Research & Innovation Program Manager

Job Description – Research & Innovation Program Manager

Position Title:

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is recruiting for a Research & Innovation Program Manager. This position is responsible for managing and administering the operations and activities of the MDT Research Program, the Experimental Projects Program, and the Technology Transfer Program, as well as the Department’s library and related services. The Manager will develop and execute a strategic research roadmap aligned with MDT’s goals and FHWA’s State Planning & Research (SPR) program, engage internal and external partners, guide the full research lifecycle, serve as the agency’s primary liaison for federal research committees, report to the Business Solutions Office Lead, and directly supervise three professional staff: two Research Project Managers and the Department Librarian.

• Manage and administer the operations of the MDT Research Program, Experimental Projects Program, and Technology Transfer Program, and oversee the Department’s library services.
• Develop and execute a strategic research roadmap aligned with MDT’s goals and FHWA’S State Planning & Research program.
• Engage internal and external partners, including universities, FHWA, and local agencies to advance the Department’s research and innovation agenda.
• Guide the full research lifecycle ensuring research project outcomes benefit statewide programs.
• Serve as the agency’s primary liaison for federal research committees and programs.
• Report to the Business Solutions Office Lead and supervise three professional staff.

• Bachelor’s degree in business, science, transportation or a closely related field, or four years of related experience in lieu of a degree.
• Four years of progressive experience in program administration, transportation research, or project and portfolio management.
• One year of supervisory or team lead experience.
• Alternative combinations of related experience and education may be considered.

• Knowledge of project and portfolio management principles.
• Skills in stakeholder engagement and collaboration, including facilitation of meetings with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.

• Culture of public service and commitment to work/life balance.
• Potential hybrid remote work arrangement available.
• Access to Montana Health Centers and low‑cost clinics for state employees and their families.
• State retirement plan and additional savings opportunities (deferred compensation). Employees receive overtime compensation or compensatory time for all pay status time over 40 hours in a work week.
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays. Benefits apply on the first day of employment.
• Relocation assistance may be offered at the time of offer.

Salary: $43.15 per hour. Telework Eligible (full‑time telework is not available; telework schedules must be supervisor approved).

• Number of Openings: 1
• Employee Status:
  Regular
• Schedule:
  
  Full‑time
• Job Type: Standard
• Shift: Day
• Travel:
  Yes, 10 % of the time
• Primary
  
  Location:
  
  Helena, Agency:
  Department of Transportation
• Posting Date: (Not provided)
• Closing Date: (Not provided)

Contact Name:
Alycia Gereg | Phone: 406‑475‑1712 | Email: agereg

The Montana Department of Transportation is an equal opportunity employer. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, veterans, and disabled veterans are encouraged to apply. People with disabilities needing assistance in the application process or an alternate format may call the Human Resources and Occupational Safety Division at 406‑444‑6054.

Proof of eligibility to work in the United States must be provided if selected for hire. Generally, sponsorship for work authorization is not available through the State of Montana. Effective 5/26/2026, MDT is participating in E‑Verify to confirm employment eligibility.

If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for selection. Training Assignment:
Not Applicable.