Recovery Program Manager

State of Montana • Helena, MT

15h • Hybrid

About The Position

Join Montana Disaster and Emergency Services as a Recovery Program Manager
The primary purpose of the Recovery Program is to provide coordinated assistance to communities before, during and after a disaster through both state and federal recovery mechanisms. As the Manager of the Recovery Program, this position serves as the State official responsible for administering the State of Montana’s Recovery Program as well as the federal Public Assistance and Individual Assistance Programs.
In this role, you advise Division leadership on state and federal laws, regulations, and policy to ensure recovery operations are fully compliant with all applicable guidance. You review and recommend approval of disaster reimbursement requests throughout the life of each public assistance grant and other state and federal recovery awards.
The Recovery Program coordinates with all levels of government, non-profits, and volunteer organizations to efficiently assist Montanans in recovering from disasters, leveraging both state and federal recovery resources. This position helps develop and deliver guidance and training for state, local and tribal officials on state and federal recovery programs, processes, and compliance requirements.
You also work closely with state and federal counterparts to ensure that the Public Assistance and related federal recovery programs are effective in meeting applicant needs and are operating in compliance with all laws, regulations, and policies, including required financial and programmatic reporting on federal funds. This position is responsible for supervising staff and leading a team that advances Montana’s integrated state and federal recovery mission.
Duties involve:
Recovery Program Development and Management
Recovery Project Development Assistance
Grant Administration to include Financial and Programmatic Reporting
Supervision: Budgeting, staff supervision, performance evaluations
Technical assistance and training
Emergency Response
Must be able to demonstrate ability to work with and engage in diverse working environments within and outside the department.
State of Montana employment may qualify for student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.
This vacancy will remain open until March 11, 2026, with application review beginning on March 12, 2026.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in emergency management, public administration, or a closely related field.
• Four years of professional experience in emergency management, disaster recovery, Public Assistance/Individual Assistance, or grant/project management with state and/or federal programs.
• Experience working with state and federal disaster recovery programs, including coordination with FEMA or similar federal partners.
• Alternative combinations of education and experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
• Knowledge of emergency management and disaster recovery principles and practices, including 406 Mitigation, response, and long‑term recovery.
• Knowledge of state and federal recovery programs, including FEMA’s Public Assistance and Individual Assistance programs, applicable laws, regulations, and guidance.
• Knowledge of grant and project management practices, including budgeting, documentation, monitoring, and compliance for federally funded programs.
• Skill in building and maintaining collaborative working relationships with federal, state, local, tribal, nonprofit, and volunteer partners.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, with diverse audiences including elected officials, local jurisdictions, and the public.
• Ability to analyze complex information, interpret policy and guidance, and make sound recommendations.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and contribute effectively as part of a team in a fast‑paced environment.
• Experience supervising others and managing teams is required, including providing direction, mentoring staff, and managing workload and performance.
• Must successfully pass background and driving records checks.
• Must have demonstrated the ability to work with, and engage in, diverse working environments within and outside of the Department of Military Affairs.

Responsibilities

• Recovery Program Development and Management
• Recovery Project Development Assistance
• Grant Administration to include Financial and Programmatic Reporting
• Supervision: Budgeting, staff supervision, performance evaluations
• Technical assistance and training
• Emergency Response

Benefits

• State of Montana employment may qualify for student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.
• competitive salary and benefits package

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager