
Health insurance.
Dental insurance.
Vision insurance.
Life insurance.
Flexible spending accounts.
Access to free employee medical clinics and telehealth.
Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution retirement plans, plus an optional 457b Plan.
Potential eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
Longevity pay with continued state service.