Program Officer

Job Description - Program Officer )

Are you passionate about strengthening Montana communities through service and volunteerism? The Governor’s Office of Community Service (GOCS) invites you to join a collaborative, mission driven team committed to expanding opportunities for Ameri Corps members, volunteers, and community organizations across the state. In this role, you will help Montanans of all ages engage in service that addresses local needs while fostering civic engagement, leadership, and long lasting community impact.

Empowering all Montanans through work and opportunity.

It's 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.

The Program Officer supports the Governor’s Office of Community Service and the Montana Commission on Community Service in coordinating and overseeing Ameri Corps State programs. The position manages a portfolio of Ameri Corps grantees, ensuring effective program administration, compliance, and continuous improvement. The Program Officer also promotes an ethic of service statewide by supporting subrecipients, facilitating partnerships, and encouraging organizations to use national service as a strategy to strengthen communities.

As a valued member of the Governor’s Office of Community Service, you will make a direct impact helping Montana communities thrive through national service and volunteerism. You’ll collaborate with passionate professionals who share your commitment to service, continuous improvement, and professional growth. This role offers opportunities to:

• Strengthen communities by supporting programs that help address real, local challenges.
• Develop grant, program management, and public service expertise in a state level setting.
• Build partnerships across government, nonprofits, and local organizations statewide.
• Expand your leadership, communication, and data driven decision making skills in a supportive and collaborative work environment.
• Contribute to a culture that values innovation, learning, and meaningful community results.

• Manage Ameri Corps portfolio: Oversee a portfolio of Ameri Corps State programs, providing guidance, technical assistance, and performance oversight to ensure compliance and effective program delivery.
• Coordinate grant processes: Lead Request for Proposals (RFPs) and support the selection and administration of funded programs in alignment with federal and state requirements.
• Ensure compliance and quality: Conduct monitoring visits, reviews, and quality assurance activities to verify adherence to program guidelines and performance expectations.
• Provide technical assistance: Interpret and explain program policies, regulations, and requirements to grantees, subrecipients, and applicants.
• Promote service and partnerships: Act as a liaison with public agencies, nonprofit organizations, host sites, and volunteers to strengthen collaboration and advance an ethic of service.
• Analyze and report data: Track, evaluate, and report on program performance metrics to inform decisions and highlight program impact.
• Develop program resources: Update manuals, materials, and training tools to support continuous learning and program improvement.
• Represent the office: Deliver presentations and participate in events to increase awareness of Ameri Corps and volunteer opportunities throughout Montana.

Candidates must demonstrate the ability to:

• Program and grant administration: Design, manage, and monitor grant funded initiatives, ensuring compliance with laws, regulations, and funding guidelines.
• Effective communication: Communicate complex information clearly in writing, conversation, and public presentations for diverse audiences.
• Partnership and stakeholder engagement: Build and sustain collaborative relationships with community organizations, program directors, and government partners to achieve shared goals.
• Data informed decision making: Collect, analyze, and present data to evaluate program outcomes, identify trends, and…