Unemployment Insurance Division Administrator

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (Education & Experience)

• Experience in high-level administrative or program management roles in either public and/or private sector.
• Demonstrated experience in leading teams in program management workforce development and/or equivalent employment and training programs.
• Proven supervisory or managerial capacity including performance management and team development responsibilities.
• Proficiency with technology systems data analytics and program modernization (IT/systems integration experience preferred).
• Experience managing federal and/or state grant-funded programs and complex budgets.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills with ability to work effectively with internal teams external partners policy makers and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience preparing and delivering presentations to stakeholders partners and public audiences on matters of organizational policy program administration or operational change.
• Experience leading or participating in the modernization and integration of major IT systems including stakeholder engagement process redesign and adoption of new technologies.
• A bachelors degree in public administration business administration financial management or a closely 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 Knowledge Skills and Abilities 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.

This position is located in our 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: STATEMENT:
Empowering all Montanans through work and opportunity.

DLI CORE VALUES:

• Responsiveness
• Respect
• Integrity
• Excellence
• Cohesiveness

Its 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 DLIhere.

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 state here.

See our other incredible benefits here. 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: Youll 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 - clickhere to learn more.
• Free telehealth and access to free employee medical clinics through our medical plan - click here to 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. Click here to learn more.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness- Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive loan forgiveness- clickhere to 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 2.5% base pay increase effective on July 1 2026.

*This position may be covered by aVoluntary Employee Beneficiary Association (VEBA)

JOB DUTIES:

The Unemployment Services Division Administrator provides strategic leadership and operational management for Montanas Unemployment Insurance Division ensuring effective delivery of unemployment benefits and employer fund management. This role oversees claims processing benefit payments employer tax compliance fraud prevention program integrity appeals and outreach.

Key responsibilities include administering employer contributions to the Unemployment Trust Fund maintaining compliance with federal and state regulations and enforcing quality control and fraud prevention measures. The Administrator directs UI program development budgeting and risk management serving as chief liaison to employers legislators and the public while emphasizing transparency and continual improvement. The Administrator supports the divisions mission by ensuring timely and impartial economic relief for Montanas eligible workers.

Essential Function:

The Unemployment Insurance Division Administrator will:

• Provide program oversight and administration by managing all core areas including Benefits Tax and Quality Control/Fraud Prevention maintaining compliance with all laws and regulations.
• Supervise and develop knowledgeable teams delegate authority and foster an environment of high performance and continuous learning.
• Direct strategic planning and modernization by leading system innovation and process adaptation in response to workforce and economic trends.
• Ensure regulatory compliance by overseeing the preparation and submission of required reports and upholding anti-fraud standards.
• Cultivate stakeholder relationships by maintaining open communication with employers claimants legislators and partner agencies.
• Represent the division at public forums and through outreach promoting trust and transparency.
• Utilize data analytics to monitor program effectiveness identify trends and develop actionable solutions for improvement.

Required Skills and Competencies:

Candidates must demonstrate the ability to:

• Interpret and Implement Laws and Regulations: Understanding and application of federal and state UI statutes regulations and program policies.
• Leadership and Team Management: Supervisory experience coaching skills and the ability to build high-performing teams.
• Strategic Planning and Innovation: Experience leading change modernizing systems and planning for long-term program adaptability.
• Analytical and Problem-Solving: Advanced data analysis skill; ability to identify operational problems risks and solutions.
• Fiscal and Resource Management: Proven budgeting resource allocation and financial oversight within government or large programs.
• Communication and Collaboration: Clear persuasive communication and partnership-building across diverse audiences.
• Public Presentations and Outreach: Demonstrated ability to prepare and deliver effective presentations to diverse audiences including employers legislators public forums and internal stakeholders. Strong public speaking visual communication and training skills to communicate complex policy and operational information clearly.
• IT Modernization and Digital Transformation: Experience managing IT innovation initiatives including legacy system upgrades process automation technology assessment and integration of modern solutions. Demonstrated proficiency in IT project management vendor coordination and developing business cases for new technology investments.
• Operational Change Management: Proven ability to lead teams through operational transitions fostering employee engagement and stakeholder buy-in. Experience designing and implementing change management strategies setting performance benchmarks and systematically measuring progress and impact.