Digital Communications Lead

State of Montana•Helena, MT

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Montana Department of Agriculture is seeking a Digital Communications Lead to join their team. This role supports internal and external communications strategies, manages agency websites, creates publicity materials, assists with social media, and coordinates promotional events. The position also handles special projects and acts as a liaison between the Communication Officer and various entities. The department operates over 30 programs focused on protecting producers, consumers, and the environment, while also fostering growth in Montana agriculture.

Requirements

Demonstrated knowledge and experience in website design, web page(s) maintenance, html, css, dhtml, and ADA compliance.
Graphic design skills, including computer graphics, photographic, infographics, and video graphics.
Knowledge of effective public relations, social media, and various forms of communications.
Skills writing and editing; understanding of mass media and relationships between citizens and public agencies.
Knowledge of newspaper, radio, and television production procedures and evolving methods of communication including social media.
Proficient in MS Office products, graphic design and publications programs, operation of standard equipment for photography, recording, audio editing and video.
Ability to quickly learn Agency programs and functions.
The ability to persuade others of Agency’s reasons for actions and decisions, and the ability to display poise and professionalism in confrontational situations.
Bachelor’s degree with a major in public relations, communications, marketing, or web design.
Three years of directly related experience.
Other combinations of education or experience may be substituted.

Nice To Haves

Preferred knowledge of agriculture and related programs.

Responsibilities

Maintain and update agency or program websites based on management priorities, policy directions, and agency goals.
Produce a consistent visual image on the web sites including maintenance of templates, program pages, while insuring sufficient speed and quality.
Create and ensure that links are current, update information on pages and databases so that content is current.
Develop, research, write/edit, and create layout for new sections/features.
Support the development, editing, and promotion of informational materials about agency activities or programs.
Release informational materials through various communications methods, such as websites and social media.
Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with people outside the agency or program.
Represent the agency or program to internal and external stakeholders, such as other agencies, media, public, or interest groups.
Work to ensure effective and consistent messaging in all areas of communication.
Serve as the primary website content supervisor as directed by the agency Communication Officer for entirety of agency programs.

Benefits

Work/life balance with hybrid schedules or partial telework may be available within the state of Montana.
38 paid days off a year including vacation, sick leave and holidays.
Military leave: You’ll get up to 15 days of military leave with full pay.
Longevity raises with continuous service, as well as any negotiated market increases and state statutory raises.
Health, dental, vision, life insurance coverage, flexible spending accounts, EAP programs.
Free telehealth and access to free employee medical clinics through our medical plan.
Choice between two retirement plans with an employer contribution between 8.73% - 9.07% of your annual salary.
A third optional 457(b) deferred compensation plan is also available.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness- Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive loan forgiveness.
This position may be eligible for a statutory $1.00 an hour base pay increase effective on July 1, 2026.