Careers With the Montana Arts Council

Want to work for the small-but-mighty Montana Arts Council? Our current open positions are listed here; click on the link for application details.

Deputy Director

Position Summary

We are seeking a dynamic, strategic leader to serve as our Deputy Director. This position is an integral member of the MAC management team, working closely with the Executive Director to fulfill MAC’s overarching mission. This multi-faceted role includes managing agency operations, overseeing policy development, managing governmental affairs, administering a robust grants program, and directing the agency’s database and information technology infrastructure. You will also provide supervisory support for internal staff and contract vendors.

Key Responsibilities

• Program & Operations Management (65%): Advise the Executive Director on internal and external policies; track progress on programmatic and agency goals; maintain strong relationships with state, federal, and network partners; draft administrative rules; analyze legislative proposals; and build relationships with arts stakeholders, business clusters, other state agencies, and partners.
• Project Supervision (10%): Provide direct supervision, mentoring, and performance reviews for regular and temporary staff (including the Arts Education Director and Program Officer), as well as independent contractors.
• Grants Contract Supervision (10%): Oversee grant administration systems, ensure compliance with National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) requirements, design online application protocols, and provide technical assistance to artists and grantees.
• Information Technology Management (10%): Serve as the Agency Chief Information Officer (CIO); design the agency’s IT strategic plan; manage database workflow and online grant management platforms; and troubleshoot hardware/software issues.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree.
• Experience: At least six (6) years of related professional experience. Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.
• Special Requirements: Must pass a background and fingerprint check and possess a valid driver’s license.

Key Competencies

• Deep knowledge of public administration, the legislative process, and managerial principles.
• Excellent project management, financial analysis, analytical problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Positive, collaborative outlook with strengths in organizational management and program planning.

To Apply: State of Montana is an equal opportunity employer. Accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request.

Apply Here

Business Specialist

The Opportunity

We are seeking a proactive, highly organized Office Manager & Executive Assistant to serve as the operational backbone of our small, dynamic team. In this central role, you will champion efficiency across our agency, managing vital workflows for grants, programming, accounting, and general office functions, while providing direct executive support to our Executive Director.

If you have a keen eye for detail, strong organizational skills, and a knack for bookkeeping, we want to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities

• Executive Support: Provide direct administrative and project-tracking support to the Executive Director.
• Grant Coordination: Manage workflows, tracking, final reports, payments, and award documentation using MAC’s Grant Management System (GMS).
• Financial & Payroll Administration: Verify invoices, process accounts payable/receivable, prepare payroll reports, and enter data into SABHRS in compliance with state accounting standards.
• Office Operations: Oversee day-to-day procurement, office supplies, and central communications (phone, email, and mail).
• Event Planning: Plan, coordinate, and support logistics for semi-annual Council meetings (including occasional travel), ceremonies, and special events.

Qualifications & Skills

To thrive in this role, you should possess a mix of the following education, experience, and technical skills:

• Experience: Equivalent to an associate degree and/or 3+ years of office administration experience, including hands-on computer and bookkeeping work.
• Technical Aptitude: Proficiency with general office software (Word, Excel, Outlook) is required. A strong ability to quickly learn new state technologies (such as SABHRS and GMS) is essential.
• Core Competencies:
  • Understanding basic accounting and payroll practices.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Exceptional accuracy in typing, filing, data collection, and archiving.
  • A track record of building positive, professional working relationships.

Preferred Qualifications (A Strong Plus):

• Experience working within SABHRS.
• Strong Excel skills.

Apply Here