Montana Heritage Preservation Grant Program Specialist

About the Department

The Department of Commerce aims to make sure Montana is the best place to work, live and play. We work alongside private industry and local organizations to create jobs, grow businesses, develop affordable housing and improve community infrastructure.

(You can learn more about us here.)

About this Position

The Community MT Division helps Montana communities offer well planned, safe, efficient, and quality public and community facilities including bridges; water and sewer services; schools; affordable and attractive housing and neighborhoods; excellent health care facilities and social services; preserved historic sites and museums, a vibrant downtown and economy; and job opportunities. The Community MT Division has the resources to help each community attain these goals, including financial, planning and technical assistance. Our diverse team of community development professionals support the thriving and unique legacy in communities across Montana.

The Community MT Division for the Department of Commerce is looking for a Historic Preservation Program Specialist with experience working with Montana's communities and administering projects to support historic preservation, history museums, local community revitalization, planning, and economic development goals. Community MT employs a comprehensive approach to community building, coordinating programs such as the Montana Main Street Program, Montana Historic Preservation Grant Program, CDBG Economic Development, CDBG and Community Facilities to spur impactful community-wide improvements. Such programs involve statewide community revitalization, technical assistance and organizational capacity building to develop local efforts that create tangible projects and healthy and vibrant communities and downtowns.

The Historic Preservation Program Specialist assists with the coordination and administration of the Historic Preservation Grant Program and the Montana Main Street Program. This position is responsible for managing grants from start-up to project completion; coordinating and conducting grant reviews and awards; and assuring program and project compliance with federal and state requirements. This position also works with a team to provide detailed technical assistance, outreach, information, and expertise to community stakeholders, grant recipients, and partners.

Examples of projects and responsibilities of the Historic Preservation Program Specialist include:

• Work with local leaders and stakeholders to realize the potential of a vacant and historic downtown building that will be redeveloped to bring vibrancy to a community.

• Administer projects funded through the Montana Historic Preservation Grant program that preserve Montana's historic heritage and spur economic development and revitalization in Montana communities.

• Develop and implement outreach and trainings that present national or local best practices, innovation, and strategies.

• Inspire local enthusiasm, connect wider resources, and support positive results.

• Be inspired by the dedication and big ideas in small communities throughout Montana.

• Restructure programs and partnerships to achieve workable and effective solutions.

If you are motivated and passionate to make a positive impact in Montana communities in the areas of historic preservation, economic development, and community revitalization, this may be the opportunity for you.

This position is open until filled with a first review date of July 3, 2024.

Education and Experience:

o Bachelor's Degree in Public Administration, Historic Preservation, Business Administration, Planning, Humanities, or other related area plus

o Two (2) years of job-related experience that includes planning and financing of community revitalization, economic development, public facility improvement, housing development, and/or grant management.

o Other combinations of experience and education will be considered on a 1-1 basis

Competencies:

Knowledge:

Knowledge of historic preservation, downtown revitalization, and economic development concepts; program planning and public administration, management, and fiscal accountability practices; federal and state laws, rules, and regulations that apply to grant programs and procedures; grant management techniques; and local government administration.

Skills:

The candidate should have proficiency with personal or network computer systems and software, in order to process and manipulate documents, spreadsheets, forms, correspondence, reports, data tracking, and graphics. Must have the computer skills necessary to effectively operate a Dell Desktop and Laptop Computer with the following software: Microsoft Windows, Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Must have proficiency in the use of various office equipment including telephone, cell phone, photocopier, facsimile machine, and calculator. A valid driver's license is required.

Abilities:

Ability to pay close attention to detail and follow oral and written instructions; communicate effectively orally and in writing with a variety of individuals and agencies; plan, coordinate and supervise program activities under general guidance and direction; analyze and interpret financial information, including grant and loan disbursement amounts, facility user fees, and bonded indebtedness; negotiate with and persuade a variety of individuals; work under stress of short deadlines, multiple projects, and changing priorities; and plan and complete work on a timely basis.

How to apply

Apply online by submitting your resume and three professional business references. References will not be contacted until after interview process is completed and you will be notified when we will be reaching out to them. (Please Note: You do not need to complete the "work experience" or the "education & certifications" portion of the application process in our recruiting system. You only need to upload the requested documentation.)

Benefits

• Look here to see the additional benefits! They include:

o Work/life Balance

o Health Coverage

o Retirement plans

o Paid Vacation and Sick Leave and Holidays

o And more…

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) - Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under the PSLF. Look here to learn more and see if you may qualify!

Other important information to be aware of

• This position requires the successful completion of a criminal background check.

• Only online applications are accepted. By applying online, you can receive updates and monitor the status of your application.

• If you fail to upload the requested application documents and/or preference documents, we will notify you via email. Failure to upload these documents after notification will result in your application being removed from consideration.

• This position allows for a hybrid work schedule from a remote location within the State of Montana. Weekly travel to Helena offices will be required. Specific conditions will be outlined as part of the job offer and must adhere to state policy. New Employees may be required to complete training in person before hybrid work schedules begin.