Munro Footwear Group
Contract Services Program Officer – 25142516
Overview
Contract Services Program Officers coordinate case offers and assignments to Contract Public Defenders and provide billing and system support to contract providers across the OPD system. Working closely with the Contract Services Program Manager, they assist with contractor oversight, recruitment, retention, and alignment with OPD policies, procedures, and mission. They serve as key contacts for contractors—offering technical support with invoicing systems, monitoring service quality, and helping resolve program-related issues. They foster strong relationships across OPD local offices and contract counsel to ensure timely, effective representation for clients throughout the state. Essential Functions
Contract Services Program Operations (90%): Coordinate statewide program activities for providing litigation-related contracted services. Primary responsibility for coordinating and assigning contract attorneys to individual cases through OPD’s case management system to ensure timely representation of OPD clients. Respond to requests for assistance or program information by interpreting program policies and requirements, and allocate contractors across jurisdictions and case types in Montana as needed. Enter, track, maintain, analyze, and report program data within OPD’s case management system as required by OPD policies. Interact with community, clients, contractors, judicial officers, and agencies to facilitate program activities, including assignment/removal of contract public defenders and other providers. Provide technical and system support to contractors navigating OPD’s case management and other systems, including responding to electronic tickets and direct requests for billing, applications, and other submissions. Recruit and retain new contractors through electronic, telephone, and in-person communications. Report and address complaints, issues, and suspected violations of program requirements by contractors or OPD staff. Provide subject matter expertise in response to elevated complaints or issues from clients, contractors, or agencies or judicial officials. Analyze documents, data, and reports for program noncompliance and initiate corrective actions. Determine adequacy of services and identify improvements to a Contract Services Program Manager or executive, including identifying jurisdictions or cases needing additional contracting incentives. Assist with policy changes and their impacts on the program (e.g., contractor rate changes, MoU, contracting policy revisions). Maintain or revise program manuals/materials and assist with program updates. Investigate contractor work to assess service delivery and ensure policy and standards compliance, including quality assurance reviews and communicating with judicial officers and witnesses as needed. Other Duties as Assigned
Other duties as assigned Physical and Environmental Demands
This position works primarily in an office environment; statewide travel to contractor sites or other locations may be required up to 20% of the time. Fluctuations in workload may require more than a 40-hour work week. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Comprehensive knowledge of organizational and management principles with emphasis on resource allocation, coordination of personnel, and strategic planning to maximize program impact. Exceptional organizational and time management skills; ability to prioritize and meet deadlines without compromising quality. Strong analytical capabilities to synthesize information, interpret policy, and apply nuanced judgment in complex situations. Clear, persuasive communicator, both in writing and in person; ability to tailor messages to diverse audiences. Proficiency with standard office software and case management systems; quick to learn new technologies. Adept relationship-builder with professionalism and empathy to balance stakeholder needs with program goals. Responsive to feedback and committed to continuous professional development. Ability to work independently or in teams, with initiative and accountability for results. Interest in public defense or service, driven by integrity and desire to support outcomes. Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience)
This position requires: Three years of experience in contract services program or three years of experience with the Office of the State Public Defender. Other combinations of education and experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Preferred Qualifications
Experience in a legal or criminal defense setting. Experience with legal billing and client services. Experience with electronic case management systems. 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 and Benefits
Salary: 68,577.60 yearly. Telework eligibility: Telework eligible (full-time telework is not available; schedule must be supervisor approved). Benefits include health insurance, paid leave & holidays, and retirement plan. Openings and Work Details
Number of Openings: 1. Employee Status: Regular. Schedule: Full-Time. Job Type: Standard. Shift: Day Job. Travel: Yes, up to 20% of the time. Primary Location: Butte. Other Locations: Billings, Missoula, Miles City, Helena, Kalispell, Bozeman, Great Falls. Agency
Office of Public Defender. Posting Date: Oct 27, 2025. Closing Date: Nov 11, 2025. Required Application Materials
Cover Letter, Resume, References Contact
Margaret McNivens | Margaret.McNivens@mt.gov | 406-444-5374 The State of Montana has a decentralized human resources system. Anyone who needs a reasonable accommodation should contact the agency HR staff identified on the job listing. State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, disability, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.
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Contract Services Program Officers coordinate case offers and assignments to Contract Public Defenders and provide billing and system support to contract providers across the OPD system. Working closely with the Contract Services Program Manager, they assist with contractor oversight, recruitment, retention, and alignment with OPD policies, procedures, and mission. They serve as key contacts for contractors—offering technical support with invoicing systems, monitoring service quality, and helping resolve program-related issues. They foster strong relationships across OPD local offices and contract counsel to ensure timely, effective representation for clients throughout the state. Essential Functions
Contract Services Program Operations (90%): Coordinate statewide program activities for providing litigation-related contracted services. Primary responsibility for coordinating and assigning contract attorneys to individual cases through OPD’s case management system to ensure timely representation of OPD clients. Respond to requests for assistance or program information by interpreting program policies and requirements, and allocate contractors across jurisdictions and case types in Montana as needed. Enter, track, maintain, analyze, and report program data within OPD’s case management system as required by OPD policies. Interact with community, clients, contractors, judicial officers, and agencies to facilitate program activities, including assignment/removal of contract public defenders and other providers. Provide technical and system support to contractors navigating OPD’s case management and other systems, including responding to electronic tickets and direct requests for billing, applications, and other submissions. Recruit and retain new contractors through electronic, telephone, and in-person communications. Report and address complaints, issues, and suspected violations of program requirements by contractors or OPD staff. Provide subject matter expertise in response to elevated complaints or issues from clients, contractors, or agencies or judicial officials. Analyze documents, data, and reports for program noncompliance and initiate corrective actions. Determine adequacy of services and identify improvements to a Contract Services Program Manager or executive, including identifying jurisdictions or cases needing additional contracting incentives. Assist with policy changes and their impacts on the program (e.g., contractor rate changes, MoU, contracting policy revisions). Maintain or revise program manuals/materials and assist with program updates. Investigate contractor work to assess service delivery and ensure policy and standards compliance, including quality assurance reviews and communicating with judicial officers and witnesses as needed. Other Duties as Assigned
Other duties as assigned Physical and Environmental Demands
This position works primarily in an office environment; statewide travel to contractor sites or other locations may be required up to 20% of the time. Fluctuations in workload may require more than a 40-hour work week. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Comprehensive knowledge of organizational and management principles with emphasis on resource allocation, coordination of personnel, and strategic planning to maximize program impact. Exceptional organizational and time management skills; ability to prioritize and meet deadlines without compromising quality. Strong analytical capabilities to synthesize information, interpret policy, and apply nuanced judgment in complex situations. Clear, persuasive communicator, both in writing and in person; ability to tailor messages to diverse audiences. Proficiency with standard office software and case management systems; quick to learn new technologies. Adept relationship-builder with professionalism and empathy to balance stakeholder needs with program goals. Responsive to feedback and committed to continuous professional development. Ability to work independently or in teams, with initiative and accountability for results. Interest in public defense or service, driven by integrity and desire to support outcomes. Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience)
This position requires: Three years of experience in contract services program or three years of experience with the Office of the State Public Defender. Other combinations of education and experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Preferred Qualifications
Experience in a legal or criminal defense setting. Experience with legal billing and client services. Experience with electronic case management systems. 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 and Benefits
Salary: 68,577.60 yearly. Telework eligibility: Telework eligible (full-time telework is not available; schedule must be supervisor approved). Benefits include health insurance, paid leave & holidays, and retirement plan. Openings and Work Details
Number of Openings: 1. Employee Status: Regular. Schedule: Full-Time. Job Type: Standard. Shift: Day Job. Travel: Yes, up to 20% of the time. Primary Location: Butte. Other Locations: Billings, Missoula, Miles City, Helena, Kalispell, Bozeman, Great Falls. Agency
Office of Public Defender. Posting Date: Oct 27, 2025. Closing Date: Nov 11, 2025. Required Application Materials
Cover Letter, Resume, References Contact
Margaret McNivens | Margaret.McNivens@mt.gov | 406-444-5374 The State of Montana has a decentralized human resources system. Anyone who needs a reasonable accommodation should contact the agency HR staff identified on the job listing. State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, disability, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.
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