Press Secretary (00011)

This position serves at the pleasure of the Superintendent and could end at the end of the Superintendents term or at any time the Superintendent determines. Due to the nature of this assignment you are not eligible for permanent status. However you are eligible for full-time benefits such as vacation personal and sick are also eligible for a full range of benefits administered by the Healthcare and Benefits Division.

Please submit the following required documents on the State of Montana Careers website:

• Resume - Please include dates of employment and your supervisors name/phone number for each position.

For a complete job description please email

To be considered for this position you must reside in Montana.

Why you would enjoy working here; Office of Public Instruction employees are a passionate group of professionals dedicated to leading and supporting our education system. We house a diverse collection of experiences with the 200 unique individuals we employ. Our specialists further OPIs purpose with applicable knowledge in education health research and analysis nutrition finance administration human resources licensing and regulation information technology and many others. We are proud to serve 149000 students pre-K to grade 12 their parents and guardians 400 school districts 16000 educational professionals and 3000 adult learners.

Benefits of working for OPI:

Work/life balance

Family friendly

Dedicated and caring colleagues

Health coverage

Retirement plans

Paid vacation sick leave and Holidays (combination of up to 38 per year)

Opportunities and room for professional growth

Public service loan forgiveness-Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under the PSLF.

Job Overview:

This position serves as the Press Secretary within the Superintendents Office and is a key member of the Communications team. Working under the direction of the Communications Director the Press Secretary supports the development and execution of strategic communications for the Superintendent and the Montana Office of Public Instruction (OPI). The Press Secretary is responsible for drafting and distributing press materials developing digital and social media content maintaining website content supporting public events and assisting with photography and multimedia production. The position requires strong writing editing interpersonal organizational and communications skills as well as the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced public-sector environment and respond appropriately to time-sensitive media and communications needs.

The position will work closely with the Communications Director Superintendents Office OPI divisions and programs state agencies education stakeholders and members of the media to ensure accurate timely consistent and effective communication of agency information.

This position serves at the pleasure of the Superintendent and could end at the end of the Superintendents term or at any time the Superintendent determines. Due to the nature of this assignment you are not eligible for permanent status.

E-Verify: 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 who needs to request a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the HR staff identified on the job listing or by dialing the Montana Relay at 711. Montana Job Service Offices also offer services including assistance with submitting an online application.

State government does not discriminate based on race color national origin religion sex sexual orientation gender identity or expression pregnancy childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth age physical or mental disability genetic information marital status creed political beliefs or affiliation veteran status military service retaliation or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities (Behaviors):

Required for the first day of work:

Knowledge of video production techniques and equipment operation.

Knowledge of creative writing photography videography and basic multimedia production.

Knowledge of special interest groups.

Knowledge of recreational resources.

Knowledge of digital communications social media website content management and public in developing press releases media advisories statements talking points speeches social media content and other public information materials.

Skill in operating professional cameras and basic photography and video equipment.

Skill in using common computer software digital communications tools social media platforms and website content management systems.

Ability to communicate ideas in an understandable and practical fashion.

Ability to communicate in both oral and written form.

Ability to establish effective working relationships with employees other agencies the media and the public.

Ability to work independently and as part of a team and adapt communications to different audiences and platforms.

Ability to represent the Superintendents Office and OPI professionally.

Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience):

Two years of relevant professional experience in communications journalism public relations media relations marketing digital communications government communications or a related field; OR

An associate degree in communications journalism public relations marketing digital media or a related field. Other combinations of education and experience may be substituted.

Does this sound like you

Please tell us how and why by submitting your resume online including any veterans or disability preference documentation. When submitting the required documents you must check the relevant document box to ensure your attachments are uploading correctly to the specific application for this position. Documents not requested will not be considered in the recruitment process.

OPI is an equal opportunity employer. Women minorities and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

This position is in the PERS retirement system.