Executive Director

Executive Director

The Montana Board of Public Education is seeking a passionate, public service-oriented Executive Director, who can effectively implement Board decisions and promote successful public education outcomes for the State of Montana.

The Board of Public Education was created by the Montana Constitution of 1972 to exercise general supervision over the elementary and secondary schools of the state. The Board consists of seven non-salaried citizens, appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate to staggered seven-year terms.

The Board of Public Education has a mission statement as directed by the Montana Constitution, which states, "There is a board of public education to exercise general supervision over the public school system and such other public educational institutions as assigned by law". The Board of Public Education was established to supervise, serve, maintain, and strengthen Montana's system of free quality public elementary and secondary schools.

The Executive Director manages agency decisions for program proposals, determines overall direction for strategic initiatives, directs the organization and implementation of the agency, and promotes successful public education outcomes for the state of Montana. The successful candidate must demonstrate a commitment to public education and strong leadership, change-management, strategic planning, and public relations skills.

This position is open until filled. Applications submitted prior to September 26, 2026, will be included in the first application review.

The job duties for this position include the following:

• Strategic Program Management: Authorizes the overall direction of strategic program initiatives and is responsible for the implementation of agency decisions of the Board of Public Education.
• Manages multiple administrative processes and personnel to support the Board of Public Education's decision-making processes, including ensuring compliance with policies and procedures and federal and state requirements.
• Conducts research and analysis of educational issues and concerns, including those of interested parties, such as educators, parents, taxpayers, and students, to develop long-range strategic plans to successfully implement decisions.
• Manages and has oversight over the agency's operations and personnel budget.
• Responsible for authorizing, directing, and planning communication on behalf of the agency.
• Responds directly to inquiries from the media, professional organizations, and the public.
• Program and Policy Development and Management: Develops and manages research projects regarding teacher preparation, teacher certification, accreditation, recruitment and retention, and all other education related issues as directed either by the Board of Public Education or the Legislature.
• Monitors, evaluates, integrates, and reports on national and statewide trends and emerging issues regarding public education.
• Develops and revises policies and procedures, including updates to administrative rules or revising statutes, in conjunction with the Montana Legislature, as necessary.
• Coordinates and facilitates significant projects on behalf of the agency involving education stakeholders and others.
• Legislative and Public Relations: Responds to inquiries from the media, professional organizations and the public in supporting the Board's role and decisions.
• Advocates for the Board of Public Education's positions during the Legislative Session and related processes.
• Testifies at Legislative hearings on the estimated impacts of proposed legislation on public education and presents recommendations.
• Proposes, plans, and presents education budgets, projects, audits, and programs during Legislative Sessions and Legislative Interim Committees.
• Meets regularly with legislators to answer questions, provide information, and foster successful Legislative outcomes for public education.
• Develops partnerships with the Superintendent of Public Instruction, the Superintendent of the Montana School for the Deaf and Blind, the Commissioner of Higher Education, the Governor's office, and other education leaders to promote successful working relationships between the Board of Public Education and education stakeholders.
• Human Resources: Manages all office staff within the agency and identifies vacancies for office staff and the Superintendent of the Montana School for the Deaf and Blind, and leads the recruitment, interview, and selection processes.
• Performs all management functions, including hiring, firing, performance management, discipline, work distribution, and employee development.
• Supports and coordinates the management of seven Board members, one student representative, three ex-officio members, legal counsel to the Board of Public Education, and any administratively attached boards, councils or commissions.

Education, Experience and Licensing Requirements: Bachelor's Degree in Public, Business, or Educational Administration; a Master's degree is preferred; and Four years of job-related experience in teaching, school administration, or a closely related field, including two years of supervisory or management level experience. Alternative combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Competencies: Knowledge of laws, rules, and regulations governing education, accreditation, and administration; Knowledge of current issues and trends in the field of education; Ability to develop and implement plans that meet established goals; Strong leadership, change-management, and strategic planning skills; Knowledge of personnel and budget management; Knowledge and experience in public administration, public relations, and legislative processes; Excellent relationship-building and communication skills; Strong negotiation, analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills; Ability to function under pressure and manage conflicting points of view; and Ability to demonstrate discretion, integrity, and fair-mindedness.

Selection Process and Required Materials: A selection committee will review applications, conduct preliminary interviews, and recommend finalists to the Board of Public Education. Final interviews will be conducted during a Board of Public Education meeting. The meeting will be open to the public. Interested persons shall apply through the through the State of Montana Careers website and include the following documents: A letter of application stating personal qualifications, experience, and reasons for interest in the position; and A current resume. Finalists will be required to submit contact information for references. The selected candidate will need to successfully complete a criminal history fingerprint background check prior to hiring.

Salary: $100,000.00 - 115,000.00 Yearly

Telework Eligibility: Not Telework Eligible

Benefits Package Eligibility: Health Insurance, Paid Leave & Holidays, Retirement Plan

Number of Openings: 1

Employee Status: Regular

Schedule: Full-Time

Job Type: Standard

Shift: Day Job

Travel: Yes, 10 % of the Time

Primary Location: Helena

Agency: Board of Public Education

Union: 000 - None

Posting Date: Sep 11, 2026, 10:07:21 PM

Closing Date (based on your computer's timezone): Ongoing

Required Application Materials: Cover Letter, Resume

Contact Name: Jeff Plum | Contact Email: View email address on click.appcast.io | Contact Phone: View phone number on click.appcast.io

The State of Montana has a decentralized human resources (HR) system. Each agency is responsible for its own recruitment and selection. Anyone who needs a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the agency's HR staff identified on the job listing or by dialing the Montana Relay at 711. Montana Job Service Offices also offer services including assistance with submitting an online application. State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.