Deputy Administrator of Operations

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=26142096 &tz=GMT-06:00&tzname=America/Denver

If you want to help Montana seize a once in a generation moment to modernize its workforce system and expand opportunity in every corner of the state, this is the seat at the table that lets you do it. You will shape how big choices about talent, training, and opportunity get made, building the systems and tools that turn good ideas into real outcomes for workers and employers. You’ll lead high performing teams that turn data and policy into bold new approaches, redefining what’s possible for workforce development in Montana.

MISSION STATEMENT:

Empowering all Montanans through work and opportunity.

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.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Montana Department of Labor & Industry (DLI) is seeking a Deputy Administrator of Operations to lead the day to day operations, data, and policy infrastructure that powers the Workforce Services Division (WSD). This role is the operational backbone for implementing Montana’s 406 JOBS Initiative, America’s Talent Strategy, and other workforce priorities, ensuring programs run smoothly, while leadership has the information needed to make timely, evidence based decisions.
The Deputy Administrator of Operations directly oversees the Workforce Policy Bureau, Montana’s State Economist team, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) team, and the Data Strategy & Operational Systems team. Together, these teams manage labor market information, federal and state performance reporting, division wide technology tools, and staff training that support every program and Job Service office in the state. The position also oversees the Workforce Programs and Policy Bureau, which includes workforce program management, monitoring, and quality assurance functions. The position provides strategic oversight for the Workforce Services Division, aligning internal operations, reporting tools, and performance management with state and federal workforce policy.
This is a pivotal time for Montana’s workforce system. Alignment between federal workforce and educational programming is increasing, funding streams are evolving, employer expectations are changing, and Montana is reshaping how education, training, and work connect for Montanans. The Deputy Administrator of Operations will play a central leadership role in redesigning how data flows across agencies, how performance is measured, and how policy is translated into day to day practice. They will also play a lead role in the agency’s groundbreaking project to redesign the tools that shape how job seekers and employers reach each other- directly shaping the future of workforce development in the state.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU:

• Shape how big choices about talent, training, and opportunity get made, building systems and tools that turn good ideas into real outcomes for workers and employers.
• Lead high performing policy, data, economic, and technology teams that sit at the center of Montana’s workforce transformation, with a direct line of sight to statewide impact.
• Help Montana respond to a changing federal workforce landscape by strengthening compliance, modernizing reporting systems, and positioning the state to leverage emerging federal opportunities.
• Work at the nexus of workforce, education, and economic development policy, giving you a rare, system wide view of how decisions made in Helena ripple out to communities across the state.
• Deepen your expertise in federal workforce, education, and labor market policy, learning how to navigate complex guidance, influence state strategy, and communicate with legislative and executive leaders.
• Build advanced leadership skills by managing technical and cross functional teams, leading through change, and coaching emerging leaders in data, policy, and operations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The Deputy Administrator of Operations will:

• Lead and coordinate the day-to-day internal operations of the Workforce Services Division, ensuring alignment between program and technical staff. In partnership with the Deputy of Outreach, assure alignment across operational and outreach teams within the division.
• Provide direct leadership to the Workforce Policy Bureau, Economist team, BLS team, and Technology & Training team, setting priorities, managing performance, and fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Direct and oversee teams executing labor market research, federal and state performance reporting, data analysis, and the development of public dashboards and economic reports that inform workforce policy.
• Direct teams in translating federal guidance, regulations, and policy changes into actionable policy recommendations, internal action plans, operational procedures, tools, and staff training; build division-wide capacity to consistently interpret, apply, and operationalize evolving federal requirements.
• In coordination with the State Workforce Innovation Board (SWIB), oversee internal division implementation and tracking of Montana’s 406 JOBS Initiative , including operational planning, reporting, and evaluation strategies that connect daily work to broader system goals.
• In coordination with the State Workforce Innovation Board (SWIB),oversee the ongoing development and launch of Montana’s Talent Marketplace technology including integration of Montana’s Credential Registry, Learning and Employment Records (LERs), career explorations tools, labor market information, skills generator capabilities, and more into a single unified user experience.
• Manage data sharing and policy coordination efforts with other state agencies and education entities to support comprehensive evaluation of workforce, education, and training initiatives.
• Oversee the development and maintenance of reporting tools, dashboards, and analytic platforms that provide timely, actionable insights for businesses, legislators, agency leadership, the State Workforce Innovation Board (SWIB), and other stakeholders.
• Guide managers and bureau leaders in project planning, prioritization, and operational problem solving to improve efficiency, reduce administrative burden, and support high quality service delivery statewide.