Communications Specialist

The City of Bozeman is now accepting applications for a Communications Specialist. The Communications Specialist will develop, coordinate, and assist in delivering communications and public affairs efforts including written materials, media coordinator, and various internal/external means of communications. Communications Specialists will work across all divisions and departments, however, may be assigned to specific areas of focus including but not limited to: public safety including Police and Fire, Municipal Courts, and Neighborhood Services, Parks & Recreation, Bozeman Public Library, Strategic Services, Transportation, Utilities, and Community Development.

This is a full-time opportunity with many benefits! As a City of Bozeman employee, you will be part of a team that is committed to positively impacting the community. This great opportunity also provides enrollment in an established retirement system with significant employer contribution (9.07%), generous vacation and sick time accruals, 8 weeks of paid parental leave, and excellent medical/dental/vision benefits.

Bargaining Unit: Montana Federation of Public Employees
Fair Labor Standards Act Status: Non-Exempt
Work Week: Typically Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm

Examples of Essential Work (Illustrative Only)

• Assists in implementing a city-wide strategic communications plan that communicates to employees, residents, businesses, and the general public;
• Coordinates and/or assists in the coordination of public relations activities such as press conferences, public appearances, interviews, and special events;
• Writes and edits press releases, talking points, and other related communication documents;
• Manages social media channels, including drafting content and monitoring comments;
• Assists in developing marketing and promotional materials for the City as they relate to communication and outreach;
• Conveys complex issues, in succinct, easy-to-understand language, both orally and in writing;
• Ensures that leadership and city employees are aware of media coverage through the review and dissemination of news clips and other information;
• Attends community events as needed and disseminates information;
• Attends various meetings and conferences, prepares agendas and presentations as required;
• Keeps immediate supervisor and designated others fully and accurately informed concerning work progress, including present and potential work problems and suggestions for new or improved ways of addressing such problems;
• Communicates with all related personnel in efforts to encourage, motivate, promote leadership, and encourage teamwork in accomplishing set forth objectives;
• Operates modern office machines and equipment including personal computers, printers, copiers, calculators, and fax machines; routinely uses a full range of word processing and computer software applications;
• Provides needed information and demonstrations concerning how to perform certain work tasks to new employees;
• Responds to citizens’ questions and comments in a courteous and timely manner;
• As assigned, attends and participates in staff meetings and related activities; attends workshops, conferences, and classes to increase professional knowledge;
• Performs other duties consistent with the role and function of this classification.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Public or Media Relations, Public Administration, Journalism, or a related field; AND
• Some (1-3 years) experience in communications, public relations, journalism, community engagement, or outreach; OR
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work.

• Thorough knowledge of effective media, public relations, social media, and communications;
• Thorough knowledge of and experience with creating and writing press releases, newsletters, speeches, and other forms of communication outlets;
• Some knowledge of or ability to quickly learn the function of services within the public sector, preferably within a municipal government;
• Some knowledge of or ability to quickly learn current practices and procedures involved in City service delivery;
• Some knowledge of or ability to quickly learn the overall functions, duties and responsibilities of assigned Departments/divisions;
• Some knowledge of modern office procedures, practices and equipment;
• Some knowledge of modern office filing systems and procedures;
• Some knowledge of good phone etiquette and practices;
• Some basic web editing experience is preferred;
• Ability to identify communication and marketing needs and to develop strategies to address them;
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and perform the work at a high level;
• Ability to deal with a wide range of persons, including situations in which individuals may be upset over some issue involved with City activities and policies;
• Ability to communicate effectively with others, both orally and in writing, using both technical and non-technical language;
• Ability to understand and follow oral and/or written policies, procedures, and instructions;
• Ability to prepare and present accurate and reliable reports containing findings and recommendations;
• Ability to operate a personal computer using standard or customized software applications appropriate to assigned tasks;
• Ability to use logical and creative thought processes to develop solutions according to written specifications and/or oral instructions;
• Ability to perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines;
• Ability and willingness to quickly learn and put to use new skills and knowledge brought about by rapidly changing information and/or technology;
• Ingenuity and inventiveness and the use of the appropriate levels of discretion in the performance of assigned tasks;
• Consistently performs assignments in accordance with the City’s Core Values of Integrity, Leadership, Service and Teamwork.

• Required to possess a valid Driver’s License and obtain a Montana Driver’s License within 60 days of employment;
• Offers for employment are conditional upon a satisfactory response to post conditional offer process.