Public Relations Officer

State of Montana • Helena, MT

8d

About The Position

The Montana Department of Livestock is searching for a creative, and professional individual with a passion for the Livestock industry to join the Livestock Central Services Team as a Public Relations Officer. The Department of Livestock is responsible for the control and eradication of animal diseases, the prevention of the transmission of animal disease to humans and for the protection of the livestock industry from theft and predatory animals. The Centralized Services Division - provides a wide range of services and support for the five divisions in the department. Responsibilities include budgeting, accounting, payroll, HR-personnel, purchasing, property inventory, information technology, legal and general services and other operational support that assists in meeting the Departments mission. The Public Relations Officer with the Department of Livestock has a primary responsibility to promote and create a favorable public image for the Department and all of its programs by developing informational and promotional materials and releasing it to the appropriate audience through various communication methods. The Public Relations Officer contributes to and supports our internal and external communications strategy, writes, and disseminates publicity material, responds to inquiries from the public and media, manages the agency’s social media communications, and coordinates promotional events. This position is responsible for special projects as directed by the Director’s Office and serves as a liaison between the Director’s Office and external/internal entities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree with a major in public relations, communications, marketing, or journalism.
• Two years of directly related experience.
• Other combinations of education or experience may be substituted on a case-by-case basis.
• Knowledge of Montana Livestock, Agriculture and other related programs.
• Knowledge and experience in effective public relations, social media, and various forms of communications.
• Communicate effectively and diplomatically to various audiences with skills writing, editing, and public speaking; understanding of mass media and relationships between citizens and public agencies.
• Proficient knowledge of social media, newspaper, radio, and television production procedures and evolving methods of communication.
• Proficient in MS Office products, graphic design and publications programs, operation of standard equipment for photography, recording, audio editing and videotaping.
• Ability to quickly learn Agency programs, systems and functions.
• Skills in effective public speaking, tact, and respect for other points of view, along with the ability to persuade others of Agency’s reasons for actions and decisions, and the ability to display poise and professionalism in confrontational situations.
• Knowledge of standard office procedures along with maintaining electronic and physical files.
• Ability to Identify operational and customer needs; Resolve problems using critical thinking skills; Ability to provide exceptional customer service; Prioritize workload and work on multiple tasks simultaneously while remaining flexible; Effectively work both in a team environment and independently to achieve objectives and timelines; Adapt to changing conditions and work responsibilities.
• Takes accountability for completing work in an ethical and efficient manner.

Responsibilities

• Develop, edit, and promote informational materials about agency activities or programs.
• Release informational materials through various communications methods, such as press releases, 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.
• Respond to requests for information.
• Update agency or program websites.
• Work to ensure effective and consistent messaging in all areas of communication.
• Write and/or deliver talking points, speeches, or press releases to further public-relations objectives.
• Influence a diverse group of stakeholders.
• Develop a comprehensive strategic communication plan for the agency’s overall public information and outreach efforts.
• Interpret and apply laws, rules, regulations, and policies for public-relations operations.
• Prepare factual, compelling presentations to support the interests, goals, and strategic plans of the department.
• Prepare testimony and other information for presentation to legislative committees, boards, or other public councils.
• Special projects as requested by other Divisions of the Department.
• Communications Liaison with Governor’s Office
• All other additional duties as assigned

Benefits

• Health Coverage: Comprehensive health, dental, vision, life insurance coverage, flexible spending accounts, and EAP.
• Retirement: Choice between two retirement plans with a strong employer contribution (8.73% - 9.07% of your annual salary).
• Work/Life Balance: A combination of 38 paid days off a year (vacation, sick leave, and holidays). Partial telework or hybrid schedules may be available.
• Career Growth: Significant opportunities for career progression, training, and professional development.
• Financial Benefits: Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) and potential longevity raises with continuous service.
• On-Site Benefits: Free telehealth and access to free employee medical clinics through our medical plan.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level