External Affairs Coordinator

State of Montana•Helena, MT

About The Position

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 agency's goal of providing extraordinary service to the citizens of Montana.

Requirements

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.
Bachelor’s degree in public policy, journalism, marketing, communications, or political science.
One to two years of public relations, communications, legislative, or related experience.

Nice To Haves

Preparing and presenting testimony to legislative committees and/or other boards, or public councils is highly preferred.

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 agency’s 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 Governor’s 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.