Public Policy and Government Affairs Officer

The Montana Department of Environmental Quality is seeking a Public Policy and Government Affairs Officer in Helena, MT. This role involves leading public policy initiatives, managing environmental and energy strategy, and collaborating with senior leadership. Key responsibilities include advising on policy issues, personnel management, agency representation, and fostering relationships with stakeholders. The ideal candidate should be passionate about public service and environmental protection while promoting economic growth.
At the Montana Department of Environmental Quality, our work impacts all Montanans. Our agency mission is to champion a healthy environment for a thriving Montana - watch it in action here! Whether it's the water you drink at a restaurant, the air you breathe on a hike, or the energy that lights up your home - we provide environmental oversight, clean-up, and energy resource information to the people and businesses of Montana.
We are actively recruiting for a Public Policy & Government Affairs Officer to lead our public policy, Montana Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) and Major Facilities Siting Act (MFSA), and public relations programs and help guide environmental and energy strategy for the Agency.
The Public Policy & Government Affairs Officer for Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is a challenging and rewarding opportunity. The Public Policy & Government Affairs Officer will be at the forefront of implementing and shaping the development of Montana's environmental and energy policies, regulations, and future legislation. The person in this position will work closely with the Director and the Deputy Director on a multitude of diverse projects. This position also goes beyond public policy and government affairs expertise; your ability to lead people will be equally in demand. Your management responsibilities will be focused on the fine details of the MEPA, MFSA, and communications programs; however, your influence will easily extend throughout the entire Department as a member of the Senior Leadership Team. As Public Policy & Government Affairs Officer, you will be a key member of Senior Leadership and drive decisions in executing environmental and energy policy and regulation, developing and sustaining our organizational culture, making operational or process changes in the public policy and communications programs, and helping to serve the Department programs.
Some of your major duties include:
Advice and Consultation: Consult with and provide advice to the Director, Deputy Director, and Division Administrators regarding policy issues facing the agency. Be able to quickly synthesize those policy issues and communicate with other senior leaders and stakeholders on those topics.
Leadership and Personnel Management: Actively manage resources and lead by example our Department mission, goals, strategies, measures, and core values.
Agency Representation: Personally, or through staff, represent the agency in various forums, including in front of the legislature, with state and federal partners, responding to the press and working with associated agency boards.
Collaboration: Collaborate with agency senior leadership and personnel for the purpose of policy issues, rules and regulation adoption process, and communications.
As the Public Policy & Government Affairs Officer at the Montana Department of Environmental Quality, we are looking for someone passionate about serving the public and protecting the environment, while simultaneously facilitating economic diversity and growth. A dynamic, collegial personality, with confidence to engage and foster teambuilding is essential. The Public Policy & Government Affairs Officer will engage with offices, agencies, and representatives outside of DEQ, cultivating relationships with peers, stakeholders, and elected officials to serve the public and agency interest.
As a strategic thinker, the Public Policy & Government Affairs Officer will be able to identify ambiguity in regulation and the law then craft simple and novel remedies. Calm throughout stressful situations, our Public Policy & Government Affairs Officer will possess strong emotional intelligence in often contentious situations. A sense of humor and a lighthearted demeanor is always welcome. Finally, the successful candidate will have strong writing skills. Cover letters for this position will be carefully examined for grammar, content, and form.
Additional characteristics/experience that will lead to success:
• Prior leadership that demonstrates accountability, efficiency and effectiveness
• Ability to effectively communicate including active, respectful disagreement and consensus-building with audiences of different views and backgrounds
• Demonstrated ability to work within divergent policy and political opinions
• Embracing and supporting a team-oriented culture
The Montana Department of Environmental Quality's employees are the heart of our organization and culture. Our wellness committee and mentorship program are employee-led and provide educational events, small interest-based social groups, and opportunities to grow personally and professionally with guidance from a mentor.
Helena is an outdoor recreator's paradise-home to miles of trails, glistening lakes and winter skiing. Helena's central location makes it easy to take a day trip to Missoula or Bozeman and it's within driving distance of two breathtaking national parks. The downtown walking mall features shops, restaurants and breweries with events and live music throughout the year. For more about the Helena experience, visit: https://helenamt.com/
This position may be eligible for a statutory base salary annual increase of 2.5% effective July 1, 2025.
The position includes a career ladder for professional development and pay progression.
• Bachelor's degree in public administration, business administration, communications or related field.
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible management experience, including working with upper management of an organization
• Demonstrate strong leadership, analytical, and critical thinking skills
• Be skilled in understanding varying perspectives, yet decisive
• Be capable of effecting change
• Demonstrated experience in negotiating, dispute resolution, decision-making, planning, goal setting, plan execution, continuous process improvement, and monitoring progress towards goals
Montana DEQ may consider alternative combinations of education and experience on a case-by-case basis.