Chief Product Officer

Chief Product Officer

Why live in Helena, Montana? Helena is surrounded by rolling hills and lofty mountains and is tucked below the Continental Divide. It is a relatively quiet place to call home where small-town living collides with outdoor adventure. Helena has a rich history and was originally founded as a gold camp during the Montana gold rush. Learn more about moving to and/or living in Helena, Montana here.

Why should you keep reading and consider working here? We know you have other work options, but we ask you to consider working with us at the State of Montana Department of Administration in the State Information Technology Services Division (SITSD). Our mission is to provide shared IT services to support the needs of the state and citizens of Montana. We offer an innovative and collaborative work environment where employees are valued and supported. In addition, our employees have the opportunity to be involved in some of the most exciting and innovative IT projects and initiatives in development within Montana state government. (You can learn more about SITSD here.)

What is this career opportunity? The Chief Product Officer (CPO) role is responsible for establishing a product operating model built around empowered, cross-functional product teams that are accountable for solving real user and business problems. The CPO is expected to champion outcomes over outputs, continuous product discovery, evidence-based decision making, and the practice of measuring success by the value delivered to agencies and the public rather than by the volume of features shipped. This role is responsible for leading and developing the leaders of each functional team, holding them accountable for product outcomes, and removing barriers to execution, rather than directing day-to-day product or development work. The CPO is expected to coach functional leaders in building strong product management, product design, and engineering partnerships, and in developing the product competencies needed for teams to operate with clear strategic context, meaningful customer access, and appropriate decision-making authority. The CPO is also expected to actively use artificial intelligence as a core tool of the position. This includes applying AI to accelerate product discovery, analyze portfolio performance and user data, synthesize stakeholder input, support prioritization decisions, and identify opportunities for innovation and efficiency across the enterprise product portfolio. The CPO champions the responsible adoption of AI within the Office of Product Strategy and ensuring alignment with statewide AI governance, ethical standards, security requirements, and policy. The CPO serves as the primary product strategy executive for SITSD, partnering with the Deputy CIO, State CIO, fellow Chief Officers, and agency CIOs to ensure Montana's technology products are user-centered, strategically prioritized, and positioned to deliver meaningful outcomes statewide. This position reports to the Deputy CIO for Core IT Services.

What are we looking for? Education and Experience: A Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Business, Public Administration, or a related field. Seven years of progressively responsible experience in product management, technology strategy, or enterprise IT leadership, including at least three years in an executive or senior leadership role overseeing technology teams and functions. Preferred: o Master's degree in Information Technology, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field. o Experience in state or local government IT or product leadership. o Experience leading product or technology organizations through large-scale transformation in a complex, multi-stakeholder environment.

Competencies: Required knowledge, skills, and abilities: Knowledge of product management practices, AI, and portfolio management, sufficient to provide credible executive oversight and strategic direction. Ability to develop and communicate an enterprise product vision that guides organizational priorities, investment decisions, and technology adoption. Proven ability to lead leaders — setting direction, delegating effectively, and holding team managers accountable for outcomes. Experience building and sustaining high-performing product and technology teams through coaching, clear expectations, and a culture of accountability. Ability to translate enterprise strategy into clear direction and measurable product outcomes across multiple teams. Experience aligning diverse stakeholders across agencies, executive leadership, and technical teams around shared goals. Ability to engage, challenge, and advise senior leaders on complex product and technology decisions with significant organizational impact. Strong communication skills with the ability to represent technology interests in executive, legislative, and interagency settings.

Does this sound like you? Please tell us how and why by submitting your resume and cover letter. (Please Note: You do not need to complete the "work experience" or the "education & certifications" portion of the application process in our recruiting system. You only need to upload the requested documentation.)

What can you expect from us in return for your hard work? o Work/life Balance o Health Coverage o Retirement plans o Paid Vacation and Sick Leave and Holidays o And more… Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) – Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under the PSLF.

Other important information to be aware of. This position requires the successful completion of a criminal background check. Only online applications are accepted. By applying online, you are able to receive updates and monitor the status of your application. The Department of Administration participates 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,

Applicant Pool Statement: If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection. Training Assignment: Not Applicable Salary: $123,000.00-128,000.00 Yearly Telework Eligibility: Telework Eligible (Full-time telework is not available. Telework schedule must be supervisor approved.) 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: Department of Administration Union: 000 - None Posting Date: Jul 2, 2026, 4:26:58 PM Closing Date (based on your computer's timezone): Ongoing Required Application Materials: Cover Letter, Resume Contact Name: Megan Stearman | 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.