Associate Project Manager

Associate Project Manager

Montana State Fund (MSF) is seeking a motivated, detail-driven Associate Project Manager to support the successful delivery of projects that advance MSF's operations, customer experience, and organizational effectiveness. Reporting to the Program Manager, the Associate Project Manager plays a key role within MSF's project delivery ecosystem, independently leading small to medium-sized initiatives while contributing to larger, enterprise-level work.

Key responsibilities include:

• Project ownership, planning, and execution: Independently manages small to medium-sized projects from initiation to completion, ensuring scope, timelines, and budgets are met. Develops detailed project plans, sets milestones, and defines deliverables. Oversees day-to-day project activities, proactively addresses roadblocks, and keeps projects on track. Supports Agile project management practices and supports continuous delivery mechanisms through a variety of agile roles, including product owner, scrum master, and development team as needed. Leads and participates in stand-up meetings, sprint planning, retrospectives, and other Agile processes to support Agile methodology. Identifies project risks, develops mitigation strategies, and escalates when necessary. Allocates and coordinates resources effectively to meet project objectives. Utilizes MSF project management reporting, project ownership, and project tracking approaches. Prepares and maintains comprehensive project documentation, including project charters, plans, and post-project evaluations.
• Stakeholder partnership and communication: Acts as the primary point of contact for project stakeholders, providing regular updates and addressing concerns. Works closely with teams across departments to ensure project alignment and seamless execution. Communicates on project status, risks, issues, resources, and requests with appropriate parties.
• Research and analysis: Researches and identifies potential challenges, opportunities, and improvements within projects and programs. Analyzes project outcomes, identifies lessons learned, and recommends process improvements for future projects. Utilizes data for informed decision making.
• Project support: Provides project support and assistance for larger projects and projects owned by other PMs and departments. Provides project assistance at a variety of contribution levels. Supports training and development efforts of other project managers and project supporters. Continuous development of project management skillset, resources, and partnerships.

Required Skills

To find success and satisfaction in this role, candidates will possess the following traits:

• A motivated project manager with experience coordinating small to medium-sized initiatives and a passion for bringing structure, clarity, and momentum to complex work.
• Energized by organizing details, building realistic plans, and guiding teams toward aligned outcomes that support MSF's mission and goals.
• Skilled at forming strong partnerships across departments, communicating project information clearly, and strengthening collaboration through trust and consistency.
• A team contributor who approaches challenges with curiosity, works with intention and accountability, and consistently drives high-quality project delivery.

At Montana State Fund, how we do our jobs matters to us as much as what we do. To support our customer-centered workplace, successful candidates are team players who possess:

• Customer and growth mindset
• Empathy
• Accountability
• Adaptability
• Resiliency
• Communication skills

Required Experience

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, project management, or a related field, and
• Minimum of one (1) year experience in project support or coordination, and
• Project management certification (CAPM, PMP); or Successful completion of project management certification within one (1) year from start date in the position.

An equivalent combination of education and experience of the above requirements may be considered.

Preferred:

• Proficiency in various project management methodologies (Agile, Scrum, Waterfall).
• Experience using project management tools.

Working conditions

Fast paced general office environment. Some stress may occur. Regular travel not expected but may occur occasionally around organizational specific events or during the course of employment. Requires sitting for extended periods of time, standing, visual acumen, manual dexterity, detailed verbal communications and fine finger manipulation for working with computer keyboards.

Compensation and Benefits Starting salary for this exempt position begins at $72,600 - $90,700 per year.

Montana State Fund offers excellent benefits, paid time off, and a competitive compensation program, including:

• Excellent health insurance with dental, vision, life, long-term disability and more, with optional dependent coverage.
• Flexible spending accounts for dependent care and medical expenses.
• Public employees' retirement plan tax-deferred contributions with a generous employer match.
• Optional 457(b) deferred compensation to further increase retirement savings.
• Higher education reimbursement and other training and development programs.
• Robust personal leave, paid holidays, and extended leave.