Job Description

Central Services Division Administrator

-

(

26140110

)

To be considered for OPD positions, applicants must complete and submit their application online, as well as upload any required application materials. This position may be based out of any OPD Office in the State of Montana.

Our Mission

To Provide the Most Compassionate and Expert Defense of Clients and the Constitution

Our Vision

Creating Expert Teams of Advocates for Justice, Bringing Respect and Dignity to our Clients to Achieve Holistic and Equitable Outcomes

Reasons to work for the Office of the Public Defender:

Our work changes lives!

OPD's work makes a difference for the people in our communities. Public Defenders work for their clients, protect constitutional rights, and ensure the system remains fair. We are proud of the work we do. To find out more about OPD visit our website.

Benefits of working for OPD:

The ability to

work

and

play

in the

beautiful state of Montana

is one of the benefits you will love about this opportunity! Montana offers theaters, museums, fairs, rodeos, a high-quality educational system, and many recreational opportunities. Montana's mountains, rivers, and lakes provide year-round opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Fishing, hiking, camping, boating, biking, hunting, skiing, and snowmobiling can be accessed throughout our great state.


Other fantastic benefits include:

Health coverage

Retirement plans

Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays

Work/life balance

Flexible schedules

Opportunities and room for professional growth

Telework (when applicable)

Public Service Loan Forgiveness -

Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive public service loan forgiveness - visit the Federal Student Aid website to learn more!

Materials Required of Applicants:

Cover Letter

Resume

References:

Please provide contact information for (2) current or former supervisors and (1) professional peer.*

About this Opportunity!

Job Overview:

The Central Services Division Administrator provides operational oversight and management to the Central Services Division, which includes the Accounting Bureau, Human Resources Department, IT Department, Contracts Office, Center of Defense Excellence (training), and Development and Operations Bureau. In addition to these specific Division duties, the Administrator is part of agency leadership. The position reports to the OPD's Director.

Essential Functions (Major Duties or Responsibilities):

Administrative Management:

(100%)

Oversees all CSD functions and ensures success of Human Resources, Accounting, IT, training, Contracts, and DevOps. Servs as a member of agency leadership, assisting in the development and coordination of strategic planning within the Division and throughout the agency. Coordinates with Governor's Office to ensure legislative and budget proposals are developed, coordinated internally, and submitted to the Office of Budget and Program Planning (OBPP) and Legislature. Develops and oversees internal controls, administrative policies, procedures and business processes. Coordinates and develops responses to legislative audit issues and corrective action plans. Identifies and solves operational problems, including effectively coordinating with internal and external stakeholders.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

Work of this position normally occurs in a typical office setting. Work also requires frequent travel and routinely requires extended work hours and overnight stays.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Ability to energize and provide strong leadership to the Central Services Division. Ability to gain respect and manage and utilize the skills of staff. Ability to develop and implement agency and division policies based on short and long-term agency strategic planning goals, management concepts and practices. Ability to recognize, analyze and solve complex management problems. Ability to take responsibility and accountability for work activities and personal actions, as well as recognize the impact of ones behavior on others and agency goals. Ability to follow through on commitments and implement agency decisions. Ability to assess hypothetical situations and impacts; consolidate a unified strategy in response to numerous issues and concerns; make proper and timely decisions in stressful situations. Ability to direct a complex organization through effective planning, delegation and leadership. Ability to accept the direction of the Director in carrying out policy. Ability to provide supervision and organizational direction and to demonstrate extensive knowledge of change, personnel, and budget management Demonstrated verbal and written communication, negotiation, problem solving and decision-making skills. Strong relationship-building skills, including the ability to communicate effectively across diverse groups and to build trust and credibility in working relationships. Demonstrated commitment to the state and the mission of the public defender system. Knowledge of legal and court policies, procedures, practices, terminology and systems; state and federal laws, rules and regulations; and public defense. Extensive knowledge and experience in public administration, public relations, government organization, lobbying, state budgeting, and legislative processes.

Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience):

Master's degree in business administration, public administration, or a related field; and Five years of related work experience, including three years of senior-level management. Other combinations of education or experience may be considered.

Preferred:

Experience with Montana legal system and indigent defense.

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

:

This agency may use a training assignment. Employees in training assignments may be paid below the base pay established by the agency pay rules. Conditions of the training assignment will be stated in writing at the time of hire.

Salary: $

134,157.16 - 134,157.16 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, 20 % of the Time

Primary Location

:

Butte

Other Locations

:

East Helena, Billings, Missoula, Bozeman, Great Falls

Agency

:

Office of Public Defender

Union

:

000 - None

Posting Date

:

Jan 13, 2026, 9:30:29 AM

Closing Date (based on your computer's timezone)

: Jan 21, 2026, 12:59:00 AM

Required Application Materials

:

Cover Letter, Resume, References

Contact Name

:

Margaret McNivens |

Contact Email

:

Margaret.McNivens@mt.gov |

Contact Phone

:

4064445374