Professional Licensing Section Manager

State of Montana•Helena, MT

30d•Hybrid

About The Position

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. 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.

Requirements

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.
Employees for the State of Montana must reside within Montana.

Nice To Haves

Skilled in developing professional presentation materials that convey complex information in an accessible and visually compelling manner, ensuring audience understanding and engagement.
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.

Responsibilities

Supervises, coaches, trains, and evaluates license examiners to support strong performance, accountability, accuracy, and professional growth.
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.
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.
Monitors dashboards, queues, and Accela database reports to track workloads, identify bottlenecks, and adjust assignments to meet service and quality expectations.
Reviews difficult or unusual cases, interprets policies or requirements, and provides guidance and decisions that support fairness, clarity, and consistent outcomes.
Identifies opportunities to streamline steps, strengthen internal controls, and improve how licensing databases and electronic records are used to support operations.
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.
Promotes a culture where customers receive clear information, timely responses, and professional assistance, even in high-volume or complex situations.

Benefits

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.
Free telehealth and access to free employee medical clinics through our medical plan.
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.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness- Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive loan forgiveness!
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)