Montana Youth Challenge Academy (MYCA) is a residential academic intervention program on the campus of the University of Montana Western for 16-18 year old students who are at risk of high school dropout. Designed by the National Guard Bureau and run through a cooperative agreement between the federal government and the state of Montana, the Academy offers military style structure and discipline along with academic, professional, and life-coping skills students need to become productive citizens. MYCA is seeking a Montana Youth Challenge Academy Director to be the administrator responsible for developing, managing and overseeing the implementation of strategic plans, objectives, and priorities for the MYCA program operations. The position is also responsible for identifying and developing legislative initiatives, public outreach initiatives, quality assurance measures, cooperative agreements, and MYCA policy development and implementation, as accomplished through personal and cooperative efforts with government, private sector and organizational policy/operational management leadership. The position serves as the State’s authority in MYCA issues, and exercises discretion and authority in representing the MYCA Division and the Montana Department of Military Affairs positions and commitments to various authorities and partners. *Duties:* * Manages and oversees the delivery of statewide MYCA services to ensure that programs achieve performance standards for quality, consistency, and cost-effectiveness. * Develops innovative systems, strategies, and special projects to address challenges/deficiencies and enhance services. * Plans and oversees the development and implementation of the Division’s statewide MYCA outreach program, including statewide public education and activities to promote MYCA. * Responsible to identify, plan, develop and represent the agency’s biennial budget in accordance with State of Montana processes, and in coordination with the Department, Governor’s Office and State Legislature. * Evaluates the effectiveness of ongoing operations, statutory requirements, community interests, and other issues to determine legislative initiatives/needs; and promote support for MYCA goals and objectives. * Develops fiscal plans and budget strategies to maximize the use of multiple funding streams and available resources. This involves evaluating various funding types (e.g., general fund, federal funding, donations) relative to changing program needs and necessary expenditures, determining eligibility and allocations for various fund types, and adjusting allocations, as necessary, to adequately fulfill funding priorities. * Develops, presents and justifies new legislation to accommodate evolving MYCA objectives; benefit system requirements; state and federal regulations/laws; local/Tribal collaboration; and other generating factors. * Represents the Division and Department at public and professional meetings and conferences; evaluates information; and formulates and promotes effective policies, standards, and specifications related to Youth Challenge services and organizational development. /Must have demonstrated the ability to work with, and engage in, diverse working environments within and outside of the Department of Military Affairs./ *Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience):* * Bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration, education, or related field. * Five (5) years of progressively responsible and related experience including program administration, education, and supervisory experience * Three (3) years of senior-level management experience * Other combinations of education and experience may be considered *Preferred:* * Direct experience in program administration or education management * Master’s degree in above listed or similar field * Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: * Advanced professional knowledge of the concepts, theories, and development applications of program development and conduct, and public administration. * Knowledge in strategic planning, and negotiation; research methods and techniques, accompanied by a clear understanding of organizational goals, objectives, policies and procedures. * Ability to effectively manage a complex organization and directly, effectively supervise subordinate program-level leadership staff. * Skilled in public presentations and effectively communicate complex, technical information to diverse audiences; managing and mediating sensitive or contentious contacts with others; developing, negotiating and defending legislative proposals, cooperative agreements, and service contracts; and developing innovative management solutions to complex and often unprecedented problems. * Ability to use reason and logic to identify and solve problems, reflecting program expertise, vision, and creativity to reach conclusions and implement decisions. * Requires leadership, delegation, and negotiation skills and abilities; possess strong written and verbal communication; and serves as agency representative to various audiences. *Special Requirements:* * Must be able to pass a background check * Must have a valid driver’s license **Title:** *MYCA Director* **Location:** *Dillon* **Requisition ID:** *25141193*