Community Planning Program Supervisor

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.

We uphold excellence, integrity, engagement, and innovation by delivering respectful, creative, and accountable service through collaborative, resilient teams. Rooted in a deep love for Montana, we proudly embody its authenticity, independence, and industry as we serve and partner with Montanans.

(You can learn more about us here.)

About this Position

The Community MT Division plans for high quality growth and invests in transformational community development to facilitate vibrant and sustainable communities across Montana. The division helps communities implement projects related to community planning, public infrastructure and facilities, downtown revitalization, and historic preservation. We are seeking a collaborative leader with expertise in land use planning, community development, and local government operations. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong skills in strategic planning, policy interpretation, budget development and management, stakeholder engagement, and public facilitation.

What You'll Do

As the Community Planning Program Supervisor, you will build partnerships, navigate complex community issues, and lead teams to achieve shared goals. Reporting to the Community MT Division Administrator, this position supervises two team members and contributes to division-wide strategy and program delivery.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the Community Technical Assistance Program (CTAP), providing strategic direction and oversight of program operations.
• Supervise and develop team members while contributing to division-wide planning and program delivery.
• Provide technical assistance and training to local governments on land use planning, growth management, and community development.
• Interpret planning policies, regulations, and legislation to support informed decision-making.
• Lead complex planning initiatives through research, analysis, project management, and problem-solving.
• Build and maintain partnerships with local governments, elected officials, agencies, consultants, and community stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain planning resources, model documents, and land use policy information.
• Manage consultant contracts and support budget, program, and performance management activities.

This post in ongoing; with first review 11/20/2026

What are we looking for?

To thrive in this role from day one, you should be able to demonstrate the following qualifying skills:

• Deliver training and technical assistance on land use planning, growth, and community development topics.
• Apply expertise in planning and land use practices, including zoning, subdivisions, transportation, housing, environmental planning, and local government processes.
• Lead complex planning projects through research, analysis, project management, and strategic problem-solving.
• Build and maintain effective partnerships with local governments, elected officials, agencies, and community stakeholders.
• Certification with the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) is required for this role.

If you have a combination of the skills outlined above and a desire to serve Montanans, we encourage you to apply.

How to apply

Apply online by submitting your Cover Letter and Resume. (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

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

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.

This agency 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://Link to E-Verify Website.