[Montana Department of Labor & Industry. Empowering Montanans Through Work and Opportunity. Sarah Swanson, Commissioner. Quinlan O'Connor, Chief Legal Counsel, Office of Legal Services.] Note: Employees for the State of Montana must reside within Montana. All applications and required application documents must be submitted through the MT Careers site at: https://mtstatejobs.taleo.net/careersection/200/jobsearch.ftl?lang=en# As part of the Legal Services team, the Legal Operations Manager plays a vital role in ensuring that the Department's legal functions operate efficiently, transparently, and in alignment with the State's mission to serve Montana's workers, employers, and communities. This position enhances the day to day operations that support attorneys, staff, and clients while promoting fairness, compliance, and continuous improvement in service delivery. MISSION STATEMENT: Empowering all Montanans through work and opportunity. DLI CORE VALUES: Responsiveness Respect Integrity Excellence Cohesiveness It's about the people and the impact we make in our communities every day. We are proud of our open, team-based, supportive, and collaborative work environments. Learn more about DLI here. Position Overview: The Legal Operations Manager leads and optimizes the business systems and processes that underpin the Legal Bureau's work. This position serves as the unit's operational expert, coordinating technology solutions, data governance, training, and workflow improvements to support legal and administrative teams. The manager partners closely with attorneys, IT specialists, and administrative leadership to ensure legal services are delivered efficiently, resources are used responsibly, and staff have the tools and training needed for success. Essential Functions: The Legal Operations Manager will: Lead operational effectiveness:Oversees administrative and business operations within the Legal CSD to ensure high quality, timely, and consistent service delivery. Coordinate systems and data integrity:Manages case management systems and data governance processes to ensure compliance with state and federal records standards. Develop and deliver training:Designs, implements, and tracks training programs for attorneys, paralegals, and support staff to promote professional growth and system proficiency. Guide strategic planning:Translates bureau goals into operational strategies that improve workflows, integrate technology, and enhance client service. Manage resources and procurement:Oversees vendor relationships, budgeting, and procurement for technology tools, office systems, and contracted services. Collaborate across teams:Serves as a liaison between legal, information technology, and administrative functions to identify needs, define requirements, and deliver solutions. Monitor performance and continuous improvement:Uses data analysis and reporting to measure efficiency, support planning, and guide process improvements. Foster innovation and change management:Leads change initiatives that strengthen staff capabilities and modernize legal operations. Location and Work Arrangement: This position is based in Helena, Montana, within the Department of Labor & Industry's Legal Services unit. The primary work location is the central office in Helena; any options for remote or hybrid work will be determined in accordance with Department policies and operational needs. Travel may be required on an as needed basis for hearings, meetings, or other official business. Required Skills and Competencies: The ideal candidate will demonstrate advanced knowledge and proficiency in the following areas: Operational leadership and coordination:Candidates must demonstrate the ability to organize complex legal and administrative workflows, manage competing priorities, and lead teams toward measurable outcomes. Strategic planning and implementation:Candidates must demonstrate the ability to align operations with organizational goals, lead long term initiatives, and manage projects from inception to post implementation review. Stakeholder engagement and influence:Candidates must demonstrate the ability to build partnerships with attorneys, technical experts, and vendors to achieve shared objectives. Data governance and analysis:Candidates must demonstrate the ability to maintain data accuracy, ensure compliance with retention policies, and use metrics to drive decisions. Technology and systems management:Candidates must demonstrate the ability to assess and improve case management or records systems and support integration of new solutions. Training and workforce development:Candidates must demonstrate the ability to design and deliver training programs that build staff knowledge, confidence, and consistency. Adaptability and innovation:Candidates must demonstrate the ability to identify opportunities for modernization and apply creative approaches to improve outcomes. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (Education and Experience) Demonstrated experience leading or coordinating operational functions in a legal, administrative, or comparable professional setting. Experience analyzing and improving business processes, including the use of technology or data to enhance efficiency and service quality. Experience interpreting and applying policies, standards, or regulations in an organizational @context. Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, vendor contracts, or procurement processes effectively. Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and other standard office software, with the ability to learn and use case management or electronic records systems. Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience explaining complex or technical information to diverse audiences. A bachelor's degree in business administration, management, or a related field may supplement relevant professional experience but is not a substitute for demonstrated skills and competencies in the areas noted above. Equivalent combinations of education and directly related experience will be considered. HOW TO APPLY FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY: A complete state application is not required; however, you will need to initiate the application and attach the resume, cover letter or other required documents at time of application to be considered for this position. Resume will auto fill the application, but the application will not be scored or reviewed. Failure to attach the cover letter and resume will result in your application being considered incomplete and will not be considered further. Materials submitted but not requested will not be considered in the selection process. Tip:When attaching your resume, cover letter or other required documents you must mark the attachments as "RELEVANT" or we will be unable to view your documents. Required application materials: Cover Letter- Your Cover Letter should explain how your experience and education meet the identified Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities, with examples that demonstrate your qualifications. Resume- include all work experience you have held that would help you qualify for this position, including duties, dates of employment. Only online applications will be accepted. By applying online, you can receive updates and monitor the status of your application. All documents for Veteran or Disability preference must be received or date stamped by the closing date. You will receive an application confirmation email with instructions on acceptable preference documents and how to submit such documents. If you need an accommodation with the application process, please contact the HR office. BENEFITS: Being able to enjoy the quality of life in the beautiful state of Montana is one of the benefits you will love about this opportunity! Our mountains, waterways and open spaces provide not only beautiful scenery but year-round recreational opportunities including hiking, camping, biking, fishing, boating, hunting, skiing and snowmobiling. Montana boasts a high-quality education system and a variety of entertainment including fairs, rodeos, and theaters. Read more about our great statehere. See our other incredible benefitshere. These are some of our benefits just to name a few: Work/life balance with hybrid schedules or partial telework may be available within the state of Montana. 38 paid days off a year including vacation, sick leave and holidays. Military leave: You'll get up to 15 days of military leave with full pay. Longevity raises with continuous service, as well as any negotiated market increases and state statutory raises. Health, dental, vision, life insurance coverage, flexible spending accounts, EAP - click hereto learn more. Free telehealth and access to free employee medical clinics through our medical plan - clickhereto learn more. Choice between two retirement plans with an employer contribution between 8.73% - 9.07% of your annual salary. A third optional 457(b) deferred compensation plan is also available. - Clickhereto learn more. Public Service Loan Forgiveness- Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive loan forgiveness- click hereto learn more! Career progression, training opportunities and room for professional growth. State employee discounts at various businesses across the state. This position may be eligible for a statutory $1.00 an hour base pay increase effective on July 1, 2026. This position may be covered by a Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association (VEBA) Title: Legal Operations Manager Location: Helena Requisition ID: 26140126
