Unemployment Insurance Division Administrator

State of Montana•Helena, MT

64d•Hybrid

About The Position

This position is located in our Unemployment Insurance Division. Note: Employees for the State of Montana must reside within Montana. All applications and required application documents must be submitted through the MT Careers site at: https://mtstatejobs.taleo.net/careersection/200/jobdetail.ftl?job=25142620&tz=GMT-07:00&tzname=America/Denver MISSION STATEMENT: Empowering all Montanans through work and opportunity. DLI CORE VALUES: Responsiveness Respect Integrity Excellence Cohesiveness It's about the people and the impact we make in our communities every day. We are proud of our open, team-based, supportive, and collaborative work environments. Learn more about DLI here. The Unemployment Services Division Administrator provides strategic leadership and operational management for Montana's Unemployment Insurance Division, ensuring effective delivery of unemployment benefits and employer fund management. This role oversees claims processing, benefit payments, employer tax compliance, fraud prevention, program integrity, appeals, and outreach. Key responsibilities include administering employer contributions to the Unemployment Trust Fund, maintaining compliance with federal and state regulations, and enforcing quality control and fraud prevention measures. The Administrator directs UI program development, budgeting, and risk management, serving as chief liaison to employers, legislators, and the public while emphasizing transparency and continual improvement. The Administrator supports the division's mission by ensuring timely and impartial economic relief for Montana's eligible workers.

Requirements

Interpret and Implement Laws and Regulations: Understanding and application of federal and state UI statutes, regulations, and program policies.
Leadership and Team Management: Supervisory experience, coaching skills, and the ability to build high-performing teams.
Strategic Planning and Innovation: Experience leading change, modernizing systems, and planning for long-term program adaptability.
Analytical and Problem-Solving: Advanced data analysis skill; ability to identify operational problems, risks, and solutions.
Fiscal and Resource Management: Proven budgeting, resource allocation, and financial oversight within government or large programs.
Communication and Collaboration: Clear, persuasive communication and partnership-building across diverse audiences.
Public Presentations and Outreach: Demonstrated ability to prepare and deliver effective presentations to diverse audiences, including employers, legislators, public forums, and internal stakeholders. Strong public speaking, visual communication, and training skills to communicate complex policy and operational information clearly.
IT Modernization and Digital Transformation: Experience managing IT innovation initiatives, including legacy system upgrades, process automation, technology assessment, and integration of modern solutions. Demonstrated proficiency in IT project management, vendor coordination, and developing business cases for new technology investments.
Operational Change Management: Proven ability to lead teams through operational transitions, fostering employee engagement and stakeholder buy-in. Experience designing and implementing change management strategies, setting performance benchmarks, and systematically measuring progress and impact.
Experience in high-level administrative or program management roles, in either public and/or private sector.
Demonstrated experience in leading teams in program management, workforce development, and/or equivalent employment and training programs.
Proven supervisory or managerial capacity, including performance management and team development responsibilities.
Proficiency with technology systems, data analytics, and program modernization (IT/systems integration experience preferred).
Experience managing federal and/or state grant-funded programs and complex budgets.
Strong communication and collaboration skills, with ability to work effectively with internal teams, external partners, policy makers, and stakeholders.
Demonstrated experience preparing and delivering presentations to stakeholders, partners, and public audiences on matters of organizational policy, program administration, or operational change.
Experience leading or participating in the modernization and integration of major IT systems, including stakeholder engagement, process redesign, and adoption of new technologies.

Responsibilities

Provide program oversight and administration by managing all core areas, including Benefits, Tax, and Quality Control/Fraud Prevention, maintaining compliance with all laws and regulations.
Supervise and develop knowledgeable teams, delegate authority, and foster an environment of high performance and continuous learning.
Direct strategic planning and modernization by leading system innovation and process adaptation in response to workforce and economic trends.
Ensure regulatory compliance by overseeing the preparation and submission of required reports and upholding anti-fraud standards.
Cultivate stakeholder relationships by maintaining open communication with employers, claimants, legislators, and partner agencies.
Represent the division at public forums and through outreach, promoting trust and transparency.
Utilize data analytics to monitor program effectiveness, identify trends, and develop actionable solutions for improvement.

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.