Press Secretary

Job Description - Press Secretary (00011) )

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 OPI’s 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 149,000+ students pre-K to grade 12, their parents and guardians, 400+ school districts, 16,000+ educational professionals, and 3,000+ adult learners.

Benefits of working for OPI:

Work/life balance

Family friendly

Dedicated and caring colleagues

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 Superintendent’s 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, Superintendent’s 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 Superintendent’s 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, https://www.e-verify.gov/

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 engagement.

Skill 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…