Management & Program Analyst - Associate or Senior
Description
: We are seeking inquisitive, analytical, and self-motivated people who are interested in effective and efficient government to become part of our team in Helena as a Management and Program Analyst at the Associate or *Senior level. Management and Program Analysts review and examine state government operations to determine whether programs are:
• Effectively achieving intended results,
• Efficiently managing operations, and
• Complying with related laws and regulations.
Management and Program Analysts work in teams planning, conducting, and presenting in-depth policy and operational reviews of state government programs. They analyze data, develop conclusions, and make recommendations to state agencies and the state legislature to improve government operations. They document their analysis and findings, compose summaries and conclusions for their work, and assist with writing reports and presenting performance audit results to agency personnel and legislative committees. Specific tasks can include, but are not limited to:
• Conducting individual and group interviews,
• Reviewing agency records and documents,
• Developing and administering surveys,
• Extracting and analyzing operational and financial data,
• Conducting various types of automated testing,
• Reviewing public policy research and studies, and
• Analyzing compliance with associated laws, rules, and policies.
Management and Program Analyst assignments address diverse topics. Examples range from wildlife management programs to regulation of child care facilities to analysis of pension benefits payments. These assignments offer our staff continuing variety, challenging and meaningful work, and opportunities for professional growth and advancement.
Qualifications
: We are looking for individuals skilled in the following areas:
• Analytical thinking and problem solving,
• Gathering and organizing information to formulate and support decisions and opinions,
• Sound written and verbal communication skills,
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships,
• Successful conflict resolution, and
• Self-initiative and self-motivation.
We are recruiting Management and Program Analysts at the Associate and *Senior levels; experience at hiring determines initial placement and salary. All applicants should possess the ability and work ethic to function well independently, but also work effectively as part of an audit team. They should also have a strong interest in learning about state government. Individuals gain the qualifications for this position through obtaining a bachelor’s or master’s degree in business, economics, finance, mathematics, public administration, computer science, information systems, political science, or a related field. Applicants with course work and/or experience in performance auditing, research, analysis of business or government operations, use of data analysis software, quantitative analysis, problem solving, report writing, oral presentations, and basic Montana government operations will be given more consideration. A completed bachelor’s degree is required by May 15, 2022.
Associate Management and Program Analyst: 0-3 years of relevant experience; starting minimum salary $54,924
*Senior Management and Program Analyst: 2-5 years of relevant experience; starting minimum salary $59,404
*To be considered for entry as Senior, the applicant MUST have a minimum of 2 years direct work experience as a program evaluator/analyst, performance auditor, or demonstrably equivalent position. Education or related (but not direct) work experience WILL NOT be substituted for the direct auditing work experience for Senior-level consideration. Direct experience conducting government program evaluation and/or performance auditing is preferred.
These positions provide an opportunity for salary adjustments and career advancement based on merit. We offer flexible work schedules with an option for up to 24 hours of telework a week. (However, the candidate must live in Helena or the immediate area as this position is not fulltime remote.) Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. A comprehensive benefits package is also offered, including a state contribution of more than $12,000/year for health, life, dental, and optional vision insurance; contribution to a retirement fund; and paid vacation and sick leave.
The Legislative Audit Division is an independent, nonpolitical, nonpartisan audit organization in the legislative branch of Montana state government. Directed by the Legislative Auditor, the office is responsible for analyzing the management processes of state executive and judicial branch programs in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards established for Management and Program Analysts. The office is also responsible for conducting information systems and financial audits.
Please provide the following four items with your application:
1. Cover Letter
Please state in your cover letter whether you are applying for the Associate- or Senior-level position.
2. Resume
3. College Transcripts
Unofficial copies of transcripts are acceptable for application purposes but, if hired, official copies will be required at starting date.
4. References
Provide the name and contact information for three professional references but note that we will not contact references until after the interview process.
The office evaluates application materials, and based on qualifications, selects applicants for further consideration. Qualified applicants will be asked to participate in a telephone interview and structured oral interview which includes a case study. This position requires periodic travel and overtime. Staff must possess a valid driver’s license. A criminal records background check will be required as a condition of employment. If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection. Please direct specific questions about the position to Will Soller at wsoller@mt.gov or Chelsea Rayfield at chelsea.rayfield@mt.gov.