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Communications Specialist

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Communications Specialist

Salary

$66,518.40 - $74,755.20 Annually

Location

Missoula, Montana

Job Type

Regular, Full-Time

Job Number

00527

Department

Public Works & Mobility

Division

PWM-Administration

Opening Date

04/10/2025

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

Overview

Are you a strategic communicator with a passion for community connection and public service?

The City of Missoula's Public Works & Mobility Department is seeking aCommunications Specialistto lead the charge in shaping how we engage with the public, stakeholders, media, and our internal teams. This is more than a communications role—it's an opportunity to build trust, inspire action, and elevate the voice of a department committed to innovation, transparency, and community well-being.

In this dynamic position, you'll be the driving force behind our external messaging and digital presence, overseeing everything from media relations and public engagement to social media strategy and content creation. Whether you're crafting compelling press releases, mentoring peers, designing outreach materials, or managing large-scale communications initiatives, your work will help define how our department connects with the people we serve.

We’re looking for someone who brings creativity and clarity to every project—someone who’s comfortable leading in a fast-paced environment, coaching others, and finding new ways to share the stories that matter. If you're ready to make a lasting impact through strategic communications, we invite you to join our team and help shape the future of Missoula.

Priority Screening of applications will begin on Thursday, April 24, 2025. Applicants applying on or after this date will only be considered if a competitive applicant pool is not received.

To Apply: All applicants must submit the City of Missoula application AND Cover Letter explaining your interest in this position and detailing how your experience and education meet the qualifications.

Resumes will not be reviewed. All details should be entered on the application.

** The full range for the position is $31.98 - 38.09/hour and will increase each year for longevity and cost of living adjustments.

Essential Functions

+ Develop and maintain positive relationships between department and news professionals by soliciting news coverage of projects, initiatives, programs, and events; respond to inquiries; arrange interviews and appearances, provide background, etc.; plan and manage logistics and informational materials for media events.

+ Create and implement regular informational and educational pushes to various media outlets, social media platforms, website updates, newsletters, and other department/City partners.

+ Provide media coaching and social media training and guidance for the department and other city staff.

+ Serve as a mentor to various department and City communication professionals.

+ Oversee a positive digital presence by improving the presentation of public information, and department visions, goals, and objectives, including graphics for the website, presentations, and social media platforms.

+ Coordinate, and maintain public information, logistical, and/or marketing materials for various projects, programs, and events by developing various project templates, digital media (video & photos), website and social media content, newsletters, brochures, reports, and other digital and print media; create, design, and purchase various commercial printing and media advertising materials.

+ Create and distribute press releases, public service announcements, correspondence, and other media materials; write articles for in-city and private sector periodicals.

+ Produce, maintain, and archive website and intranet content for various projects, initiatives, and information demonstrating the goals and benefits of the department and the City’s strategic plan for the community.

+ Generate content and deliver program communications, reports, presentations, educational and outreach materials, and other various content to meet the needs of the department.

+ Develop and maintain standardized communication and education materials for the department, including informational and marketing materials, board memos, correspondence, project presentations, public-friendly summary minutes, etc.; manage a comprehensive signage program for all projects.

+ Lead and manage efforts to engage the public in various department and city-wide projects, programs, activities, and events, including developing outreach and education programs to provide information, promote community engagement, and advocate for adopted City and departmental goals and initiatives.

+ Create and manage Engage Missoula content, including responses to project questions and comments received through Engage Missoula; serve as an administrator for Engage Missoula.

+ Collaborate with other City communication professionals to participate in the development and implementation of a strategic Communications Plan, and other strategic planning efforts to convey the City’s vision, plans, activities, etc.

+ Provide recommendation for policies, procedures, and objectives for department media relations to assure cohesive and accurate department and city-wide communications.

+ Communicate with department staff regarding the local, state, regional, and national trends relative to departmental missions, programs, and projects.

+ Monitor and evaluate effectiveness of marketing strategies for the department; design and implement public opinion surveys to collect and analyze public comment on various department projects and initiatives; manage email marketing content, including list management.

+ Serve as liaison to the City Council, neighborhood councils and other City departments and community entities by conducting outreach and presenting information and status updates on various aspects of department specific projects and programs; serve as a member of the City/County disaster information team to provide communication support for city-wide emergency issues.

+ Lead and manage the public presence of the department and City through community outreach events, such as: tabling at public events, presentations to neighborhoods, civic, and various other community groups.

+ Perform other duties, as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

+ Knowledge of communication principles, practices, strategies, and tools, including news media/reporting, professional website and social media etiquette, public engagement, public relations, etc.

+ Knowledge of, and the ability to implement, public opinion research techniques.

+ Knowledge of community engagement, equity, and inclusion concepts, procedures, and practices.

+ Knowledge of sustainable development and balance among environment, economy, and equity.

+ Knowledge of the various learning methods and how people consume information for the appropriate development of communication, education, and outreach materials.

+ Knowledge of and the ability to promote departmental safety considerations, City safety policies, and the Americans for Disabilities Act.

+ Skill in utilizing various computer software and databases, including Microsoft 365, social media, website technology, digital communication tools, graphic design software, etc., with the ability to learn job specific applications and equipment.

+ Skill in website and social media content development.

+ Skill in marketing, and creating communication materials, for various projects, programs, events, etc.

+ Skill in developing various digital and printed materials using professional writing and graphic design tools.

+ Skill in managing and/or coordinating multiple projects and prioritizing tasks with shifting priorities and timeline demands.

+ Skill in organization, time management, and prioritizing with the proven ability to have keen attention to detail and accuracy in performing work with adherence to strict deadlines.

+ Skill in public speaking, with the ability to present information to a variety of diverse groups, individuals, and in varied situations, while facilitating outcomes and maintaining a calm demeanor.

+ Skill in identifying varying viewpoints to assist in building alignment of diverse perspectives to achieve positive outcomes.

+ Skill in communicating, in person and writing, with the proven ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with people of diverse identities, perspectives, and cultural backgrounds, including the news media.

+ Ability to recognize confidential and sensitive information and maintain and exhibit integrity and discretion.

+ Ability to lead and train staff in social media protocols and various other communications standards/etiquette.

+ Ability to recognize less engaged and disengaged diverse constituent groups and facilitate engagement.

+ Ability to research, analyze, and provide solutions to various situations.

+ Ability to coordinate staff and volunteers for specific communication projects and programs.

+ Ability to maintain current knowledge, developments, and trends related to specific area of focus and/or assigned projects.

+ Ability to participate and/or provide direction in a community-focused, team-oriented environment, contributing to a variety of projects, while collaborating in support of departmental and City objectives.

+ Ability to resolve conflicts and manage stressful, controversial, and/or emotionally charged situations and facilitate outcomes while maintaining a calm demeanor.

+ Ability to learn City and departmental policies, procedures, and practices, including communications standards.

Working Conditions:

+ Position may require schedule flexibility to accommodate meetings and/or events outside of regular hours.

Qualifications and Additional Application Materials

+ Any combination of education and experience equivalent to seven (7) years of professional experience in journalism, communications, public information, education, or another relevant field.

+ Experience with print, digital, and broadcast media, preferred.

The City of Missoula does not sponsor employment visas (e.g., F-1, H-1B, TM). Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis at the time of application.

This summary outlines the benefit programs; actual benefits may vary depending on bargaining unit and employment status.

The City of Missoula will reward your contributions to our community with competitive compensation and generous benefits, including but not limited to:

+ Market-Competitive Salary

+ Work/life balance, including the possibility of flexible schedules and remote work opportunities

+ $0 premium for health and dental coverage for employees and affordable premiums for family coverage

+ $10,000 Employer-sponsored Accidental Death and Dismemberment Life Insurance Policy

+ Options for supplemental life, disability, critical illness, and accident

+ Constitutionally guaranteed retirement plan (http://mpera.mt.gov/) with the City contributing 8.77% of salary on your behalf and the ability to contribute to a supplemental deferred compensation program

+ Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays

+ Pre-tax flexible spending accounts

+ The City of Missoula may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness. Look here (https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service) to learn more and understand whether you may be eligible.

Additional benefits package information is available here (https://www.ci.missoula.mt.us/DocumentCenter/View/53956/Benefits-at-a-Glance?bidId=) .

01

Have you included your cover letter as part of your complete application?

+ Yes

+ No

Required Question

Employer

City of Missoula

Address

435 Ryman Street

Human Resources

Missoula, Montana, 59802

Phone

406-552-6130

Website

https://www.ci.missoula.mt.us/

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