Communications Specialist

State of Montana • Helena, MT

12d

About The Position

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) has a career opportunity within the Public Health and Community Affairs Practice, Communications Office. The Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) is the state’s comprehensive health and human services agency to ensure an integrated, strategic, and transformative approach to serving Montanans in their communities to improve health, safety, well-being, and empower independence. The DPHHS Communications Office (CO) is led by the Communications Director (CD). The CO also includes a Communications Officer, Communications Specialist, a Website Developers, and Website Designer. On the agency organizational chart, the CO reports to the Public Health and Community Affairs Practice Executive Director but serves the entire agency. The incumbent will work in the CO and reports to the CD. This position supports various CO functions including creating agency promotional video content, taking still photos at agency press events, assisting with public records requests, logging and tracking news media inquiries, distributing articles of agency interest to agency management, contributing to website improvement efforts, and assisting with CO special projects. Why Join DPHHS
Our mission at DPHHS is serving Montanans in their communities to improve health, safety, well-being, and empower independence. By joining our department, you will have the opportunity to perform meaningful work in public service to our state and its residents. The State of Montana's comprehensive benefits package includes healthcare coverage, retirement plans, paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays, work/life balance, and eligibility to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. In addition, DPHHS is the largest state agency with a wide range of advancement opportunities whether you are joining the workforce or have several years of experience.

Requirements

• Ability to handle multiple tasks and projects simultaneously without jeopardizing quality, while often working under tight deadlines.
• Must have strong familiarity with and understanding of both broadcast and print media, including their day-to-day operations and deadlines.
• Must have solid written and verbal communications skills, including the ability to write clearly and concisely with a keen commitment to accuracy.
• Must have a basic understanding of Montana politics and government.
• Must have a basic knowledge of state and federal privacy and right-to-know laws.
• Ability to achieve goals and bring projects to completion.
• Ability to take a logical approach to problems, understanding, comprehending and defining issues and approaches.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Knowledge of research methods and techniques.
• Ability to utilize active listening skills and understand the viewpoints of others.
• Ability to develop a shared understanding of a project by all parties involved.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, Public Relations, Communications, Public Administration or another related field.
• 1-2 years of job-related work experience.
• Other combinations of directly related education and experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
• Must have experience with Microsoft Word and Microsoft Outlook.
• This position requires exceptional organizational skills and an ability to establish and prioritize a demanding and constantly evolving workload.

Nice To Haves

• Graphic design skills using Canva and Adobe programs (InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop) are preferred.

Responsibilities

• creating agency promotional video content
• taking still photos at agency press events
• assisting with public records requests
• logging and tracking news media inquiries
• distributing articles of agency interest to agency management
• contributing to website improvement efforts
• assisting with CO special projects

Benefits

• healthcare coverage
• retirement plans
• paid vacation
• sick leave
• holidays
• work/life balance
• eligibility to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees