Management and Program Analyst, Associate or Senior

Summary

Management And Program Analysts

We are a team of analysts with a variety of professional and academic backgrounds who value different perspectives. We are looking for curious, analytical, and self-motivated people to join us at the Legislative Audit Division as Management and Program Analysts. Analysts evaluate state government programs to provide objective information to the legislature and citizens. Core responsibilities include planning and scoping evaluations, interpreting statute and rule, interviewing program stakeholders, collecting and analyzing quantitative and qualitative data from surveys, data analysis, and document review, writing analytical documents, and presenting findings to the legislature. Analysts examine diverse topics. Examples range from wildlife management programs to regulation of child care facilities to analysis of water rights administration. Assignments offer continuing variety and opportunities for professional growth and advancement.

The Legislative Audit Division is an independent, nonpolitical, nonpartisan organization in Montana's legislative branch. Directed by the Legislative Auditor, the office is responsible for evaluating and reporting on executive and judicial branch operations.

Position Incentives:

• Hybrid telework/in-office schedules available (currently up to 50 percent after the first three months)
• Defined career ladder and merit-based pay raises
• Paid holidays, paid vacation, and sick leave
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision health plans with state contributions
• Possible qualification for Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program for student loans
• Flexible work schedules and casual dress code, as appropriate
• Up to $1,000 out-of-state relocation reimbursement or $500 in-state relocation reimbursement (if moving from more than 50 miles away from Helena) possible
• Retirement package, life and disability insurance, deferred compensation plans, student loan forgiveness

Successful candidates are skilled in understanding state government program operations, analytical thinking, technology, and research skills, written and verbal communication skills, interpersonal skills, including building and maintaining effective working relationships, gathering and organizing information to formulate and support decisions and opinions, working independently and as part of a team.

Required Qualifications:

• A bachelor's degree in any discipline is required. Must be awarded by December 31, 2026.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in performance auditing or program evaluation
• Experience in state government
• Experience in both quantitative and qualitative analysis
• Experience with professional writing
• Degree in public administration, political science, social sciences, natural sciences, or related field.
• A graduate degree

Starting Salary

We are recruiting for Associate and Senior Level Analysts. Starting level and salary is based on relevant and direct work experience.

• Associate Level: 0-3 years of relevant experience; starting minimum $66,000
• Senior Level: 2-5 years of DIRECT WORK EXPERIENCE as an analyst/auditor (program evaluation); starting minimum $74,708

*For Senior Level consideration, the applicant MUST have at least 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 2-year minimum.

If hired, the candidate MUST:

• Live or relocate to within 90 miles of Helena, Montana
• Have a valid driver's license
• Provide official college transcripts
• Successfully pass a criminal records background check
• Be legally authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship
• Be available for periodic travel and overtime

Required Application Materials

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Three professional references [include as part of Resume document]

Application Process

• Application review begins October 5th. (Note all complete applications received by the close date will be reviewed.)
• Application materials are evaluated
• Part 1: Screening Zoom interviews
• Part 2: In-person interviews and case study exercise in Helena
• o Travel reimbursement of up to $700 available for eligible candidates
• The same applicant pool may be used for the same job title vacancies within six months

Job Description

Management And Program Analysts

We are a team of analysts with a variety of professional and academic backgrounds who value different perspectives. We are looking for curious, analytical, and self-motivated people to join us at the Legislative Audit Division as Management and Program Analysts. Analysts evaluate state government programs to provide objective information to the legislature and citizens. Core responsibilities include planning and scoping evaluations, interpreting statute and rule, interviewing program stakeholders, collecting and analyzing quantitative and qualitative data from surveys, data analysis, and document review, writing analytical documents, and presenting findings to the legislature. Analysts examine diverse topics. Examples range from wildlife management programs to regulation of child care facilities to analysis of water rights administration. Assignments offer continuing variety and opportunities for professional growth and advancement.

The Legislative Audit Division is an independent, nonpolitical, nonpartisan organization in Montana's legislative branch. Directed by the Legislative Auditor, the office is responsible for evaluating and reporting on executive and judicial branch operations.

Position Incentives:

• Hybrid telework/in-office schedules available (currently up to 50 percent after the first three months)
• Defined career ladder and merit-based pay raises
• Paid holidays, paid vacation, and sick leave
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision health plans with state contributions
• Possible qualification for Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program for student loans
• Flexible work schedules and casual dress code, as appropriate
• Up to $1,000 out-of-state relocation reimbursement or $500 in-state relocation reimbursement (if moving from more than 50 miles away from Helena) possible
• Retirement package, life and disability insurance, deferred compensation plans, student loan forgiveness

Successful candidates are skilled in understanding state government program operations, analytical thinking, technology, and research skills, written and verbal communication skills, interpersonal skills, including building and maintaining effective working relationships, gathering and organizing information to formulate and support decisions and opinions, working independently and as part of a team.

Required Qualifications:

• A bachelor's degree in any discipline is required. Must be awarded by December 31, 2026.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in performance auditing or program evaluation
• Experience in state government
• Experience in both quantitative and qualitative analysis
• Experience with professional writing
• Degree in public administration, political science, social sciences, natural sciences, or related field.
• A graduate degree

Starting Salary

We are recruiting for Associate and Senior Level Analysts. Starting level and salary is based on relevant and direct work experience.

• Associate Level: 0-3 years of relevant experience; starting minimum $66,000
• Senior Level: 2-5 years of DIRECT WORK EXPERIENCE as an analyst/auditor (program evaluation); starting minimum $74,708

*For Senior Level consideration, the applicant MUST have at least 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 2-year minimum.

If hired, the candidate MUST:

• Live or relocate to within 90 miles of Helena, Montana
• Have a valid driver's license
• Provide official college transcripts
• Successfully pass a criminal records background check
• Be legally authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship
• Be available for periodic travel and overtime

Required Application Materials

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Three professional references [include as part of Resume document]

Application Process

• Application review begins October 5th. (Note all complete applications received by the close date will be reviewed.)
• Application materials are evaluated
• Part 1: Screening Zoom interviews
• Part 2: In-person interviews and case study exercise in Helena
• o Travel reimbursement of up to $700 available for eligible candidates
• The same applicant pool may be used for the same job title vacancies within six months