Program Officer

State of Montana•Helena, MT

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Governor’s Office of Community Service (GOCS) invites you to join a collaborative, mission driven team committed to expanding opportunities for AmeriCorps members, volunteers, and community organizations across the state. In this role, you will help Montanans of all ages engage in service that addresses local needs while fostering civic engagement, leadership, and long lasting community impact. The Program Officer supports the Governor’s Office of Community Service and the Montana Commission on Community Service in coordinating and overseeing AmeriCorps State programs. The position manages a portfolio of AmeriCorps grantees, ensuring effective program administration, compliance, and continuous improvement. The Program Officer also promotes an ethic of service statewide by supporting subrecipients, facilitating partnerships, and encouraging organizations to use national service as a strategy to strengthen communities.

Requirements

Demonstrated experience in program, project, or grant administration, including interpreting and applying policies, laws, or regulations.
Experience supporting or managing community service, volunteer engagement, or national service initiatives such as AmeriCorps.
Experience in research, data reporting, or technical writing that supports program compliance or evaluation.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and database tools, and the ability to learn specialized grant and reporting systems.
Strong written and verbal communication skills for explaining technical concepts to diverse audiences.
Program and grant administration: Design, manage, and monitor grant funded initiatives, ensuring compliance with laws, regulations, and funding guidelines.
Effective communication: Communicate complex information clearly in writing, conversation, and public presentations for diverse audiences.
Partnership and stakeholder engagement: Build and sustain collaborative relationships with community organizations, program directors, and government partners to achieve shared goals.
Data informed decision making: Collect, analyze, and present data to evaluate program outcomes, identify trends, and recommend improvements.
Strategic planning and organization: Manage multiple deadlines, adapt to changing priorities, and deliver high quality results under limited supervision.
Problem solving and innovation: Diagnose challenges, develop viable solutions, and implement improvements that support program effectiveness and compliance.
Professional integrity and self management: Manage time, priorities, and confidential information responsibly while demonstrating initiative and accountability.
Public representation: Deliver clear, engaging presentations to internal and external audiences; create professional, visually compelling materials that effectively communicate program goals.

Nice To Haves

A degree in human services, business, education, or a related field may supplement relevant professional experience but is not a substitute for demonstrated skills and competencies in the areas noted above.

Responsibilities

Oversee a portfolio of AmeriCorps State programs, providing guidance, technical assistance, and performance oversight to ensure compliance and effective program delivery.
Lead Request for Proposals (RFPs) and support the selection and administration of funded programs in alignment with federal and state requirements.
Conduct monitoring visits, reviews, and quality assurance activities to verify adherence to program guidelines and performance expectations.
Interpret and explain program policies, regulations, and requirements to grantees, subrecipients, and applicants.
Act as a liaison with public agencies, nonprofit organizations, host sites, and volunteers to strengthen collaboration and advance an ethic of service.
Track, evaluate, and report on program performance metrics to inform decisions and highlight program impact.
Update manuals, materials, and training tools to support continuous learning and program improvement.
Deliver presentations and participate in events to increase awareness of AmeriCorps and volunteer opportunities throughout Montana.

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.