Public Programs Manager Jobs in Helena, MT (NOW HIRING)

Work Unit Overview:
The Office of Strategic Communications at The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) plays a vital role in promoting the agency's mission and connecting with the public. This team develops and implements comprehensive communication and marketing strategies that showcase DNRC's work across the state and ensure consistent, accurate messaging across all divisions and programs. As stewards of the agency brand, the office plans and implements communication strategies, leads media and public information efforts, and supports internal and external communications that align with DNRC's branding and goals.

Position Summary:
This position serves as DNRC's lead media relations and public information specialist, acting as press secretary for the agency and primary point of contact for media inquiries. The position sits in the Director's Office, reports to the Communications Director, and supports the entire department by coordinating timely, accurate responses to media with the communications team, preparing staff for media interviews, and leading communications projects. The role requires strong relationship-building skills, the ability to work under tight deadlines, and close collaboration with communications and program staff across DNRC. The position also manages public records requests for the Water Resources Division and ensures coordination with the division, Office of Public Information Requests and applicable laws and policies. 
 

Essential Functions (Major Duties and Responsibilities): These job functions are the essential duties of the position and are not inclusive of all the duties that may be assigned to the incumbent.

Agency Media Relations & Press Secretary Duties - Serve as DNRC's lead media relations specialist and press secretary, acting as the primary point of contact for agency-wide media requests and inquiries and filtering requests down to communications team members.

Department-Wide Communications Support & Projects: Lead and support communications projects and campaigns in coordination with the Communications Director, division leadership and program staff. 

Public Records Requests:  Coordinate and manage public records requests for the Water Resources Division in accordance with Montana law, DNRC policies, and public information protocols.

Digital, Web, and Social Media Support - Collaborate with the communications team to develop content that support media relations and broader communications objectives.

The selection process includes, at minimum, an in-person panel interview and a second interview with the Director; finalists may be asked to complete a brief work-sample exercise. 

Benefits:

Live and work in Helena, Montana, which offers a unique blend of opportunities and natural beauty, situated between Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks. Montana offers abundant recreational opportunities, including camping, fishing, hunting, mountain biking, and hiking.

Additional benefits include:

• Work/life balance. 

• Generous paid leave (vacation, sick, holidays), with vacation leave increasing with service.

• Longevity pay with continued state service.

• Health, dental, vision, life insurance, and flexible spending accounts.

• Access to free employee medical clinics and telehealth.

• Retirement plans (Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution plus an optional 457(b) Plan).

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness - may qualify you for student loan forgiveness.

• Career progression, professional development, and state employee discounts.

• Up to 15 days of military leave with full pay.

Special requirements: 

• Fingerprint and background check

• Valid driver's license.  

• Frequent travel is required to attend meetings, conferences, and events as a representative of the Department.

For a complete job description, please contact Becky Quick at Rebecca.Quick@mt.gov.

       Bachelor's degree in communication, journalism, public relations, digital media, marketing, English, political science, public administration or a related field.

       Minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in public relations, outreach or education.

       Experience should demonstrate the critical thinking and writing skills needed to effectively convey accurate information, as well as define and reach target audiences.

*    Experience in natural resources, graphic design or video editing is preferred, but not required.

       Other combinations of directly related education and experience may be substituted.

Special Information:  Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States.  A valid driver's license is required with less than 12 conviction points in the most recent completed 36 months. 

Eligibility to Work: In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act, the person selected must produce, within three days of hire, documents that show authorization to work in the United States. Examples of such documentation include a birth certificate or Social Security card along with a driver's license or other picture I.D., or a U.S. passport, or a "green card".  The State of Montana does not sponsor.

This agency participates in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. After you accept a job offer and complete Form I-9, your information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration for verification.