External Affairs Coordinator

The Public Service Commission seeks a talented External Affairs Coordinator to develop media relations public releases public outreach legislative analysis and external affairs in collaboration with senior management. This rewarding position requires outstanding communication self-direction and ability to shift focus as changing circumstances require. The successful candidate will join our team of highly motivated staff who collaborate on interesting meaningful and critical work. Together we strive to meet our agencys goal of providing extraordinary service to the citizens of Montana.

Responsibilities:

• Writes press releases and other media communications prepares notes speaking points and outlines subjects to address as requested by the Commission President.
• Develops and implements plans for effective relationships with media and best methods to learn latest agency-related concerns in all areas of the state.
• Analyzes tasks pertinent to the Commission as directed including research on legislative and regulatory affairs in Montana and other jurisdictions.
• Conducts outreach to civic groups units of government businesses and other organizations regarding matters pertinent to the agencys statutory duties regarding energy telecom water motor carrier pipeline and railroad safety policy.
• Attends interim committees such as the Energy and Telecommunications Interim Committee and prepares agency for legislative standing committee meetings.
• Communicates complex issues to the public other agencies and the legislature.
• Coordinates with Consumer Relations and under direction of senior management oversees resolution of elevated concerns media updates and preparation and distribution of public statements regarding service outages commission meetings/hearings investigations and actions.
• Manages public comment periods public notices and related outreach for investigations.
• Maintains regular contact with key staff at other public agencies including the Governors office that have similar topical interests as the Department; arranges for meetings exchanges of information and documents and possible joint news releases or other communications.
• Prepares and presents testimony to the legislature.
• Tracks and coordinates evaluation of bills attends committee and subcommittee hearings and briefs senior management on preparations for interim committee meetings.
• Monitors and engages in regional efforts regarding organized energy and capacity markets.
• Coordinates transmission system planning operations and regional resource adequacy assessment and related policies.

Required Application Materials:
State of Montana Application
Cover letter describing how your professional career experience and education prepared you to meet the requirements of this position.
Resume detailing all relevant work experiences including employer and duties.
Writing sample (e.g. press release published article report or similar work product you have authored) authored by you alone.

Special Information:

This appointed position reports directly to and serves at the pleasure of the Commission. Occasional travel may be required with advance notice.

Competencies:

Knowledge of public relations written communications and mass media.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Outstanding attention to detail public speaking and presentation skills.
Microsoft Office Suite proficiency including Excel Word PowerPoint and Teams.
Interpersonal problem solving and critical thinking skills.
Ability to ensure effective messaging in all areas of communication.
Ability to interpret policies data research publications and summarize findings.
Ability to analyze summarize and track legislation.
Ability to work on multiple projects in potential high-pressure situations.
Ability to adhere to confidentiality and proper release of information.
Ability to establish cooperative relationships and develop positive working relationships.

Education and Experience:

Bachelors degree in public policy journalism marketing communications or political science.
One to two years of public relations communications legislative or related experience.
Preparing and presenting testimony to legislative committees and/or other boards or public councils is highly preferred.

A training assignment or alternate combinations of education and related experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis.