Program Officer

Program Officer

Are you passionate about strengthening Montana communities through service and volunteerism? The Governor's Office of Community Service (GOCS) invites you to join a collaborative, mission driven team committed to expanding opportunities for AmeriCorps members, volunteers, and community organizations across the state. In this role, you will help Montanans of all ages engage in service that addresses local needs while fostering civic engagement, leadership, and long lasting community impact.

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.

POSITION OVERVIEW: The Program Officer supports the Governor's Office of Community Service and the Montana Commission on Community Service in coordinating and overseeing AmeriCorps State programs. The position manages a portfolio of AmeriCorps grantees, ensuring effective program administration, compliance, and continuous improvement. The Program Officer also promotes an ethic of service statewide by supporting subrecipients, facilitating partnerships, and encouraging organizations to use national service as a strategy to strengthen communities.

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU: As a valued member of the Governor's Office of Community Service, you will make a direct impact helping Montana communities thrive through national service and volunteerism. You'll collaborate with passionate professionals who share your commitment to service, continuous improvement, and professional growth. This role offers opportunities to:

• Strengthen communities by supporting programs that help address real, local challenges.
• Develop grant, program management, and public service expertise in a state level setting.
• Build partnerships across government, nonprofits, and local organizations statewide.
• Expand your leadership, communication, and data driven decision making skills in a supportive and collaborative work environment.
• Contribute to a culture that values innovation, learning, and meaningful community results.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Manage AmeriCorps portfolio: Oversee a portfolio of AmeriCorps State programs, providing guidance, technical assistance, and performance oversight to ensure compliance and effective program delivery. Coordinate grant processes: Lead Request for Proposals (RFPs) and support the selection and administration of funded programs in alignment with federal and state requirements. Ensure compliance and quality: Conduct monitoring visits, reviews, and quality assurance activities to verify adherence to program guidelines and performance expectations. Provide technical assistance: Interpret and explain program policies, regulations, and requirements to grantees, subrecipients, and applicants. Promote service and partnerships: Act as a liaison with public agencies, nonprofit organizations, host sites, and volunteers to strengthen collaboration and advance an ethic of service. Analyze and report data: Track, evaluate, and report on program performance metrics to inform decisions and highlight program impact. Develop program resources: Update manuals, materials, and training tools to support continuous learning and program improvement. Represent the office: Deliver presentations and participate in events to increase awareness of AmeriCorps and volunteer opportunities throughout Montana.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES: Candidates must demonstrate the ability to:

• Program and grant administration: Design, manage, and monitor grant funded initiatives, ensuring compliance with laws, regulations, and funding guidelines.
• Effective communication: Communicate complex information clearly in writing, conversation, and public presentations for diverse audiences.
• Partnership and stakeholder engagement: Build and sustain collaborative relationships with community organizations, program directors, and government partners to achieve shared goals.
• Data informed decision making: Collect, analyze, and present data to evaluate program outcomes, identify trends, and recommend improvements.
• Strategic planning and organization: Manage multiple deadlines, adapt to changing priorities, and deliver high quality results under limited supervision.
• Problem solving and innovation: Diagnose challenges, develop viable solutions, and implement improvements that support program effectiveness and compliance.
• Professional integrity and self management: Manage time, priorities, and confidential information responsibly while demonstrating initiative and accountability.
• Public representation: Deliver clear, engaging presentations to internal and external audiences; create professional, visually compelling materials that effectively communicate program goals.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (Education and Experience) Demonstrated experience in program, project, or grant administration, including interpreting and applying policies, laws, or regulations. Experience supporting or managing community service, volunteer engagement, or national service initiatives such as AmeriCorps. Experience in research, data reporting, or technical writing that supports program compliance or evaluation. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and database tools, and the ability to learn specialized grant and reporting systems. Strong written and verbal communication skills for explaining technical concepts to diverse audiences. A degree in human services, business, education, or a related field 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.