Research and Analytics Supervisor

[Montana Department of Labor & Industry. Empowering Montanans Through Work and Opportunity. Sarah Swanson, Commissioner. Michelle Hauer, Administrator, 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: * Are you ready to help modernize how Montana delivers Unemployment Insurance services and turn data into decisions that matter? As the Research and Analytics Supervisor, you will lead work that improves timeliness, accuracy, and accountability for workers and employers across the state. This role offers a strong platform for professional growth while advancing a mission driven program that supports Montana’s communities through fair and efficient service. 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 Unemployment Insurance Division relies on accurate, timely, and actionable analysis to support benefit operations, program integrity, policy implementation, and federal compliance. This position leads a team responsible for reporting, trend analysis, and operational insight that informs both daily operations and strategic decisions. The Research and Analytics Supervisor manages workflows, priorities, and quality controls to ensure leaders receive reliable information when it matters most. The role also connects program staff, leadership, and technical partners by translating complex data into clear, practical recommendations. WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU: * Leadership development: Build and strengthen your supervisory, coaching, and performance management skills while leading a team of analysts. * Deep program expertise: Expand your knowledge of Unemployment Insurance operations, program integrity, performance measurement, and federal reporting requirements. * Meaningful public service: Support work that directly affects Montana workers, employers, and communities through timely, accurate, and accountable service. * High impact analytics: Contribute to decisions involving claims trends, timeliness, payment accuracy, fraud and overpayment analysis, workload forecasting, and continuous improvement. * Cross functional collaboration: Partner with program leaders, IT staff, and other stakeholders to improve reporting tools, data quality, and decision making across the division. * Career growth: Gain experience that supports future opportunities in public administration, workforce policy, analytics, compliance, and operations management. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: * *Lead and develop staff:*Supervises, coaches, and evaluates analysts; sets expectations; assigns work; and supports professional growth and accountability. * * Plan and monitor work:*Establishes priorities, manages workloads, and ensures timely delivery of recurring and ad hoc reports and analyses. * Oversee reporting and analysis: Directs production of dashboards and analyses related to claims activity, timeliness, accuracy, workload trends, and program integrity. * *Ensure quality and consistency:*Establishes quality control standards, documentation practices, and analytical procedures that improve reliability and usability. * *Align work to goals:*Connects unit priorities and staff resources to division objectives so leadership receives timely insight on risks, trends, and opportunities. * *Coordinate across teams:*Partners with program managers, IT teams, and business partners to define reporting needs, improve data processes, and support implementation of tools or methods. * *Translate findings into action:*Communicates complex data and analysis in clear, actionable terms for technical and non technical audiences. * *Strengthen operational continuity:*Formalizes oversight of critical research and reporting functions to reduce dependence on single person knowledge and support continuity of operations. REQUIRED SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES: Candidates must demonstrate the ability to: * *Leadership and people management:*Lead and develop staff, set clear expectations, provide coaching and feedback, address performance issues, and foster a productive team environment. * *Analytical communication:*Explain complex data, trends, and technical concepts in plain language through reports, presentations, and day to day discussions. * *Operational planning and oversight:*Organize workflows, set priorities, track deliverables, and maintain quality standards across multiple analytical products. * *Strategic thinking and alignment:*Connect reporting and analysis to broader program goals, risks, and decision points. * *Stakeholder collaboration:*Build effective working relationships with leadership, program staff, IT, and partners while maintaining professionalism and responsiveness. * *Decision making and judgment:*Evaluate information logically, make sound recommendations, and respond appropriately to changing business needs. * *Continuous improvement:*Review processes, identify inefficiencies, and implement improvements that strengthen service and reliability. * *Project and time management:*Manage competing deadlines, coordinate staff assignments, and ensure work is completed accurately and on time. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (Education and Experience) * Demonstrated experience leading teams or coordinating projects where setting priorities, coaching others, and ensuring quality outcomes are central responsibilities. * Experience analyzing complex data and producing reports, dashboards, or other decision support tools that inform operational or strategic actions. * Experience interpreting and applying policies, procedures, standards, or program requirements in a business, government, or regulated environment. * Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience explaining complex concepts to diverse audiences. * Proficiency with email, calendar, spreadsheet, and document software, and the ability to learn reporting platforms, case management systems, or other technical tools. * Experience handling sensitive or confidential information with sound judgment and appropriate privacy practices. A degree in a relevant field such as data analytics, economics, statistics, public administration, information systems, or a related area may supplement relevant professional experience but is not a substitute for demonstrated skills and competencies in the areas noted above. Equivalent combinations of education and directly related experience will be considered. HOW TO APPLY FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY: A complete state application is not required; however, you will need to initiate the application and attach the resume, cover letter or other required documents at time of application to be considered for this position. Resume will auto fill the application, but the application will not be scored or reviewed. Failure to attach the cover letter and resume will result in your application being considered incomplete and will not be considered further. Materials submitted but not requested will not be considered in the selection process. *Tip:*When attaching your resume, cover letter or other required documents you must mark the attachments as “RELEVANT” or we will be unable to view your documents. Required application materials: * Cover Letter - Your Cover Letter should explain how your experience and education meet the identified required skills and competencies, with examples that demonstrate your qualifications. * Resume - include all work experience you have held that would help you qualify for this position, including duties, dates of employment. Only online applications will be accepted. By applying online, you can receive updates and monitor the status of your application. All documents for Veteran or Disability preference must be received or date stamped by the closing date. You will receive an application confirmation email with instructions on acceptable preference documents and how to submit such documents. If you need an accommodation with the application process, please contact the HR office. BENEFITS: Being able to enjoy the quality of life in the beautiful state of Montana is one of the benefits you will love about this opportunity! Our mountains, waterways and open spaces provide not only beautiful scenery but year-round recreational opportunities including hiking, camping, biking, fishing, boating, hunting, skiing and snowmobiling. Montana boasts a high-quality education system and a variety of entertainment including fairs, rodeos, and theaters. Read more about our great statehere. See our other incredible benefitshere. These are some of our benefits just to name a few: * 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 - click hereto learn more. * Free telehealth and access to free employee medical clinics through our medical plan - clickhereto learn more. * 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. – Clickhereto learn more. * Public Service Loan Forgiveness- Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive loan forgiveness- click hereto learn more! * Career progression, training opportunities and room for professional growth. * State employee discounts at various businesses across the state. This position may be eligible for a statutory $1.00 an hour base pay increase effective on July 1, 2026. *This position may be covered by a Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association (VEBA) * E-Verify: *This agency is participating in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. After accepting a job offer and completing Form I-9, your information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration for verification. For more information about E-Verify, please visit the E-Verify website found here, Title: *Research and Analytics Supervisor * Location: Helena Requisition ID: 26141246