Media Incentive And Grants Specialist

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

Join the Montana Department of Commerce Film Office as a key program specialist supporting Montana's film and media industry. In this role, you'll manage three signature programs, the MEDIA Act incentive, Big Sky Film Grant, and the Film Festival & Theater Sponsorship Program, while serving as an information source to filmmakers navigating incentives, grants, and compliance.

Key duties include:

• Administering program cycles: Review applications, coordinate award processes, track deliverables, and ensure compliance across grants and tax incentives.

• Supporting filmmakers and industry partners: Provide timely, knowledgeable information on requirements, options, and program benefits while maintaining positive, professional communication.

• Managing data and documentation: Maintain accurate records, oversee database platforms (ServiceNow, Reel-Scout, Salesforce), and prepare internal and external reports.

• Ensuring program integrity: Monitor compliance with state laws, investigate issues as needed, and collaborate closely with legal counsel and partner agencies.

• Improving and promoting programs: Develop materials, refine processes, contribute to outreach, and support continuous program enhancement.

If you thrive in a dynamic, service-oriented environment and enjoy supporting creative projects from start to finish, this role offers an exciting chance to help shape Montana's film landscape.

What are we looking for?

To succeed in this role from day one, you should demonstrate the following qualifying skills:

• Skilled in compliance-focused financial and cost accounting, with experience maintaining accurate databases, processing quarterly reports, and producing basic financial analyses to support grant and contract oversight.

• Proven navigation of unclear or complex situations by breaking down problems, conducting research, identifying key information, and formulating informed questions about program requirements.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office, Excel (including budget and spreadsheet tools), and database management, with experience using platforms such as ServiceNow, Salesforce, and other applications to ensure accurate recordkeeping, reporting, and contract management.

• Demonstrated delivery of high-quality professional communication including written, verbal, in person, virtual, email, and especially telephone support by providing clear information and directing inquiries to appropriate resources.

• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and to complete assignments independently with accountability and sound judgment.

• Additionally, this position requires valid documents required for domestic air travel, or the ability to attain them.

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 resume and cover letter. Please note: You do not need to complete the "work experience" or the "education and 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:

• Work/life balance,

• Health coverage,

• Retirement plans,

• Paid vacation and sick leave and holidays,

• And more…

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness - 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, Link to E-Verify Website.