What are the responsibilities and job description for the Operations Director position at Recovery Access Montana?
Position Title: Operations Director
Organization: Recovery Access Montana (RAM)
Location: Missoula, MT / Hybrid / Remote
Employment Type: Full-Time / Exempt
Reports To: Executive Director
Salary Range: $40,000 - $45,000 annually DOE
Travel Requirements: Up to 25%
About Recovery Access Montana
Recovery Access Montana (RAM) is a statewide hub dedicated to strengthening Montana’s recovery ecosystem through a comprehensive continuum of support. As the only statewide certifying body for recovery housing—recognized by the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR) and the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS)—RAM also bridges multiple service areas, including peer support, recovery community centers, criminal justice reentry, and workforce development, creating a holistic recovery pathway.
Committed to equitable access, RAM works closely with tribal, rural, and justice-involved communities, ensuring that marginalized populations receive the support they need. Beyond certification, RAM focuses on advocacy and capacity building, connecting and expanding services, securing funding, and improving standards across community-based recovery support providers.
RAM is far more than just a certifying body for recovery homes. At its core, RAM is:
- A systems-level leader in Montana’s behavioral health and housing landscape
- A policy advocate pushing for sustainable funding and Medicaid expansion
- A data-driven organization ensuring that recovery housing delivers measurable outcomes
- A community builder working to ensure every Montanan has access to safe, supportive recovery housing
Through close partnerships and by bridging critical gaps in care, RAM ensures that people across Montana have access to the resources and support necessary to thrive in their recovery journey.
Role Description
The Operations Director is a full-time position dedicated to overseeing accreditation processes and delivering technical assistance at Recovery Access Montana (RAM). Reporting directly to the Executive Director, this role strengthens the organization’s capacity to achieve its objectives and expand its statewide influence. By ensuring compliance with National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR) standards and advocating for quality recovery homes, the Operations Director plays a critical part in fulfilling RAM’s mission.
Working closely with the Executive Director, stakeholders, strategic partners, and RAM’s Board of Directors, the Operations Director champions operational excellence, fosters organizational growth, and drives innovation. Although not solely responsible for every initiative, this role provides pivotal support in training, outreach, and the development and refinement of policies and procedures—ultimately enhancing operational efficiency and amplifying RAM’s impact throughout Montana’s recovery landscape.
Professional Qualifications
- Passion for Recovery: Demonstrates a strong personal commitment to supporting individuals in recovery.
- Lived Experience: Experience in recovery from substance use disorder is considered a plus.
- Leadership: Proven leadership abilities are essential.
- Communication: Strong written and oral communication skills are required.
- Organizational Skills: Excellent organizational abilities, including project management.
Industry Knowledge
- Recovery Housing: Familiarity with various types of recovery homes/residences or sober living homes, including best practices.
- Certification & Accreditation: Awareness of national certification requirements for recovery residences, based on evidence-based standards from the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR).
- ASAM Levels of Care: Understanding of the American Society of Addiction Medicine’s (ASAM) five broad levels of care, along with sublevels specifying different intensities.
- Social Model of Recovery: Knowledge of the core principles underpinning the Social Model of Recovery.
- Community-Based Recovery Support: Awareness of services such as peer support specialists, recovery community centers (RCCs), recovery community organizations (RCOs), reentry programs, and workforce development.
Technology Skills
Proficiency in Microsoft Office or Google Workspace is required. Familiarity with additional collaboration and knowledge management tools is strongly preferred, such as:
- Note-taking software (e.g., Evernote)
- Project management software (e.g., Trello or Asana)
- Database and spreadsheet tools (e.g., Airtable)
- Presentation and digital design software (e.g., Canva, Prezi, Mentimeter)
- AI text generation and research tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Perplexity)
Key ResponsibilitiesAccreditation
- Manages the accreditation and compliance review process for RAM-certified recovery residences.
- Ensures accreditation and re-accreditation processes are completed on time, maintaining adherence to NARR standards.
- Verifies review process compliance with National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR) expectations.
- Oversees compliance monitoring, ensuring residence operators maintain required standards.
- Communicates with Montana DPHHS to maintain an accurate list of accredited operators.
- Develops and tracks implementation of quality improvement plans in collaboration with recovery residence operators.
Technical Assistance and Education
- Provides training, consultation, and resources to recovery residence operators to improve operational quality.
- Assists in developing training curricula and conducting educational workshops.
- Supports capacity building efforts to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability recovery housing programs.
Administration
- Assists with day-to-day operational tasks to promote organizational efficiency and effectiveness.
- Supports the submission of required documentation, such as financial reports and grant materials.
- Helps manage subcontractor relationships with vendors, accreditation teams, and operational support providers.
- Contributes to maintaining the usability and accessibility of internal document management systems.
- Coordinates staff training in collaboration with leadership and aligns internal operational policies with best practices.
- Assists in strategic planning and implementation efforts under the guidance of the Executive Director.
Board Support
- Provides administrative support by preparing and organizing Board meeting materials, including agendas and reports.
- Helps maintain an accurate and accessible Board contact list.
- Assists in ensuring subcommittees meet regularly and communicates progress to the Executive Director and Board.
- Manages the grievance and concern review process alongside the RAM grievance review committee.
Financial Oversight
- Collaborates with the fiscal team to monitor budget projections, oversee expenditures, and propose adjustments as needed.
- Assists in generating timely financial reports for grantors and funders.
- Provides support in grant and contract management, ensuring timely reporting and compliance with funder requirements.
Outreach and Advocacy
- Maintains collaborative relationships with state agencies, partners, and stakeholders to promote RAM’s initiatives.
- Aids in social media and public awareness efforts to increase RAM’s visibility.
- Supports regular communication with recovery operators regarding accreditation, compliance, and operational updates.
For further inquiries or to apply, please email Peter Maney, Executive Director @ pmaney@rramontana.org.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $40,000.00 - $45,000.00 per year
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Day shift
- Monday to Friday
- Weekends as needed
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Missoula, MT 59804
Salary : $40,000 - $45,000