Innovation Bureau Chief - (26141403)

Innovation Bureau Chief - (26141403) 

INNOVATION BUREAU CHIEF

DIRECTOR’S OFFICE

HELENA, MT

The Montana Department of Corrections (DOC) is creating a safer Montana through Accountability, Rehabilitation and Empowerment. If you want to work making positive changes in your community, the Montana Department of Corrections is the place for you!

The Innovation Bureau Chief leads the development and implementation of forward-thinking programs and technologies that enhance operational efficiency, improve rehabilitation outcomes, and advance public safety across our correctional facilities and communication corrections partners.

• Develops and oversees the implementation of innovative programs and solutions that modernize correctional operations while ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations;
• Evaluates emerging technologies and best practices in corrections, making strategic considerations for adoption within Montana's correctional system;
• Collaborates with facility wardens, correctional leadership, and staff to understand operational challenges and implement improvements;
• Establishes metrics and evaluation frameworks to measure the effectiveness of innovative initiatives;
• Prepares detailed reports and presentations for senior leadership on program outcomes and considerations;
• Ensures all innovation initiatives align with department policies, security protocols, and budget constraints

The Innovation Bureau Chief reports to the deputy director. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Strong project management skills with experience leading cross-functional teams;
• Demonstrated track record of successfully implementing organizational change initiatives;
• Excellence in data analysis and performance metrics;
• Superior written and verbal communication skills;
• Strong leadership and team building capabilities;
• Proficiency in project management software and data analysis tools;
• Understanding of correctional best practices and industry trends;
• Familiarity with Montana state government operations.

QUALIFICATIONS

The knowledge, skills and abilities for this position are typically acquired through a combination of education and experience equivalent to:

• Preferred bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration, criminal justice or a related field;
• Preferred five years of experience in corrections, public safety, or related government operations.
• Alternative combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

BENEFITS

Your service is rewarded with competitive compensation and generous State of Montana Benefits.

State of Montana employment may qualify for student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

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

To initiate an application and be considered, you must attach your resume, cover letter, and mark the attachments as a “Relevant File”. In your cover letter, state why you are applying for the position and anything that makes you uniquely qualified. Applications missing required documentation may not be considered.

Successful applicants will be subject to:

• Criminal history check
• Child/patient/offender abuse registries
• Reference checks

The Department of Corrections participates in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility.  After accepting a job offer and completing Form I-9, your information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration for verification.   For more information about E-Verify, please visit the E-Verify website found here, https://www.e-verify.gov/.

NOTICES

Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) -  Any person who has 1) engaged in sexual abuse in a prison, jail, lockup, community confinement facility, juvenile facility, or other institution; 2) been convicted of engaging in or attempting to engage in sexual activity in the community facilitated by force, overt or implied threats of force, or coercion, or if the victim did not consent or was unable to consent or refuse; or 3) been civilly or administratively adjudicated to have engaged in activity as described in the latter, are not qualified for this position.

Tobacco Free - The use of all tobacco products, including smokeless tobacco products and tobacco substitutes is prohibited in Department of Corrections buildings.  In secure care facilities possession of tobacco products is prohibited.

Applicant Pool Statement:  If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection. Training Assignment:  This agency may use a training assignment. Employees in training assignments may be paid below the base pay established by the agency pay rules. Conditions of the training assignment will be stated in writing at the time of hire.  

Salary: $

 48.57 - 54.84  Hourly    Telework Eligibility:  Not Telework Eligible Benefits Package Eligibility:  Health Insurance, Paid Leave & Holidays, Retirement Plan     

Number of Openings

:  1 Employee Status:  Regular Schedule:  Full-Time 

Job Type

:  Standard 

Shift

:  Day Job 

Travel

:  Yes, 15 % of the Time  

Primary Location

:  Helena    Agency:  Department of Corrections Union:  000 - None  

Posting Date

:  May 22, 2026, 8:13:33 AM 

Closing Date (based on your computer's timezone)

:  Jun 8, 2026, 11:59:00 PM 

Required Application Materials:  Cover Letter, Resume  

Contact Name:  Amanda Yocom  |  Contact Email:  [email protected]  |  Contact Phone:  406-444-0439 The State of Montana has a decentralized human resources (HR) system. Each agency is responsible for its own recruitment and selection. Anyone who needs a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the agency's HR staff identified on the job listing or by dialing the Montana Relay at 711. Montana Job Service Offices also offer services including assistance with submitting an online application.

State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.